Our Facilities
Deer Ridge Retreat House
The Deer Ridge Retreat house is located on 7.5 acres of beautiful grass and woods. The house provides five full suites for guests, each suite large enough for a king size bed, desk, two comfortable chairs, and a private bathroom. The main rooms of the house include a sun room, dining room, guest kitchen, two libraries, meeting room and a home theater as well as two extra bathrooms. There is ample space for five couples to spread out in the 10,000 sq. ft. home.
The surrounding grounds are beautifully landscaped and offer space for walking, playing Boci Ball, Croquet or Ladder Ball. The retreat house is located a short ways from a lovely park with paved walking trails, miniature golf, frisbee golf, and paddle boats in the summer. For guests who choose to bring bicycles, we have trails nearby that go all the way to the Wisconsin boarder…and beyond. These trails may also by walked as they go thru rural Illinois. We encourage guests to get exercise during their stay, but try to stay separated from the rest of the world and focus on the Lord.
The retreat house is designed to be place of rest and refreshment. Guests are encouraged to take a media fast and enjoy time reading, praying, and spending time with the Lord and with their spouses. The house is decorated like a high-end bed and breakfast with comfortable furnishings. Meals and snacks are prepared for guests during their stay. The guest kitchen always has a refrigerator stocked with drinks, fresh fruit, eggs, yogurt, ice cream and other snacks. A coffee and tea bar, popcorn, cookies and M&Ms are staples at the house.
Continental breakfast food is provided from 7.30 am to 10 am. A simple buffet of sandwiches, soup, salad (or whatever the chef makes) are put out at noon for guests to enjoy on their own or together. A plated meal is served in the evening at 5.30 as guests gather together at a dining table. *We try to accommodate special diets with advance arrangements. Guests can linger at the table in the evening, take a walk, play a game, put a puzzle together, read a book, or enjoy a movie on the big screen. Self- directed studies and small libraries are provided in every room.
Every room also has an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, extra pillows and blankets, shampoo and conditioner, soap, a fan overhead and separate for ‘white noise,’ and a DVD player. All towels and linens are provided as well. We have umbrellas and bug spray for long walks!
We seek to provide everything our guests need to be physically comfortable, so they can focus on rest, each other, and the Lord without any distractions. Our goal is to “set the table” for whatever God has in store for the week. We have a prayer team praying for each guest during their stay, that God would meet them for a special appointment as they seek him. We are honored that guests have carved out the time to be with God.
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Retreat House
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Deer Ridge Retreat House
Use Policy
Confirmed Retreat House commuter guests are required to notify us of any need to cancel your time at the Retreat House as soon as possible.
There is no smoking or alcohol allowed in the Retreat House or on the grounds of Deer Ridge Ministries Retreat.
Cell phones are to be turned OFF. Internet is not to be used. (Exception: Cell phones may be used to notify/text Deer Ridge Ministries staff of any questions or needs during your stay; then turned off.)
Guests are expected to keep the Retreat House clean during use. Furniture is to be left in place. Shoes are to be left just inside the door on the mat provided. Coats are to be hung in closet. Be sure the door is tightly closed. It is not necessary to lock the door.
Retreat House commuter guests are not allowed to visit with Deer Ridge Ministries Retreat guests unless sharing the lunch table during your visit.
Rest room facilities are available at the Retreat House.
Lights are to be turned off whenever guests leave the Retreat House.
The heat/air conditioner is to be set at stated setting posted in Retreat House upon departure.
Deer Ridge Ministries’ staff reserves the right to enter the Retreat House at any time or to cancel Retreat House reservations at any time at their discretion.
FAQs
Can we come for a shorter time than 5 days?
In our experience, it takes more than a few days to really rest. We have designed these retreats to be from Sunday until Friday. We do not make exceptions unless there is an emergency.
How much does it cost?
All lodging and food are provided to guests at no cost. We require a $100 refundable deposit to hold the reservation space. The deposit is returned to guests when they arrive. We cook all the food and do all the clean-up for each guest.
Can I bring my baby or my children?
Retreats are designed for REST. Generally, there is not a lot of rest for parents with children present. The time is designed to be with the Lord, pray, read, sleep. We find this works best without the presence of children. Also, this is not fair to other guests who will be sharing the space.
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, no pets are allowed. We are very sensitive to all our guests, especially those who may have allergies. We do not allow pets in the house or on the property.
I have a special diet. Can you accommodate that?
We will ask you questions in advance about your diet and make every effort to accommodate your needs. We will always have fresh fruits and vegetables available. If you feel you need to supplement what we provide, a refrigerator is available for common use by all the guests.
Are there stairs in your facility?
Yes, we have some bedrooms and meeting rooms on a lower level in the retreat house. However, if we know in advance that stairs are an issue, we will place you in a main floor suite and all activities and meals will be provided on the ground floor of the house. We have ramps in and our of our entrances.