Guests can play, stay, and literally live at Elkhorn Ridge in Spearfish.
The vacation destination in the northern Black Hills is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, but the history of the land goes back much further. Located in Centennial Valley, the Elkhorn Ridge Resort sits on the historic Frawley Ranch—a property dating back to the late 1800s established by pioneer Patrick Henry Frawley, who was a successful attorney that built one of the most significant ranching operations in western South Dakota.
The 4,750 acres of the Frawley Ranch has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places since 1974, and in 1977 it was named a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Six original homesteads still exist on the land, as well as a small bison herd.
In the early 1990s, the Propp family of Denver, CO and the Kreke family of Germany partnered to purchase the historic Frawley Ranch and began restoring and investing in the property. In 2006, they expanded that vision by developing Elkhorn Ridge Resort as a destination that combines the rich history and natural beauty of the ranch with modern resort amenities.
“Elkhorn Ridge Resort was created to offer guests more than just a campground,” said resort general manager Tyler Burr. “From the beginning, the goal was to provide a comfortable, resort-style outdoor experience where families and travelers could enjoy the beauty of the northern Black Hills while still having access to high-quality accommodations.”
Today, the resort offers something for everyone, including RV and traditional camping, luxury cabins, event venues, outdoor recreation (including a championship golf course), a full service restaurant, and direct access to the history and heritage of the Frawley Ranch.
“One of the things that makes Elkhorn Ridge special is that guests can choose the type of vacation experience that best fits their travel style while still enjoying the same beautiful Black Hills setting and resort amenities,” said Burr.
A Living Representation of the Wild West
There are six historic homesteads, as well as the Centennial Valley Schoolhouse, located on the 4,750 acres of Frawley Ranch that were acquired by Henry Frawley through the late 1800s and early 1900s.
THE ANDERSON RANCH
THE BILLY GRANT HOMESTEAD
THE COURTYARD BARNS ON THE FRAWLEY RANCH
THE DRAPER ROADHOUSE
THE DUGOUT
THE LOWER RANCH
The full-service RV resort has 185 full-hookup RV sites with 110 pull-throughs and 75 back-ins. Elkhorn Ridge has 20/30/50-amp service available, city water and sewer, and every campsite is paved and leveled.
“We also have three VIP pull-through RV sites that include all of the same hookups, plus a bigger patio with an outdoor dining set, BBQ grill, and patio rockers,” said Burr.
With unobstructed views of Elkhorn Peak and Crow Peak, “you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the mountains.”
Tent campsites are also available, as well 36 full-furnished small and large log cabins. Guests can request a VIP cabin, which are similar to the large cabins with slightly more square footage, a porch swing, and another full-size bed (in comparison to twin bunk beds).
For a unique experience, stay in the historic Draper Roadhouse that can sleep up to 19 guests, and carries a rich history along with it. Named after Anna and Marion Draper, the homestead was built in 1888, replacing the original Centennial Park Hotel and post office that was lost in a fire on the road between Spearfish and Deadwood.
“Henry Frawley purchased the property and acreage in 1912, using the property to house his ranch hands, then later renovated it into Hank and Molly Frawley’s home,” said Burr. “Now Elkhorn Ridge maintains the home and offers it for rent to guests coming to enjoy the Black Hills.”
Located on 110 acres, it also has views of the buffalo herd.
Guests have the opportunity to see and interact with the herd of approximately 36 bison by signing up for a tour.
“The experience allows visitors to get remarkably close to these iconic animals while learning about the ranch’s history and heritage, making it one of the most memorable activities available at the resort,” said Burr.
Reservations can be made for the morning tour at least 24 hours in advance, and run June through September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Other amenities include a resort-style swimming pool and hot tub, pool bar, basketball and pickleball courts, playgrounds, walking and biking trails, and a large lodge with a coffee bar, gift shop, and convenience store items.
“During the summer season, we regularly host live music, social gatherings, and local food trucks near the pool, creating opportunities for guests to relax and connect with one another,” said Burr.
Recognized as a Top Public Golf Course in South Dakota, the Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club is also on site with a modern 18-hole championship layout. The front nine is nestled on the side of a mountain, giving views of Centennial Valley, while the back nine winds through Polo Creek Canyon.
PGA head golf professional Mike Mendelson says the high quality golf facility offers a laid back atmosphere for golfers of all abilities.
“My favorite holes are ones that feature the beauty of the northern Black Hills and our pockets of forest—holes four and eight, and Canyon holes 12 through 15,” said Mendelson.
Golf professionals are there to offer club fittings, swing analysis, and repair services. Need something? The golf shop has items available to purchase in person or online.
The Miller Creek Pub is on campus for golfers and other guests to grab a bite and/or drinks inside, on the patio, or on the course.
Their Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. is quickly becoming a local favorite. From Breakfast Pizza to Salmon Benedict, they offer a variety of items that can be paired with a Bloody Mary, Mimosa, or Irish Coffee.
Just outside of the pub is a putting green and driving range for practice, fun, or for golf lessons for adults and kids.
Events like weddings, reunions, and other special gatherings can also be hosted at Elkhorn Ridge in venues like the Courtyard Barns and the Elkhorn Ridge Event Center.
“It’s hard to beat the rustic charm of the barns,” said Burr.
For those wanting to get out and explore, the resort is minutes from many of the Black Hills’ most iconic attractions, like Spearfish Canyon, downtown Deadwood, Devils Tower National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial®, and Custer State Park.
“The surrounding area offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, sightseeing, ATV riding, fishing, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing,” described Burr. “Spearfish Canyon, in particular, is a guest favorite because of its waterfalls, the tall limestone walls, hiking trails, and incredible fall colors.”
A PEEK AT THE
Miller Creek Pub Menu
STARTERS
Chislic
South Dakota’s Official Nosh with cubed beef coated in a brown sugar spice rub and fried.
Brussels Sprouts
Tempura-battered and topped with balsamic glaze.
SALADS
Chicken Salad
Grilled or crispy chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, and shredded cheese.
Warm Quinoa Salad
A mix of quinoa, chickpeas, kale, edamame, finished with crispy tempura brussels sprouts and balsamic drizzle.
WRAPS & SANDWICHES
Chislic Wrap
Chislic, lettuce, bacon, Gorgonzola cheese, onion, and tomato with a balsamic glaze.
Elkhorn BLT
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, American cheese on Texas toast.
BURGERS
Beer Cheeseburger
Eight-ounce hand-pattied burger, lettuce, tomato, beer cheese, and crispy onions.
Breakfast Burger
Eight-ounce, hand-pattied burger, American cheese, bacon, and a fried egg.
FISH
Fish & Chips
Crispy walleye with fries on the side.
Salmon BLTA
Salmon, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado, drizzled with garlic aioli on Texas toast.
BRUNCH
Breakfast Burrito
Eggs, bacon, salsa, breakfast potatoes, and shredded cheese wrapped in a tortilla and covered in chorizo gravy.
Breakfast Pizza
Fourteen-inch pizza with chorizo gravy, scrambled egg, onion, bacon, breakfast potatoes, and shredded cheese.
“Elkhorn Ridge combines easy access to adventure with the comfort and convenience of a full-service resort, allowing guests to explore during the day and relax at night.”
Tyler Burr
For those who love the land so much they could imagine living there, they can. One thousand of the 4,750 acres on Frawley Ranch are set aside for residential and commercial development. The remainder of the ranch is to remain untouched for historic preservation and wildlife habitat.
“Conservation and care of the lands that make up the Frawley Ranch is something of utmost importance to the historical, as well as the geological past the ranch has been blessed with,” said director of operations JR Hamblet.
It’s also important to the team to acknowledge big milestones with each other and with guests. To commemorate 20 years, Elkhorn Ridge is planning a special celebration and pool party on July 23 to recognize the owners’ vision and to thank guests for their support over the past two decades.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ELKHORNRIDGERESORT.COM+
