National Park Service selects Explor Peaks of Otter to operate visitor services at Peaks of Otter Lodge

BEDFORD, VA - The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Explor Peaks of Otter, LLC, a subsidiary of ExplorUS, to operate visitor services at Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway under a 10-year concession contract. The existing lodging, food service, retail, and shuttle bus services at Peaks of Otter will transition to the new concessioner in early 2025.

The new contract was awarded through a competitive selection process announced in June 2024. The contract was awarded to the highest scoring proposal, with the NPS regional director making the final decision. The operation of this concession contract provides important services that visitors seek while traveling the Parkway and is critical to ensuring a positive visitor experience.

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

The current concession contractor, DNC Parks and Resorts at Peaks of Otter, Inc., has provided services at Peaks of Otter since 2013. The transition is not expected to affect visitors.

Peaks of Otter Lodge, located at milepost 85.6 and approximately an hour drive north of Roanoke, VA, includes a three-building, 63-room lodge, restaurant, lounge and gift shop, the Country Store located adjacent to the NPS visitor center, and the Sharp Top Store near the NPS operated campground. Visitors to the lodge and restaurant enjoy all the Peaks of Otter recreation area has to offer, including an extensive trail system with the opportunity to hike to the surrounding mountains' summits, tour the historical landscapes, or take a leisurely stroll around Abbott Lake.