When most people think about visiting Shenandoah National Park, they picture the sweeping vistas of Skyline Drive and miles of hiking trails. But once you arrive, you quickly discover lodging, restaurants, and waysides within the park. Delaware North is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, and its role is to operate Big Meadows Lodge, Skyland Resort, and Lewis Mountain Cabins, along with dining options throughout the park. They also organize a robust calendar of programs and special events that transform a simple park visit into a full, immersive experience.
For those who love the outdoors, Delaware North partners with Shenandoah Mountain Guides to offer hands-on adventure programming. Wilderness survival courses teach participants what to do when outdoor adventures turn challenging, covering essential gear, navigation, and survival techniques, while separate programs instruct guests on reading topographic maps and using a compass without any technology. Twilight hikes guide visitors out into Big Meadows at dusk, exploring ecosystems and animal signs as the mountain sky transitions into a brilliant spread of stars above 3,500 feet. These guided experiences are led by experts and require reservations.
Delaware North is also a key sponsor of Shenandoah’s beloved annual Night Sky Festival. The festival brings together amateur astronomers, NASA Solar System Ambassadors, and veteran NASA astronauts for presentations on topics ranging from asteroid defense to constellation stories, with telescope parties and Junior Ranger activities. Year-round, Delaware North presents astronomy programs and talks at Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland, including events like “Let’s Talk about Space,” stargazing sessions, and night sky storytelling.
Exploring the night sky at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park
NPS | Luca Pfeiffer
Beyond the trails and telescopes, Delaware North brings a lively culinary and cultural dimension to the park. Culinary events pop up regularly on the calendar, including annual Easter, Mother’s Day, and Thanksgiving buffets, as well as a shuttled Whisky-Wine excursion from Skyland that takes guests to local wineries and distilleries. The annual Apple Butter Celebration at Skyland each September is one of the park’s most beloved traditions, featuring copper kettles of simmering apples and spices, live music, local wine and hard cider tastings, and pony rides for kids. Together, these programs ensure that no matter when you visit Shenandoah, Delaware North has something waiting to make your trip unforgettable.
Delaware North ensures that visitors are well-fed throughout their Shenandoah National Park adventure. At Big Meadows Lodge, the Spottswood Dining Room offers a rustic setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the New Market Taproom features lighter fare alongside specialty drinks, beer, and local wines. Over at Skyland Resort, the Pollock Dining Room delivers sweeping valley views alongside a full-service menu. Executive chefs at the park work closely with local farms to source seasonal produce, embracing a farm-to-fork philosophy that keeps menus fresh and rooted in the region. Signature items like the beloved Blackberry Ice Cream Pie at Skyland have become iconic treats that guests return for year after year.
When it comes to lodging, Delaware North operates three distinct properties that cater to a range of traveler preferences: Big Meadows Lodge, Skyland Resort, and Lewis Mountain Cabins. Skyland Resort, located at 3,680 feet – the highest elevation on Skyline Drive – offers 179 rooms, many with balconies or patios overlooking the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Big Meadows Lodge, meanwhile, offers a quintessential mountain retreat complete with rustic wood-grain interiors, fireplaces, and newly constructed accommodations like the Blackrock Cottage building. The Blackrock Cottage features modern amenities, including air conditioning, walk-in showers, Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, and microwaves, allowing guests to unwind with all the comforts of home while surrounded by natural beauty.
Play, dine, and rest well inside Shenandoah National Park, thanks to Delaware North. Start planning your EPIC experience in Shenandoah National Park today.
