Amenities
Inspiration Wood is a private retreat center where businesses, families and organizations can come together to achieve common goals. The natural, private environment consists of indoor and outdoor meeting areas and gardens surrounded by 60 acres of fields and woods. Future plans include overnight accommodations, nature trails and recreational areas.
The Gathering Space
Overlooking Prophet's Pond and Grace Garden & Meadow at Inspiration Wood is The Gathering Space, a state of the art conference center equipped with the latest in multimedia and internet connectivity. Grace Garden & Meadow are blissfully joined with the Gathering Space so you and your guests can delight in the formal gardens during your day retreat. Across the Meadow is the Greeting Barn where you will find Wildflower Sundries and wonderful Watkins products.
The Greeting Barn
The Greeting Barn is the welcome center and check in point for the lodging and recreational areas of Inspiration Wood. Walk the Princess Path through the Inspiration Garden: our scale model of Inspiration Wood inspired by Sarah's love of miniatures. For the enjoyment of our guests, please whisper with the butterfiles in this beautiful devotional garden on your way to the recreation areas of Inspiration Wood.
Inspiration Farm
Every afternoon we feed the animals at Inspiration Farm, a not-for-profit rescue farm for a variety of animals including pigmy goats, miniature true cross donkeys, an injured rodeo horse and an old nag. We add new animals every year and sometimes babies are born here. Please consult the website for updates on who you might see. Don't forget to look for our own character squirrel Inspiration WOODIE too!
Lavender House
During the summer months, you may reserve the Lavender House area for up to 50 guests for a private party any day but Sunday. Inside you will find the Friendship Room & Dutch Treats for refreshments and snacks. (The friendship Room can be reserved for indoor parties up to 24 guests in colder weather.) Just outside is our playground area - the Noble Knoll.
Lavender House may also include Council Clearing and Chapel in the Wood, Friendship Room and Dutch Treats at the Lavender House - more info to follow.
Noble Knoll
Noble Knoll is for the Lords and Ladies - your little royals will love our hilltop party place. You may rent a tent along with The Lavender House and bring up to 100 of your closest friends to enjoy the Noble Knoll. A playground recreation area is on the knoll.
Purity Path
Purity Path leads you from Noble Knoll across the walking bridge to the Council Clearing & Chapel in the Wood. You may reserve these with the Lavender House for a bonfire or quiet family gathering in the woods.
Council Clearing
Across the bridge along Purity Path is Council Clearing - our bonfire circle with log benches and a large fire pit for council meetings and memorable tales. Council Clearing is attached to the Chapel in the Wood. Both can be reserved along with the Lavender house for private groups. Through the Wood is our Warrior's Walk leading to the Tranquil Trail and Paw Paw Patch & picnic area for registered overnight guests.
Chapel in the Wood
Hold communion with nature in the Wood. A large wooden Cross highlights the stage for your family service and devotion - perfect for twilight wedding ceremonies or evening reunions. Handmade log benches (that seat up to 100) are waiting for you. Please reserve this space for your family's tribute along with the Lavender House. Behind the Chapel in the Wood is the Warriors Walk (reserved for our registered overnight guests) leading to the Tranquil Trail, Pawpaw Patch & Picnic area and the fruitwood cottages.
Warriors Walk
Warrior's Walk (our nature trail meandering through the Wood) is reserved for our overnight registered guests. While you walk the Wood you will find the Pawpaw Patch & Picnic area, a secluded natural open area for picnics and peace. Bring your own sack lunch or pick up a picnic in the pool house to carry on your walk. The Tranquil Trail leads to the family cottages. The Warrior's Walk leads back to the three fruitwood cottages.
Recreational Areas
Recreational areas of Inspiration Wood include: Lavender House, Noble Knoll, Purity Path, Council Clearing & Chapel in the Wood. Past the Chapel in the Wood is the Warrior's Walk reserved for our overnight guests only. Please contact Inspiration Wood to reserve any of the Recreational Areas for a private party. Catering Services and Picnics may be arranged through our retreat Planning Services at 219-983-9922 extension 228. Ask for Kim or Ron to plan your retreat.