2010 Rental Information (Scroll Down for Rental Rates)

The WEI Eco-Retreat Program is committed to creating a space for the health, well-being, creativity and relaxation of WEI members. The Eco-Retreat Center has four rooms available for temporary rentals, either at individual room rates or as part of an entire facility rental. Day rentals are also available for group meetings with the group space ideally comfortable for 12 to 20 people. WEI can provide a modest continental breakfast with coffee for group meetings and a B&B style organically-certified breakfast for individual guests. Overnight accomodations are comfortable for 4 to 8 individuals. WEI is committed to providing a quiet and serene space for activists, writers, teachers, students, scholars, artists, peace workers, families and friends. WEI expects that guests at the Eco-Retreat Center will be respectful of the mission and work of our organization. You must be a WEI member or one person in your group must be a WEI member in order to make an individual or group reservation. With a WEI membership, you are entitled to 10% off your first rental of the year.

WEI is located on an organically certified orchard overlooking the wooded hillside and prairie lands of Wild River State Park. This restful place is just over an hour's drive from the Twin Cities and located between North Branch and Taylors Falls in Amador Township (Chisago County).

RENTALS DURING HIGH FARM SEASON (MID-MAY THROUGH AUGUST)

In 2009-2010, WEI will offer two different seasons for room rentals: High Farming Season (mid-May until the end of August) and Regular Rental Season (October through mid-May). During High Farming Season, the WEI EcoRetreat Center is converted into a fully functioning farm with student interns, farm employees, farm volunteers, workshop students and visitors all actively engaged on the WEI farm campus. During the farming season, the Eco-Retreat Center provides temporary residency for some members of the farm crew, leaving only one or two rooms available for rental to WEI members. Groups can still rent space for day meetings, but is is important to understand that guests during High Farming Season will share kitchen and bathroom facilties and general living space with members of the farm crew. This time of the year provides an excellent opportunity to get to know the WEI farmers, learn more about organic farming and participate in some of the daily farm chores. This is great time for families with children to stay at WEI for a weekend on the farm.

Groups holding day meetings at WEI can be sequestered in the Woodland Library space for more private meetings or pre-arrange farm tours or demonstration workshops. Catered lunches and picnics are also available from a local restaurant. Individual renters on the weekends will be provided with a B&B style organically certified farm breakfast, sharing the table with the WEI farmers and student interns. WEI does not provide lunches or suppers on sale for guests or visitors, although potluck meals provided by WEI members are acceptable. For WEI guests, up to 30% of room rental fee can be exchanged for working on the farm (generally 5-6 hours per adult). Consider this revitalizing farm-get-away package a great way to exercise and bring together health and happiness. On a limited and short-term basis, farm volunteers can be provided with overnight shelter in the primitive hermitage huts located on WEI land in exchange for day labor on the farm. Alternatively, limited tenting over the weekend is permissable for working farm volunteers. Generally, we expect farm volunteers to work 5-6 hours in exchange for facility privileges which include overnight accommodations in hermitage shelter huts (or limited tenting) and use of the bathroom and cooking areas in the facility or outside.

RENTALS DURING REGULAR SEASONS (SEPTEMBER THROUGH MID-MAY -- includes the most beautiful times of seasonal change.)
During the Regular Rental Season, the WEI Eco-Retreat Center is open to WEI members for all kinds of rentals: overnight, day meetings, and the entire facility. Rental rates return to our set fees. Individual guests receive an elegant B&B style organically-certified breakfast and other seasonal perks. WEI is allowed to provide breakfast for no more than eight overnight guests (room rentals only). Rental of the entire facility does not include any food provided by WEI; for occasional larger groups staying at WEI (extended by special rates at AmericInn for WEI's larger gatherings) an extra insurance fee must be included, along with rental fees for porta-potties.

Selected Guidelines. On the WEI campus and in the fields and orchard, smoking is prohibited. Family pets are not allowed on the land. All children must be accompanied by a caring adult. All noise at night must cease by 10:00 p.m. WEI has a caretaker on site while guests are in residence. Campers and RVs are not permitted on the farm campus. Bus routes to North Branch are available from the Twin Cities , and WEI can be called to pick you up at the North Branch bus station for a small donation.

For more information on WEI Eco-Retreat Rentals and Upcoming On-Site Classes and Workshops, call 651-583-0705.

ROOM RATES - Click through to view rooms

Unique Features of a WEI Eco-Holiday Retreat (please note that these attractions are seasonally variable).

•Silence, tranquility, fresh air, and great moments in farming.
•Breakfast made from all organic ingredients and the presence of nature in smoke-free and congestion-free surroundings.
•Easy access to Wild River State Park for nature walks, skiing, snowshoeing or canoeing.
•Opportunities to learn about the WEI Organically Certified Farm and the Amador Hill Orchard.
•Free use of the WEI media collection including environmental education videos, nature documentaries and movies for all ages.
•Free use of wireless internet for your computer and access to the WEI reading library (includes children's section).
•Invited and guided participation in gardening, harvesting, planting, pruning and other seasonal farm activities.
•Wonderful local events and community activities can always be found in the St. Croix Valley and in area towns.

WATCH FOR SPECIAL ECO-RETREAT WEEKEND PROGRAMMING IN 2010.

For LIST OF AREA ATTRACTIONS located near to WEI: