Local flavors

Forever Resorts, a National Park Service concessioner based in Scottsdale, Arizona, operates lodges and restaurants in some of the country¹s most revered park lands. At all of these restaurants, visitors encounter a variety of distinctive dishes, including those inspired by the specific region and its native inhabitants.

"Our company is committed to offering not only sustainable business practices in each of our park destinations, but also a culinary experience representative of the local area and its traditions," explained Rod Taylor, vice president, Forever ResortEating the local cuisine, whether just while passing through on vacation, or to embrace the culture during a destination wedding, is high on the list for experiental diners. Here is a look at some of the park-inspired dishes from across the country:

Badlands National Park (South Dakota), Cedar Pass Lodge
Sioux Indian Tacos ­

House-made, fluffy Indian fry bread topped with refried beans, buffalo meat (or spicy black bean burger for vegetarians) and topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, cheddar and black olives.

Big Bend National Park (Texas), Chisos Mountains Lodge
Black Bean Chili and Cheese Burrito ­
Bell peppers, onions, cheese and black bean chili-stuffed flour tortilla topped with chili and cheese, served with refried beans, rice, sour cream and salsa.

Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah), The Lodge at Bryce Canyon 
Elk Chili ­

Ground elk in a white bean chili, garnished with shredded cheddar and jack cheese.

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona), Grand Canyon Lodge ­ North Rim
Sugarloaf Bison Flank Steak ­ 
Sage, honey and citrus-rubbed and grilled to order. Served thinly sliced, topped with a red wine demi-glace and accompanied by butter-herb roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Grand Tetons National Park (Wyoming), Signal Mountain Lodge
The Surrounding Peaks Burger ­ 

Lockhart Cattle Company ground beef (Jackson, Wyoming), Persephone Bakery bun (Jackson, Wyoming), Manwaring elkhorn cheese (Rigby, Idaho), housemade mayo, arugula, homemade bacon relish, house-cut steak fries, homemade pickles.

Isle Royale National Park (Michigan), Rock Harbor Lodge Lighthouse Restaurant
Superior Lake Trout ­ 

Eight-ounce grilled filet fresh-caught from Lake Superior, oven baked with lemon and herbs and served with daily vegetable and wild rice pilaf.