“ The park is still open in the fall. It’ s still a great time to come experience, drive the roads and get away for a little bit. It’ s still here. It’ s just a little calmer,” said Austin.
HALLOWEEN HIKE
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The lodge goes all out. Five-course dinners with themed drinks. Everyone’ s dressed up. We got a swing band this year, so there will be dancing afterwards.
THEY Improve immerses the audience in solving a thrilling whodunit murder. In 1946, Sylvan Lake Lodge had just been built, World War II was over and everyone was celebrating. Then, a murder occurs.
“ The lodge goes all out,” Austin said.“ Five-course dinners with themed drinks. Everyone’ s dressed up. We got a swing band this year, so there will be dancing afterwards. It’ s just a great way to step back in time in some of these historic lodges and see what they would have been during that time period.” This event began as a throwaway comment in a conversation between Austin and a marketing personnel at the park. After going down the rabbit hole, they realized hosting a murder mystery wouldn’ t be too hard.“ It ended up being a huge success,” said Austin. This year there will be two show options. The lunch show at 12:30 p. m. is a family-friendly event for adults and children ages 12 and up, including a lunch buffet.
Meanwhile, the evening show at 5 p. m. is for adults 21 and older, including a five-course era-inspired meal, cash bar, live music from Alex Massa’ s Good Eggs and a dance.
To complete the immersive atmosphere of the evening, the lodge will be decorated in a 1940s style, and attendees are asked to don their finest tea dresses, satin and pearls or swing trousers and pressed suits.
“ Pinterest and those places are great places to start if people need help with that. But we really encourage that because if everyone dresses up, it just ends up being a hoot,” said Austin.
Attendees are also encouraged to take advantage of Sylvan Lake Lodge’ s special event rate for a hotel room or cabin and make it a weekend to remember.
Reservations can be made today at custerresorts. com / news / 3rd-annual-murder-mystery-dinner. The lunchtime show is $ 74 per person, and the dinner show is $ 129 per person. Each show has room for 150 guests.
“ It is a fun, silly way to learn about something about the park,” said Austin.“ The seasonal staff does an amazing job of looking at stories from a different angle and educating and teaching people about it. It’ s just a fun time with family and friends walking the path at night.”
There is no charge for the event, but attendees must register for a time slot in advance at the park office. Valid park licenses are required as well. Attendees can dress up or bring a flashlight if desired. More information will be coming soon.
“ The park is still open in the fall. It’ s still a great time to come experience, drive the roads and get away for a little bit. It’ s still here. It’ s just a little calmer,” said Austin.
HALLOWEEN HIKE
Finally, the Halloween Night Hike will take place Oct. 23-24 and is organized by seasonal park staff.
Attendees can embark on a two-mile guided hike on the Creek Side Trail from the Visitor Center to the Game Lodge Campground, interacting with actors and learning about Custer State Park along the way. Each 60-minute hike is led by a guide, and groups depart every 15 minutes from 5:30-7 p. m. All ages are welcome.
myblackshillscountry. com Down Country Roads
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