Explor Peaks of Otter named as new concessionaire for Peaks of Otter Lodge

The concessionaire will step in to run lodge, restaurant, lounge and retail operations in early 2025.

The National Park Service has selected Explor Peaks of Otter LLC, a subsidiary of Overland Park, Kansas-based ExplorUS, to operate visitor services at Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford, Virginia, under a 10-year concession contract.

The current concession contractor, DNC Parks and Resorts at Peaks of Otter Inc., has provided services at Peaks of Otter since 2013. The new contract was awarded through a competitive selection process and was awarded to the highest scoring proposal, according to ExplorUS.

Peaks of Otter Lodge includes a three-building, 63-room lodge, restaurant, lounge and Country Store gift shop adjacent to the National Park Service visitor center as well as the Sharp Top Store near the National Park Service operated campground. Peaks of Otter will transition to the new concessionaire in early 2025. ExplorUS says the transition is not expected to affect visitors.

ExplorUS is a family-owned company with almost 30 years of experience operating national, state and local park concessions, including operations at Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park.