In 1986 a blue ribbon Tourism Task Force, created by then SD Governor William Janklow, released the findings of an intense study of the Missouri River, its four dams and how to increase tourism revenue in South Dakota.  In April 1987 the South Dakota Department of Tourism started meeting with communities along the river, the Corps of Engineers and other governmental entities to find ways to implement the findings of the task force.

A professional planning firm from Fort Worth, Texas, was hired to prepare an economic feasibility study of the potential for development along the Missouri River.  The result was an exciting proposal!  Four sites were recommended as best sites for a “Destination Resort” facility.  Location, Location, Location was the key to the site chosen at the intersection of the Missouri River and Interstate 90 near Chamberlain.

Plans for the resort stalled for various reasons until the spring of 1992 when The Oasis Management Group’s proposal to develop a resort along the Missouri River was accepted by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.  By May, construction of a marina breakwater and boat ramps were underway.  The Management Group selected Cedar Shore Resort as the name to reflect the natural setting along the river.

Excavation for the hotel’s foundation began in January 2003 with a projected opening of the resort the spring of 1994.  A devastating fire during construction and wet weather delayed the opening until the spring of 1995.

On June 23, 1995, Cedar Shore Resort, Inc. held its Grand Opening.  The 99-room hotel, restaurant & lounge, 3000 square foot convention center, 50 slip marina, and 24-site campground officially opened for business in May. 

Since that time, Cedar Shore Resort has held to its convictions of being a Destination Resort for families, travelers and the business community.  As visitor numbers increased, Cedar Shore has added additional boat slips and camping sites in recent years. Growth as a popular site for statewide meetings spurred the development and construction of a new 12,000 square foot Convention Center in 2004. 

Today, Cedar Shore Resort offers award winning customer service to all guests, from leisure travelers and outdoorsmen to convention goers. We truly are “Makin’ Every Day Count”!

• Chamberlain is one of the jewels of South Dakota – Tom Lloyd (Consultant with Grant & Associates)
• (It) broadens the offerings in South Dakota to include a true destination resort.  That’s something we haven’t had along the Missouri River – Doug Hofer (Former Director of GFP) 
• The largest resort area on I-90 between Sioux Falls and Rapid City (Chamberlain/Oacoma Visitor Guide)