BEND, Ore. — The historic Skyliner Lodge will not be closing after all. An organization has stepped up to assume operational and fiscal responsibility, which means the space many use for weddings, family reunions and more will continue to operate.

Nature Connect Central Oregon, formerly known as Central Oregon’s Children’s Forest, is the organization taking over.

“The future of Skyliner Lodge was a little uncertain for a few months. High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) had been in a long-term permit, leasing this facility for over a decade,” Nature Connect Central Oregon Executive Director Katie Chipko said.

Back in December, HDESD made an announcement that it would not be renewing its lease of the lodge and would transfer management back to the U.S. Forest Service after the lease ended on June 30. This led to cancellations of weddings, family reunions, boy scout meetings and any other events scheduled at the lodge later this summer.

It would also permanently shut down the venue that has become a community treasure since its construction in 1937.

“This place has been so important to the community. I think that our organization just couldn’t imagine it being shuttered and not operational for educational use,” Chipko said.

Nature Connect Central Oregon is a network of more than 30 partners that strive to connect kids with nature through education, exploration, and play. Now that it’s taking over the lodge, the organization has good news for anyone who needs a last-minute summer venue.

“Those couples that had weddings planned starting July 1 needed to make other arrangements. They did. So we have a wide open summer calendar for anyone who needs a last-minute venue for a wedding, a family gathering, or any kind of celebration,” Chipko said.

While Chipko said Nature Connect did reach out to those whose plans were canceled and offered to renew their previous reservations, she said all of them had already found a new venue for their events. 

Now, Nature Connect is trying to fill the lodge’s summer calendar. It is offering a 30% discount on private rentals scheduled from July 1 – Sept. 30.

Skyliner Lodge is now open for venue reservations starting after June 30. You can make your reservations here. Chipko said it’s typical for the lodge to be booked out at least 18 months in advance.