Windmill Lane Lodge was built in 1881, approximately seven years after Custer's expedition by Leonard Leffold, a Greek fisherman.  This 124 year old historic cabin was a Bull Train and Stagecoach stop between Sydney, NE and Deadwood, SD.

The cabin was moved one mile up the road where it was put on a full basement.  The roof was taken off and a loft was added and the roof put back on.  Mary Rhodes was the last known occupant prior to the cabin's restoration.   Mary was renowned for riding her horse into town (Custer) daily to visit with and take pictures with tourists.

When we acquired the cabin three horses had taken up residence there but since there was not enough room for all of us they got transplanted to the barn.

The wood burning cook stove came from the Rube Maddox estate, a very colorful character from Custer's past.  The claw foot bath and oak toilet tank came out of Deadwood.  The bathroom sink came from the town of Terry and was reportedly used by Calamity Jane.

The wagon wheel chandelier was our great grandfather's and came from his wagon which he drove when he moved out here and homesteaded near Florence, SD.  The wainscoting in the basement came from a small 12 by 14 foot one room school house near Mt. Laramie, Wheatland, WY. The maple wood floors are from Brandt, SD and the maple wood in the center cabinet and island are from Arena, ND, from an early 1900's school.

The 38 foot slate fireplace runs through all three stories of the house and was made from 35 tons of native slate.

The cabin has been completely re-wired and also has new doors, windows and plumbing.  Cove electric heat was added throughout the house for your comfort and enjoyment. We hope you enjoy your stay in this historic landmark in Custer's history as much as we did!