Old World Charm: Flying V Lodge welcomes sportsmen and other visitors from near and far
For over a century, hunters, anglers and other visitors looking to rest their weary heads and fill their empty bellies have been drawn to the friendly hearth and old world charm of Flying V Lodge.
Originally built in the 1920s and nestled on the border of Wyoming and South Dakota at the base of the Black Hills, Flying V is an authentic lodge made of wood and stone with open fireplaces and cozy decor.
The immense establishment is comprised of 10 rooms, sized for one to two or four to five guests, each with a distinctive style.
According to the Flying V’s website, each room has easy access to a common living room featuring a large flatscreen TV, a fireplace and comfortable chairs to relax.
The website reads, “The Flying V Lodge can be described in three words – peaceful, private and unique.”
History of the Flying V
The lodge, originally called Cambria Casino Park, was constructed after the Cambria Fuel Company recognized the need for a spacious and accommodating facility to host company events, meetings and other gatherings.
According to the website, construction started in 1923 and concluded five years later in 1928.
“Shortly after the completion of the building, two major events occurred that changed the course of its future history,” reads the website. “First, was the closing of the Cambria Fuel Company and the coal mine. Next, in 1929, was the crash of the stock market. The Great Depression had begun.”
At this time, the fuel company began selling off the property in pieces, and it was eventually acquired by the Napolitano family, who has owned and operated the place ever since.
Today, Larry and Twylla Napolitano carry on the family legacy at Flying V.
A sportsman’s paradise
Although Flying V Lodge warmly welcomes all visitors from near and far, the cozy bed and breakfast has become a popular gathering place for sportsmen.
“Hunters love the Flying V and come from all over America to lodge and hunt here – not only because of the great hunting opportunities, but for the warm atmosphere, service, great food and old world charm,” notes the website.
Not only do the Napolitano’s offer hunters a warm place to rest and recover after a hard day’s excursion, they also offer onsite wild game processing and taxidermy for those who return successful.
“We provide complete game care from a full line of wild game sausage products to exquisite cuts and pieces packaged and ready to go or ready to be shipped to any destination,” says Flying V’s website.
“For convenience, we offer game processing and shipping services with dry ice packaging, as well as onsite taxidermy, available every day, seven days week, during all hunting seasons,” it continues. “The Flying V Lodge is the preferred hunting lodge across America for a reason – because we cater especially to hunters and their desire to have the very best game in hunting, in lodging, in processing and in taxidermy, depicting the trophy of the champion hunter.”
Other amenities
Not all who come through Flying V’s doors are sportsmen, however. In fact, the lodge offers amenities for visitors of all walks of life.
The lodge’s 2,500 square-foot ballroom provides a spacious venue for a range of events from weddings, award ceremonies and banquet dinners to company retreats, birthday parties, receptions and dances.
Flying V also has a full bar and lounge and offers catering services.
Additionally, the establishment offers several outdoor amenities including camping sites and RV parking, a barbecue cooking area, covered patio seating and a covered, raised stage.
The website notes, “The Flying V Lodge is here for visitors to enjoy some old world charm and warmth from a time in history seldom experienced, with great accommodations and friendly service.”
Flying J Lodge is open seasonly from June through November. For more information, visit theflyingvlodge.com.
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
