Summer Creek Inn, near Pactola Reservoir west of Rapid City, just opened July 18. The innkeepers, Nancy and Daniel Evangelisto, have been busy constructing the new facility for quite some time. The inn has nine rooms, had reservations for a reunion on the 18th, and on the 17th not one room was ready. When I talked to Nancy she was making 12 quiche pies for breakfast. It sounds like a lovely place, with hand painted murals. When Nancy gets a breather she promises to let us know more about the inn. In the meantime, “If in doubt, breathe in and out.” We wish the Evangelisto’s the very best! 605-574-4408

Historic Madison Ranch, west of Rapid City on Nemo Rd, was part of BBISD over 12 years ago. Back then the innkeeper was Marilyn Madison. Now her daughter Mavis is renewing the tradition. Mavis writes, “The past 14 month’s has seen a total restoration at the Historic Madison Ranch while reclaiming the days and history of the original Rodeo Guest Ranch of the 1920’s through the 1940’s. Our hope is to create an atmosphere of that time period. The house is done with the original furnishings and photographs on the walls tell visuals stories of the happenings that took place at the ranch in its earlier years. Also included is a museum and western art. The ranch will be hosting a Grand Re-opening on Sunday, August 23rd. To help celebrate the event Jon Crane and Mavis Madison have teamed up and will be having a Paintout that day. Plein Aire artists will be painting from 1-4 with the Quick Draw artists painting from 4-5. An Auction of the Quick Draw art will be held at 5:30 with part of the proceeds going to the Black Hills Historical Preservation, Inc to help fund restoration projects on the Meeker/Madison ranches. The day will end with a free outdoor concert by Jalan Crossland at 7:00. “We hope the public will come enjoy the day, meet and watch the artists at work and listen to some very good music, but mostly we’re hoping for just a fun day!” Sounds inviting! 605-343-4408