GARRISON, ND (KXNET) — The Good Bear Bay Lodge at Indian Hills Resort is officially open for business after its ribbon cutting yesterday. The lodge sits on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, and offers a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath living area for families or larger groups. It also has a full kitchen, living area, and an extended covered outdoor patio. Gov. Doug Burgum, along with North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and others, celebrated the opening at the ribbon cutting October 24. “North Dakota’s tourism industry continues to thrive, and the Good Bear Bay Lodge is a shining example of how expanding services at one of our state’s key destinations, Lake Sakakawea, can help us attract more visitors from across the country and address our workforce challenges,” Burgum said. “This new lodge provides a unique accommodation option for families and groups seeking a memorable escape on Lake Sakakawea.” The lodge was made possible thanks to a program Burgum signed into law in 2023. The Commerce’s Destination Development Grant program awarded $25 million in matching grants to 14 projects last November. Mandan gets $5.5 million loan to help replace aging water reservoir “There was tremendous interest in the program, with 81 projects requesting more than $151.5 million in funding,” Coleman said. “The Good Bear Bay Lodge stood out for its ability to fill a gap in family lodging and extend the time visitors spend in our state’s most scenic areas.”  The Good Bear Bay Lodge is built on a slab foundation, which makes it accessible for guests of all abilities. It will be open year-round, giving visitors a chance to enjoy everything from ice fishing to summer water sports. “We are thrilled to open the Good Bear Bay Lodge and provide families and groups with a comfortable and convenient place to stay,” said Kelly Sorge, co-owner of Indian Hills Resort. “We’ve received a lot of interest already, and we’re excited to welcome guests and share the beauty of Lake Sakakawea.” Visit the Indian Hills Resort website to learn more about what the new lodge and others offer for guests. The Good Bear Bay Lodge ribbon cutting marks the first project completed with Destination Development grant support. Ongoing projects include a new events center at Woodland Resort on the shores of Devils Lake, and Citizens Alley, which intends to create public space in downtown Minot for recreation and community engagement. To learn more about the grants and which projects they went to, go to the ND governor's website. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW