National Park Service seeks expressions of interest for operation of Big Spring Lodge and cabins

Big Spring Dining Lodge

NPS Photo

Ozark National Scenic Riverways News Release

Release Date: August 13, 2024

Contact: Dena Matteson, e-mail us, [phone]

VAN BUREN, Mo - Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) is seeking expressions of interest for operation of the historic Big Spring Lodge, guest cabins, and other associated structures.

The site is located along the lower Current River, less than five miles from Van Buren, Missouri, at the end of State Route 103. While these buildings were historically used as overnight accommodations and food service, the National Park Service (NPS) seeks concepts and ideas for adaptive reuse of the buildings. The NPS particularly believes that a lodging operation, conference center, special event space, retail operations, and food/beverage operations, may be appropriate.

The request for expressions of interest (RFEI) is an opportunity for parties to provide ideas and suggestions for the reuse of these historic, recently rehabilitated facilities. The details of the RFEI with additional information can be found at SAM.gov by searching for Ozark National Scenic Riverways. A copy of the RFEI can be downloaded at RFEI for Big Spring Lodge (nps.gov/ozar/upload/BS-RFEI.pdf).

A site visit will be held August 28, 2024, at 9 am CDT. A strict limit of two persons per business entity will be authorized to attend the site visit. All parties intending to participate in the site visit must send an email message to [e-mail] no later than 4 pm CDT, Friday, August 21, 2024, to make a reservation.

All submissions in response to the RFEI must be received by October 11, 2024.

The NPS has recently completed a major revitalization of the historic Big Spring Lodge, 14 vacation rental cabins, retail store, boat dock, trails, and other associated facilities and structures. The project included extensive restoration and preservation of the original timber and stone construction, as well as major upgrades to deteriorating utility systems and fixtures. The boat dock and one of the cabins were upgraded to comply with the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards in order to provide accessible experiences for all visitors. Modern amenities and conveniences have been incorporated, while still retaining the rustic charm that makes the area so special.

-NPS-

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. Learn more at www.nps.gov/ozar. Find us on Facebook @ozarkriverways and on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.