Epic Nemo Lodge - Large Group Escape in the Heart of the Black Hills
The Lodge at Nemo A Black Hills Retreat Made for Gathering 4-Time-A-Year VRBO Premier Host – 8 Years Running
Tucked along a quiet winding road in Nemo, South Dakota, The Lodge at Nemo feels like stepping into another rhythm of life. The air is fresher. The pines rise tall and steady. A nearby creek hums softly in the background. And as you pull into the drive, the world seems to slow down in the best possible way.
This is more than a place to stay. It’s where your people come together.
Family reunions that turn into annual traditions. Wedding weekends filled with laughter. Milestone birthdays that deserve something special. Or simply a few peaceful days in the heart of the Black Hills.
Made for Connection — Indoors and Out Mornings begin gently here. Sunlight pours through tall windows and dances across the moss-rock fireplace. Coffee brews in the kitchen while someone steps onto the deck to breathe in the mountain air. Deer sometimes wander through the trees. Eagles circle overhead. The view of Nemo Mountain quietly reminds you why you came.
Spend your days however you choose:
Explore nearby trails by foot or ATV Fish crystal-clear streams Visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, or Custer State Park Wander down our mowed path to the brook-trout filled creek Or simply stay home and enjoy the sauna, pool table, yard games, and space to relax
Evenings are pure Black Hills magic. The fire pit crackles. Marshmallows toast. Laughter carries through the trees. Above you, a sky full of stars stretches endlessly — brighter and clearer than most have ever seen.
And if you need to check in with the outside world, high-speed mesh WiFi and strong 5G service keep you connected — without pulling you away from the moment.
Three Private Suites Under One Roof
The Lodge comfortably sleeps up to 22 guests, with thoughtful design that allows everyone to gather — and still find quiet space when they need it.
The Eagle Grand Suite Vaulted ceilings, towering windows, and a stunning fireplace set the tone. King and queen beds, a jacuzzi tub, and a game room create space for both comfort and fun.
The Heron Grand Suite Western warmth meets open gathering space. A pool table invites friendly competition, and porch swings on the deck offer the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.
The Bluebird Grand Suite Mid-century modern style, curated art, and wraparound views. Evenings end by the Yukon fire pit under a sky filled with stars.
Why Guests Return Again and Again • Nature at Your Doorstep – Trails, wildlife, creeks, and mountain views • Moments That Matter – From wedding vows at the Nemo Church next door to late-night card games around the table • Peace of Mind – One of only two homes in Nemo licensed by the South Dakota Health Department • Space to Gather, Space to Breathe – Large enough for everyone, cozy enough to feel like home.
Veteran Owned & Operated Proudly welcoming guests to Nemo, South Dakota.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Nemo
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Leashes outside. Kenneled when left alone at home.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
- No shoes, smoking or vaping in the houses.
- Pets must go along or be kenneled indoors when you go out.
- Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 9 am
- Please be courteous of others and neighbors, keeping noise to a minimum.
- Please obey local road rules and speed limits.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Additional fees for events/parties.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Nemo
Located in Nemo, this villa is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and Dinosaur Park are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Watiki Water Park and Storybook Island. Travelling with kids? Consider Homestake Gold Mine and Central States Fairgrounds. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledging.
Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) - 50 min drive
Restaurants
‪Sugar Shack - ‬20 min drive
‪Brandin Iron - ‬3 min walk
‪BIG Mamas BEER Garden - ‬4 min walk
‪Big Mamas - ‬4 min walk
‪Custer Camp 1874 - Home of The Pasta Corral - ‬9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Epic Nemo Lodge - Large Group Escape in the Heart of the Black Hills pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Epic Nemo Lodge - Large Group Escape in the Heart of the Black Hills?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Epic Nemo Lodge - Large Group Escape in the Heart of the Black Hills on 15 Jul 2026 start from £1,255, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Epic Nemo Lodge - Large Group Escape in the Heart of the Black Hills?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Epic Nemo Lodge - Large Group Escape in the Heart of the Black Hills?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Epic Nemo Lodge - Large Group Escape in the Heart of the Black Hills?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Epic Nemo Lodge - Large Group Escape in the Heart of the Black Hills located?
Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly villa is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Wonderland Caves and 10.6 mi (17.1 km) from Black Hills National Forest. Pactola Point Swim Beach and Petrified Forest of the Black Hills are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This place was amazing, had everything our family needed and then some. This was the first time our family has ever done a trip like this and ever wants to go back and do it again. We will visit again in the future.
The family especially enjoyed the saltwater swimming pool. The large house has everything you could possibly need or want for cooking, eating together, watching movies together.
Marian M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2023
Thank you, Marian! We enjoyed hosting your family. After meeting some of your children, Bruce came home and told me some of their conversations and how courteous they were.
This was a great place to stay with amazing views! We had a group of 14 mainly adults and a few teenagers and there was plenty of space for all of us. The home was clean and tidy! I would highly recommend staying here!
Five nights with 12 to 18 guests from 11to 72. We had a great time, the upper level deck is the length of a football field. Plenty of spaces for group activities, and plenty of spaces for quiet conversations. The kitchen and pantry were perfect and well equipped. Couldn’t have asked for a better place for our group.
This beautiful lodge was home to our family for the week as we prepared for and attended our son’s wedding nearby. Nineteen of us had plenty of room, comfy beds, and everything we could possibly need to cook and entertain our family. Our food and clothes were all we needed to make the stay perfect! Bruce was available for any questions we had, and we have never stayed in a cleaner, more accommodating, and fun home away from home! Highly recommend!
The views were beautiful and relaxing. We had a large group, so having access to multiple laundry machines and kitchens was a breeze for multiple families. A great variety of activities in the area and on location.
Would definitely go back again. Thank You!
Kids loved the space. Loved the pool. Adults loved all the kitchen appliances and dishes, pots and pans! Everything was there that we needed! Loved the porches/decks ! Quiet road through Nemo!
Very peaceful place :)
Cheryl H.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2023
Thank you, Cheryl. You had a great group of little ones! We would love to host you again.
The views and vistas are spectacular. Appliances and cookware are top notch. Showers and bathroom amenities are luxurious. 3 and 1/2 bathrooms for 24 people was inadequate.
Property was very well maintained. A very beautiful, fully stocked, spacious cabin. Bruce, the property owner was more than helpful and accommodating. Everything about our stay was perfect and would go back in a heartbeat. We have a large family, with lots of grandchildren and they loved seeing the horses, the pool and rec area.
Jane K.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2023
Thank you, Jane. We appreciate your family staying here at Freebird Ranch and hope to host you again sometime soon!
Bruce and Traci
The first thing we noticed upon arrival is how impeccably clean the house was. Our stay included 24 family members ranging in age from 4-74. The house was perfect in that there were separate areas that groups could be, so the number of people we had didn't make it seem crowded. The kids loved the pool and rec room. The adults played yard games. There was a nice sitting spot on the deck where the adults would congregate in the evenings. The built-in griddle on the commercial style range was amazing for making breakfast for the whole group.
Lovely ranch. The kitchen was well equipped but we were looking for some 9/13 pans for baking. The right front burner should be looked at as the flame shoots up. The layout of the bedrooms is a bit odd, and it seems strange to share such a lovely master bath with another couple. However, we had so much fun together in the home sitting on the beautiful front porch and the comfy back deck, and enjoying the fire pit. We are sure that anyone who rents this home will enjoy it as much as we did.
We had our family reunion with 19 people at The Lodge. It’s a spectacular spacious lodge with a fantastic view. We had a baby along and Traci had a feeding chair, bathtub and pak&play there for us. We did all our own cooking. The kitchen is very upscale and well stocked, including spices and 2 gas grills. We wanted for nothing other than an earlier checkin and later checkout.
Very memorable time. I would highly recommend.
Thank you Bruce and Traci for being such gracious hosts!
10 guys rode motorcycles from Northern CA to Nemo for the Sturgis 84th Rally. The pictures online looked beautiful, but were nothing as nice as when we walked through the front door! What an incredible, upscale place! A large kitchen and open living room for entertaining and a huge deck outside with everything needed for a trip, to include 3 sets of washers/dryers and 3 refrigerators total! Our entire group, ages 54-80, highly recommend this for a group of friends, family or a reunion. As a bonus, it's located next to a restsuramt/bar with general store and gas. Thanks for providing the house where great memories were made!
My family along with 3 other couples traveled in to Nemo for the first week of Sturgis. From the moment we booked this incredible property, Bruce was prompt in answering any questions I had. Then we walked in to what may be the cleanest VRBO we have ever stayed in. And I mean immaculately clean. From bedding, to towels, to kitchen, bathrooms, floors. Spotless. The property then extended down to a gorgeous pool that is attached to a sweet little game room. Lots of pool floats and swim diapers available. The kitchen is fully stocked with anything you may need to include crockpots. We were so impressed Bruce and Terri. Thank you thank you thank you!
We reserved the lodge for our February company retreat and their families. We had a family emergency in February and the hosts were gracious and allowed us to switch our reservation to the end of March. We walked in the lodge and were immediately impressed. The rooms are spacious and we loved the additional attached guest (house) our employees had their privacy and we had ours. The game room was a hit with the kids.
We cooked all our meals in the home and it was stocked with all the pots, pans, serving dishes, instapot and utensils needed. I really enjoyed cooking on the griddle that was part of the stove top. It made cooking for lots of people super convenient. The hosts are very quick to answer any questions we had.
I would highly recommend this VRBO!
Is really 3 kitchens and 3 different apartments connected into one big house. But they are also separate. We only used one kitchen of the 3. There were plenty of pots and pans and cooking stuff. Also I think he replaced the dishwasher which was pretty tempermental. Pretty old horses on the property. Wish there was a jacuzzi but the property was amazing. We definietly enjoyed it. BBQ was a little far from the kitchen but, it worked more than fine. And theres no wood fires due to droughts etc. Other than the no fire the place was super nice.
This home is absolutely beautiful, as described, comfortable, meticulously clean, and well stocked for visitors. Truly all you need to pack is your clothes and food/drinks. Bruce was accommodating and easy to contact. We came with a crew of 16, of all ages, and everyone slept comfortably in beds. I was a little nervous about only 3.5 bath, but with the way the suites are laid out, it worked very well. The space is well utilized. We cooked as a group in the main kitchen each day. We came to explore the Black Hills and this location in Nemo was very central to anything we wanted to do or see. There is a small convenience store next door and we rented UTVs across the street from D&K Rentals for riding trails. The home had plenty of parking for our 3 large vehicles and trailers plus UTVs. The pool was refreshing and clean as well. We hope to plan another trip here again.
Our rental was for a business trip during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. It was a nice place to get away from the crowds for downtime. The property was clean and more than enough space for employees to spread out. The only issue was temperature control as it was rather warm in the house.
This property has been the cleanest lodge we have stayed at. There was a total of 29 of us staying at Freebird Ranch. We were all able to enjoy meals together, enjoy family activities together such as volleyball, kickball & swimming.
Verified traveller
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
About the host
Hosted by Bruce and Traci
Bruce and I live in Nemo with our two dogs, three cats and two horses. Hosting provides us with the opportunity to meet new people and gain new friends. We also love the energy that people bring to our properties. People who are on vacation are just fun to be around!
Why they chose this property
We love the beauty of the Black Hills. Nemo, in particular, is a wonderful place to live. We have a small community with no stop lights, only one church, a community center and a couple of restaurants with one of them offering a gas pump and a convenience store. Our neighbors are friendly, especially towards our guests.
What makes this property unique
Our property is what one would consider a luxury property. It is much larger than the competition and in addition to sleeping 24 guests in queen beds, it has 3 living rooms, 3 kitchens, 3 dining rooms, 3 laundry rooms, 6 extremely spacious bedrooms (all with 2 luxurious queen beds), and 3 1/2 baths. We also have 3 gas fireplaces. Our driveway is right off of Nemo Road, which is important for motorcycling enthusiasts. Our furnishings are all midcentury modern back when furniture was made with all wood. We spent years finding these treasures. Our interior design is uncluttered purposely providing our guests with a sense of calm and peace.
When you compare us with other vacation rentals in the area you will see that our reviews are stellar. We supervise all cleaning and are available at any time to answer questions or provide information that may help you enjoy your stay. We have horses on the property, as well as various wildlife, namely wild turkeys, deer and rabbits.
We have outfitted the home with everything we could imagine you needing. All you need to do is bring a suitcase and groceries.
Tired of the city live wherein you need to get in a car to get anywhere? We are just a short walk to two restaurants, convenience store, church, community center, and ATV rental business. The horse trail riding is a further walk, so you may want to drive. Just beyond the horse trail riding business is the entrance to the Black Hills National Forest.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests