“We’re looking to provide a hospitality experience specifically catered to couples, since the Black Hills is very family-oriented,” said Rachel Headley.
Rachel and her husband, Jared Capp—better known as Cappie—sought to bring a sophisticated outdoor site to the northern hills.
“Spearfish offers a different kind of community than the southern hills, so we wanted to focus on providing something for more professional or adventurous couples, or retirees,” said Rachel.
In 2024, the pair opened Spearfish-based retreat, Shortgrass Resort—an adults-only, all-inclusive resort offering a blend of splendor and adventure.
Throughout the development of Shortgrass, they began thinking about their audience, and what they felt was missing from the Black Hills.
As self-proclaimed global travelers, Rachel and Cappie have experienced the wonders of over 60 countries, often noting features they enjoyed throughout the journey.
“The inspiration for my design comes from seeing things all over the world and other uses of the materials. When it comes to the natural building side of things, you use what you’ve got.” -Jared Capp
Rachel prefers a more relaxed trip, still partaking in activities and enjoying the outdoors, but with time to unwind at night.
Cappie, on the other hand, is ready to explore the land with a backpack from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“We learned to create a half-way experience offering activities to remain busy or relax,” shared Rachel. “We’re staying true to having a South Dakotan experience that’s a bit elevated.”
One of the most distinctive features of Shortgrass Resort is its luxurious tent accommodations.
These aren’t typical camping tents; they’re spacious, elegantly-designed structures by De Waard Tenten, and imported from the Netherlands.
“Their tents are designed to be highly wind and weather resistant, which was a very important aspect being in South Dakota,” said Rachel.
Rachel adds she has trouble calling the structures “tents” as they are canvas-sided buildings built from metal frames, and are paired with large decks.
The couple’s styles shine through the tents with Rachel’s interior flare, and Cappie’s construction of the stairs and railing leading up to the canopy.
But when their individual strengths are combined, the husband and wife are a strong crew.
“We’re a great team,” said Cappie. “Rachel has an eye for color and texture, which is something I don’t excel in, while I think about how to push the envelope and the design by using unconventional sources of material.”
Each bespoke tent provides a king-size bed, shower, large French-style doors, a Japanese toilet and bidet, and a private front porch.
“We wanted to have a mix of absolute elegance, functionality, and uniqueness,” shared Cappie. “They’re very robust, but also have the tasteful theme we’re trying to keep.”
NATIVE NAMES
The eight luxury structures on the property are named after South Dakota native flowers, most of which grow directly on the property.
BLUE ASTER
GOAT’S BEARD
LITTLE BLUESTEM
PRAIRIE CLOVER
PRAIRIE CONEFLOWER
SCARLET GLOBEMALLOW
WHITE SAGE
WILD INDIGO
With only eight tents on the property and 65 feet apart from another, Shortgrass’s guest list is delightfully short, allowing complete seclusion.
“The design of the resort has evolved, but we remain true to having a destination like nothing else, where you feel like you belong and feel comfortable,” said Cappie.
He adds the resort is a home away from home for visitors, with elements of sophistication such as climate control, smart toilets, heated bathroom floors in the tents, and an onsite culinary experience.
Situated on 52 private acres along the Redwater River, Shortgrass provides an idyllic setting for relaxing activities.
“We offer many river-based activities,” said Rachel.
Grab a provided tube to float down the river, or sunbathe on a chair surrounding the swimming hole with a nice, cool drink.
Take in the scenery through walking paths around the area or rest in the fresh air on provided hammocks, pillows, and blankets.
“We have a massage room, an infrared sauna, and a wellness studio, which provides a space for yoga and meditation,” said Rachel.
Other resort-based activities include Tours of Kremer Buffalo Ranch, Picnic on the Grounds, and working on projects with Cappie.
While the resort itself offers plenty to do, the surrounding area offers more exploratory activities.
“We partner with the travel company XO Adventures, who offer tours of the area, so if guests want to visit anywhere in the southern Hills, they’ll help with those efforts,” shared Rachel.
To enhance the guest experience, Shortgrass Resort offers an all-inclusive package including continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Meander, and artisan drinks from mixologist Alex Spiekermeier.
Meander offers casual breakfast and lunch options and a fine dining experience for dinner, all prepared by executive chef Kyle J. Smith.
LOCAL CELEBRITY
You may have seen Cappie on his show, Building Outside of the Lines, on the Magnolia Network. The design-based series follows Cappie and his step-daughter, Alex, as they transform ordinary, pre-existing structures into one-of-a-kind fantasy retreats.
The restaurant offers a menu designed to present different meals throughout the week, catering to a variety of dietary needs, and showcasing local ingredients.
Shortgrass Resort loves to feed its friends and family in true Midwest fashion.
“Every evening we have two meat and a vegetarian option,” shared Rachel. “We also have dessert, and Kyle will always have an option for people who are gluten intolerant.”
As for drinks, guests can expect pre-prohibition-style cocktails and handmade temperance cocktails.
Rachel notes Alex creates many of his own syrups, mixers, bitters, and salts.
Meander also offers local brews and hand-selected wine, which includes the staff’s local favorites, as well as options from international vineyards.
“We’re trying to be specific and accommodate everyone’s requests,” said Rachel.
“It’s my favorite thing to see people come and fall in love with the place and not want to leave.”
-RACHEL HEADLEY
The dining room within Meander is accompanied by custom mosaic artwork, featuring the design of two South Dakota native flowers.
“We’re focused on local art and food and connecting people to the area,” stated Rachel.
Rachel and Cappie say they’re in phase one of Shortgrass Resort, with exciting plans to expand opportunities on the property.
“A goal of the resort is to produce 90 percent of our produce, include a natural swimming pool, and more,” said Rachel.
Cappie added, “It’s exciting to watch the resort grow in every component with everything we get to build to growing our own food on site. It’s been really fun for us.”
