For something special, book the Grand Lodge and bring the whole gang.

New ownership by Blue Metric Group adds to attractions.

Danny Lawler and his wife, Jacky, previous owners of God’s Country Resort in Shreveport, have made some big changes in their lives this year. “We are currently building a new home in North Bossier that should be finished before Christmas. We are also moving our auction company, Lawler Auction Co., to Bossier City,” said Danny.

In addition to these major life events, they also sold their popular God’s Country Resort to Blue Metric Group in July. “While we loved operating the resort and making friends with all of our guests,” Danny added, “this gives Jacky and I an opportunity to put some money into retirement accounts and devote time to our evergrowing nationwide auction business and spend more time with our children and grandchildren! We won’t be going far and plan to visit as guests regularly!”

John Cascarano, founder of Blue Metric Group, is excited about the plans he and his team have for expanding the resort but is also greatly appreciative of what Danny Lawler has created. “Danny built a wonderful business in a great location,” John said. “We saw the potential to bring additional resources and expand on his vision near a new, exciting project with the recreation possibilities around the bike park development.”

How about a campout with the kids in Conestoga wagons?

The bike park, according to Danny Lawler, is a $23 million mountain bike park owned and operated by the Red River Waterway Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that connects to the East Campus of God’s Country Resort.

In addition to buying God’s Country Resort, Blue Metric Group acquired the 16,000-square-foot auction building, which will be converted into a boat and RV storage facility. They also purchased the Lawlers’ home and 32 acres of land for expansion.

“RV folks love their boats; boat folks love their RVs,” noted John Cascarano about the future storage facility. “The exact count is still to be determined, but we envision the traffic flowing through one end of the building; folks can drop off their vehicles and then roll on through the other end, where they will remain parked and shielded from the elements.”

God’s Country currently has an extensive list of options for overnight visits. The RV sites offer short- or long-term stays. The luxury log or stone cabins all come equipped with a woodburning buck stove, and some include hot tubs. For those wanting a little more of an adventure, renters can choose a furnished teepee or experience glamping at its finest in the form of Conestoga wagons complete with a king-size bed, bunk beds and a refrigerator, along with heat, air and a patio. The grand lodge sleeps up to 12 and has its own private pool and pool house with an outdoor kitchen, bar and fireplace. The cabins, lodges, wagons and teepees require a two-night minimum stay.

Attractions include the RV park and mountain bike trails.

The resort is also home to a host of amenities according to their website. Such amenities include over-the-top glamping restroom and tile shower facilities, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a handicap-accessible playground, nine-hole disc golf, dog parks, two jumping pillows, playgrounds, a huge game room with pool tables and kids’ rides, duck boat rentals, golf cart rentals, catch-and-release fishing ponds and hiking. There is also a Camp Store where you can buy propane, camping supplies, souvenirs, campground food and snacks, specialty candies, our mining sleuth and more activities for children. Basic day passes are available and include entry into the resort and access to playgrounds, jumping pillows, a game room, disc golf, fishing ponds, restrooms and a pavilion. There is also a train ride, with tickets available for purchase in the Camp Store.

One of the unique features that will be appearing at the resort under its new ownership is the addition of cabins that were purchased from Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Orlando, Florida. “Initially, we look to add the 10 cabins and approximately 36 additional RV sites,” John said. “From there, we have engaged the same engineers from the awesome bike trail system to help us develop concepts. I think this will play out over years to come.”

As for other changes, John is in no hurry.

A family-friendly environment has play spaces for all ages.

“It’s only been about a month, and to be honest, we just want to get to know the team and staff and run things how Danny ran them. He has done such a great job that, to start, we want to learn the property first before going crazy changing things. Initially, we brought in Jason Smith, our general manager, to join the team. The projects will require contractors and project managers. As we expand the park, staff should scale with it.” Jason Smith is just now settling into his position. “I am excited to join the team here in Shreveport. I look forward to seeing the property grow and expand, which will allow us to bring in more guests to experience our beautiful park and Shreveport. I look forward to seeing more and more happy faces and continuing to build on the park’s history of providing the best possible customer experience for all those who decide to trust us to provide them with the best experience possible.”

Turn back time in your own family teepee.

The God’s Country campus offers a spectacular view high above the Soda Lake Wildlife Management Area, which, according to the website, will rival any mountaintop view found across the United States. John Cascarano echoes that sentiment. “I stayed in the cabin on the ridge overlooking the beautiful river basin and trees. We watched the sunset and sunrise, and man, I see where the name came from! Just happy to be able to see the area grow and folks enjoy the nature in the area.”

Contact God’s Country Resort at godscountryresort.com or (318) 309-4322. It is located at 7050 Soda Lake Drive, Shreveport, LA.