Question 1

What is the history of the State Game Lodge complex?

Accepted Answer

The State Game Lodge was established in the 1920s and served as the Summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. The lodge and its surrounding buildings were developed as part of the early Custer State Park infrastructure. The Event Barn is a repurposed structure from the working-ranch era of the complex. The Grace Coolidge Creekside Ceremony Lawn is named for First Lady Grace Coolidge, who spent the summer at the lodge with the President.

Question 2

How does the Pavilion Ceremony Upgrade work?

Accepted Answer

Event Barn wedding packages can add a ceremony at the State Game Lodge Pavilion's Lover's Leap Deck for an additional fee — an upgrade that gives you the Pavilion's creek-overlook ceremony setting while keeping the Event Barn as your reception space. The Pavilion is on the same complex, approximately 200 feet from the barn. This option was introduced for the 2025 season.

Question 3

How far is the State Game Lodge from Rapid City?

Accepted Answer

The State Game Lodge is approximately 50–55 minutes south of Rapid City via US-16 to SD-16A (the Wildlife Loop Road). The Wildlife Loop Road approach to the complex passes through open bison range — guests will likely see free-ranging animals on the drive in. A Custer State Park entrance fee or annual pass is required for all vehicles entering the park.

Question 4

Can we see bison and wildlife from the venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes — bison, pronghorn, and burros commonly cross the Wildlife Loop Road between the park entrance and the State Game Lodge complex. The herds move seasonally, but in summer months the north section of the Wildlife Loop near the lodge is the steadiest bison-viewing stretch in the park. For portrait work, we can build a morning Wildlife Loop stop into a day-before or day-of timeline if the herd is positioned cooperatively.

Question 5

What is the decoration policy at Custer State Park venues?

Accepted Answer

South Dakota Game Fish & Parks permits birdseed, bubbles, and dried lavender at ceremonies. Prohibited items include confetti, glitter, rice, hay or straw, nails, screws, staples, tape, command strips, smoke machines, and open-flame candles. Shepherds hooks for floral arrangements are permitted. These rules apply to all Custer State Park Resort venues, including the Event Barn ceremony lawn and the Pavilion.

Question 6

Does Custer State Park require a photographer permit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Custer State Park requires a commercial use permit for photographers working within park boundaries, which includes the State Game Lodge complex and all portrait work on park trails, roads, or at scenic locations like Sylvan Lake and the Needles. We handle this permit as part of our booking process. Couples need to list us as a vendor on their park agreement at the time of booking.

State Game Lodge Event Barn Wedding Photographer