get AWAY your WAY
story + photography by NATHAN STEELE
Its accommodations , amenities and services are truly world-class , but what sets Shortgrass apart is the homey , small-town charm perpetuated by its staff and owners . Owners Cappie and Rachel as well as general manager Candace Gustafson are South Dakota natives , and their “ Midwest nice ” attitudes shine in their demeanor and sense of hospitality .
The 52-acre property is at the site of a former sugar beet farm , and for the past several years , the couple has undergone the colossal task of returning the property to its organic and most natural glory by removing noxious weeds , including “ thousands and thousands of thistles " and to reintroduce native plants and flowers , like purple coneflowers , scarlet globemallow , sage and all the other elements of the local prairie ecosystem .
“ We ’ re nature-forward ,” said Headley , and for many , guests that ’ s just what they ’ re looking for .
They arrive in the Black Hills looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives and come to Shortgrass to experience the sights and sounds of nature . It ’ s truly a place
SHORTGRASS RESORT , nestled on a quiet hillside between the Redwater River and a 1930s era aquaduct just outside of Spearfish offers perhaps the most unique luxury getaway options in the Black Hills area . Owners Jared “ Cappie ” Capp and Rachel Headley aim to offer a truly bespoke experience for their guests at the adult-only resort . With concierge service , beyond-friendly staff and a dedicated attention to detail , Shortgrass Resort offers a level of customer service that ’ s difficult to come by anywhere else .
where someone can wind down and awaken their senses . Guests can wake up to the cheerful song of a western meadowlark , float down or meander beside the cool waters of the wildflower-lined Redwater river and be lulled to sleep by the distant howling of coyotes at night .
“ It ’ s people that really want to experience the place , and we ’ re embracing that ,” said Headley .
To be as sustainable as possible , the resort will soon be completely off the grid , something Cappie has a lot of experience with as a professional builder . In fact , many guests that come to the resort know him from TV , being on shows like Discovery ’ s “ Building of the Grid ” as well as Cappie ’ s own show on the Magnolia Network “ Building Outside the Lines .”
Cappie previously built the first code-approved strawbuilt , off-grid house in the state of South Dakota , and sustainable building has always been a hallmark of his work .
“ Eventually the resort will be a completely off-grid set up . Not only with growing the food , but producing the energy ,” said Cappie .
8 Down Country Roads November / December 2024