07/27/2024
I haven't posted in a while because Buffalo Rock Lodge and Cabins has had a very busy summer, so far. But Lyndy Ireland from Triangle Ranch B and B gave me the idea to share some history with you all. So here goes:
In 1932, my grandfather, C. C. Gideon, my mom's father, bought a section of land previously owned by the Hoffman family, who had homesteaded it. He and his wife Elma had come to the Hills in 1918 to supervise construction of the State Game Lodge. In 1927 President Coolidge took his summer vacation at the Lodge and it was during that summer that plans were made to start construction of Mt Rushmore. Grandpa Gideon knew about the plan and also knew that the Hoffman place had several places on it that had views of the future Shrine to Democracy, so when the opportunity rose he acted on it and bought the entire property. Grandpa had hoped to build something very special on the property but his one effort, launched in 1952 failed due to lack of water. Fast forward to 1992, the Oakes family had an opportunity to purchase 13 acres with the Rushmore view that had been part of the original ranch, and we jumped on it. 1996 we started planning and July 2, 1999, we opened to our first guests. This summer marked our 25th anniversary. Still going strong and very much enjoying the added "Glamping" Cabins, too.
