Built to serve the growing population of tourist travel in the Black Hills,the L Rancho was formed in 1945.

After The War, people were traveling and celebrating their liberties. Mt Rushmore had only been

finished for less than a decade and the Black Hills Passion Play had been attracting tourists to Spearfish

since 1939. Wall Drug was making history since The Depression and even though the Interstate wasn’t

there, the tourist traffic made an attractive prospect for a motel business.

From the late 60's until recently the motel has been run by Norma McKillip,

who has earned her place in local history, and whose stories rival those of our Deadwood heros.

Traveling between her home in Spearfish and the one in Texas, no one was ever quite sure when the

motel was going to be open, however it was always a sure thing that she would be open for the Sturgis rally.

The L Rancho changed ownership again in 2005 and the motel scenario was re-evaluated.

It was decided to turn 6 rooms into residential living, and rent out the managers house to year-round tenants.

To continue the L Rancho tradition, we made sure that there is plenty of space for our Sturgis travelers,

some of whom have been coming year after year since 1984. Plus, it’s rumored that the motel has played

host to such celebrities as Arlen Ness, Peter Fonda and Larry Hagman.

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about ‘the Ranch’.

If you have any stories please make sure to share them on your next visit to the L Rancho,

via email, and/or signing our GUESTBOOK.