By Jennifer McDaniel For the Lincoln Sentinel
When Rex and Kathy Usher started thinking about retirement, they began scouting possible locations where they could put down roots.
Originally from Nebraska, the couple spent the previous 12 years ranching in the Texas Panhandle about an hour northwest of Amarillo. But it wasn’t until a visit to Wilson Lake a few years ago the Ushers discovered what would eventually become their new home.
“We came up here, and fell in love with the area,” Kathy said. “We would be centralized around our kids, and we really fell in love with the lake. It’s so beautiful.”
The couple have five adult children, including one in Texas, two in Nebraska and two in Kansas. But it was more than just being centrally located to their kids. The location was the perfect spot to build a few cabins and operate their own lodging business.
Once they made their decision, the Ushers packed up their things and moved to Kansas a year ago.
Despite a few setbacks within the past 12 months, the couple opened Hell Creek Cabins about two weeks ago. And last week, the new business was welcomed with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event hosted by the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We started coming here and visiting and staying around the lake,” she said. “And so, we looked for property, and found this spot.”
Hell Creek Cabins is located just off Kansas Highway 232 at 197 E. Shoreline Road, Sylvan Grove. The business features three, newly-constructed cabins – each with one bathroom and two bedrooms. One bedroom has a full-size bed, while the other contains a full-size bed and a set of bunk beds. The interior of each cabin is finished in a rustic white pine wood board.
“It’s just marvelous,” Kathy said. “I’m just so pleased with how it turned out.”
Each kitchen features a cooking stovetop, fridge, microwave, dining room table and coffee pot. Guests will find basic cooking utensils, a small set of dinnerware, silverware and some pots and pans. Each cabin has an antenna for TV viewing as well as a fire pit, barbecue grill and picnic table. The cabins also have small, covered porches.
However, guests must provide their own bed linens and bathroom towels. Most standard lodging rules apply, she said, noting customers are not allowed to smoke or have pets during their stay. No lawn furniture or cots are permitted inside the cabins.
The Ushers also plan to add another cabin as well as two camper sites.
Despite it being the off-season, Kathy said they are already receiving reservations from hunters. Reservations can be made by calling 806-333-2640 between the hours of 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. Hell Creek Cabins offer special rates during the off-season and peak times as well as extended-stay pricing.
Find Hell Creek Cabins on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
