Pros & cons
PROS
- Flagship 1920 historic lodge with presidential history
- Starting point for Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours and near Wildlife Loop
CONS
- Historic rooms can feel small or dated
- Dining can be crowded and pricey in peak season
Overview
The State Game Lodge is the park’s grand, native-stone-and-wood showpiece, set in a shady valley beside Grace Coolidge Creek along US 16A. Built in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it famously served as President Calvin Coolidge’s Summer White House in 1927 and later hosted President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Today it’s the park’s main resort hub with lodging, dining, events, and quick access to the Wildlife Loop.
Why it’s special
If you want history and setting in one package, this is it. The upstairs historic rooms retain 1920s character, and the grounds feel tucked into the Black Hills’ pines and rolling hills. It’s also the launch point for the park’s signature Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours—arguably the most fun way to meet the local bison.
Lodging & dining
You’ve got choices: character-rich rooms in the main lodge, modern hotel wings, junior suites at nearby Creekside Lodge, and more than 30 cabins (from cozy to sleep-28 group houses). There’s a full-service restaurant and lounge on site plus a gift shop. Expect a classic lodge menu and an atmosphere that gets lively at dinner.
Wildlife & tours
Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours depart from here and commonly encounter bison, with chances for pronghorn, deer, elk, wild turkeys, and the park’s famous burros. Even without a tour, being minutes from the Wildlife Loop makes dawn and dusk drives easy.
What to expect
- Setting: creekside lawns, big porches, and forested hills all around.
- Vibe: historic charm over high gloss; some rooms feel snug.
- Practicalities: free parking on site, though lots get busy in peak hours; Wi‑Fi exists but can be spotty, which is par for the Black Hills.
History snapshot
Opened in 1920, the lodge quickly became the park’s social center. Coolidge set up his 1927 Summer White House here, cementing its place in South Dakota lore. The architecture blends native stone and timber with early‑resort elegance.
Best time to visit
- For wildlife and soft light: sunrise and the last two hours before sunset.
- For fewer crowds at the restaurant and tours: weekdays, and aim for early lunch or early dinner.
- Seasonality: operations scale back November–April and some facilities may close or be winterized; always check current hours.
Good to know
- Historic rooms trade space for character. If you want more room, look to Creekside Lodge or a cabin.
- The nearest general-store style stop is Coolidge General Store about a mile east; the lodge itself has a gift shop.
Where it is
43.7645, -103.3811Tips for State Game Lodge
- 01Book months ahead for summer and fall—rooms and cabins go fast.
- 02Reserve the Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour in advance; prime times sell out.
- 03Prefer space over nostalgia? Choose Creekside Lodge or a cabin.
- 04Check hours and seasonal closures if visiting November–April.
- 05Eat early to avoid long dinner waits during peak season.
Amenities
Near State Game Lodge
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayState Game Lodge RestaurantHistoric lodge dining with bison, cocktails, and park viewsFood · Restaurant
0.1 mi awayLovers Leap TrailGranite views, creek cool-down, and a legendary ridge overlookModerate · 4.1 mi · 2.3 hr
0.2 mi awayCreekside LodgeModern suites by the creek, steps from wildlife tours and diningLodging · Parking
0.2 mi awayBuffalo Safari Jeep ToursOpen-air jeeps to bison herds via roads you can't driveRestroom · Parking
0.2 mi awayPeter Norbeck Outdoor Education CenterKid-forward hub for hands-on nature learning and ranger programsExhibit · Restroom
0.7 mi awayCreekside TrailShady, mostly paved stroll along Grace Coolidge Creek and the Game LodgeEasy · 3.9 mi · 1.3 hr
3.3 mi awayCenter Lake Loop TrailQuiet lake loop with an optional overlook and a springtime waterfallModerate · 2 mi · 1 hr
3.9 mi awayCentennial Trail (Custer State Park segment)Black Hills sampler with bison, creeks, and quiet piney miles.Moderate · 22 mi · 8 hr
