News Release

New Concessioner Chosen for Lodging, Campground, Food & Beverage, and Retail Services at Badlands National Park

Date: August 12, 2025

Release Date: August 12, 2025
Contact: Tracy Simmons, 402-661-1750
 

INTERIOR, S.D. –

The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Explor Badlands, LLC to operate lodging, campground, food and beverage, and retail services at Badlands National Park under a 10-year concession contract. Existing services will transition to the new concessioner on November 1, 2025.  

The contract requires stabilization and rehabilitation of the kitchen area in Cedar Pass Lodge, as well as personal property improvements to reconfigure space in the existing gift shop. These updates to the Lodge will provide additional food and beverage service types and more efficiently serve visitors.  

The NPS released the solicitation for concession contract bids on December 12, 2024. Explor Badlands, LLC submitted the highest rated proposal as determined through the competitive process. Explor Badlands, LLC is a subsidiary of ExplorUS, a concessioner in many national and state parks.

The current concession contractor, Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services, LLC, has provided services within the park since 2022. Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services, LLC will continue to operate concessions facilities until the next contract begins. The transition is not expected to affect visitors. 

nps.gov
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