A remarkable milestone:
Timber Ridge Lodge and Marshall Gulch Getaway Cabins recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: 50 years of welcoming guests to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Black Hills. The anniversary marks not only a rich history, but a promising future.
A remarkable milestone:
50 years of welcoming guests story by TRACY SPAANS
Located in the Heart of the Hills, yet just minutes from some of South Dak ota’ s most iconic attractions, sits a trio of cozy cabins, nestled among the towering ponderosa pines, in a lush green valley with a mountain stream winding gracefully throughout.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Marshall Gulch Getaway Cabins recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: 50 years of welcoming guests to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Black Hills. The anniversary marks not only a rich history, but a promising future.
“ It’ s incredibly meaningful to us,” said Dave.“ The cabin has welcomed generations of guests, and we’ re proud to carry that legacy forward while continuing to create a place where families and friends can gather, relax and make lasting memories.” The log-hewn cabins were originally built in 1976 by Lois
Lewis, who envisioned a place for connection and retreat.
“ She intended them to be a gathering place,” said co-owner Teresa Stuart, a legacy the current owners have honored throughout their 15 years of stewardship.
Dave and Teresa Stuart, along with their close friend Keaven Orton, purchased Timber Ridge Lodge in 2011. The following year, the Stuarts acquired the adjoining Marshall Gulch property.
“ From early on in our relationship, we always dreamed of owning a cabin in the Hills,” said Teresa Stuart.“ Coming from eastern South Dakota, the Black Hills offered a sense of adventure and escape that quickly became special to us.”
Originally looking at several properties in the Northern Hills, the partners found love at first sight when Teresa’ s brother, a realtor, showed them Timber Ridge Lodge.
“ My brother found this,” said Teresa,“ and all the guys instantly loved it.”
Teresa still holds a keepsake from their search, a handwritten note on a piece of scrap paper in which Dave wrote,“ Cross your fingers and wish us luck. This could be the start of our next chapter in life …”
Fifteen years later, Dave, Teresa, and Keaven continue to welcome guests from near and far. Guest books and a pin-style map that hangs on the kitchen wall highlight the many travelers who have come to experience the cabins, each telling a story of memories made.
A guest book entry from 2023 reads,“ I hope I can come when I’ m older with my siblings. I absolutely love the view and creeks,” wrote fourteen year old Ellie.“ I love it here and will miss it over the next months until I come again next summer.” Over the years, the cabins have hosted families, reunions, celebrations, and even weddings. Many guests return year after year, continuing traditions that span generations.
“ Most of the time, it’ s annual family gatherings, and we’ ve had people come back year after year,” said Teresa.“ In fact, even before we bought it 15 years ago, there’ s been a family that has come here over 30 years.”
The cabins have been remodeled and updated, blending modern comforts while preserving the rustic charm and spirit that they were built on.
The Timber Ridge Lodge main house is an authentic handhewn log home featuring a master suite, three guest bedrooms and three and a half baths. Thoughtfully equipped with all the amenities, it offers everything from board games to fishing gear for guests to enjoy.
“ There is a little creek over here, said Teresa,“ the kids love it and parents love it too.”
Two covered porches offer ample outdoor seating, perfect for sipping coffee at sunrise or watching the wildlife at dusk. Inside, three gas fireplaces keep the space warm and inviting, even on the coolest Black Hills evenings.
A fully furnished kitchen and outdoor gas grill make dining in just as appealing as dining out.
Just a few steps away, a separate guest house provides the added space and privacy of two additional bedrooms and a full bath.
Set on seven picturesque acres, the property also features a spacious grassy area complete with a volleyball court and sand horseshoe pits, ideal for gatherings and outdoor fun.
Perched on an additional seven acres overlooking the lodge is the Marshall Gulch Getaway Cabin, offering sweeping views
16 Down Country Roads June / July 2026