clearwater forest

Facilities

Clearwater Forest has wonderful retreat facilities for family reunions, church retreats, youth gatherings and more. From modern Leaning Tree to our historic English country manor, Eagle Lodge, our summer cabins and campgrounds, we have a facility to meet your needs. Please contact us for more information on how to book your next retreat. We’d love to give you a tour and show you our beautiful site.

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    Call our office at: (218) 678-2325

Retreat Facilities

Eagle Lodge

A stately English stone manor home on the edge of Clearwater Lake, Eagle Lodge is the perfect setting for a small retreat group, family reunion or gathering of friends.

Leaning Tree Lodge

Named after the iconic Clearwater Lake leaning tree, this wood-sided lodge is the perfect space for family reunions, weddings, conferences and retreats of all sizes.

Carriage House

We are now offering this charming four-bedroom house to families or small retreats. Available year-round except during the summer programming period.

Private Cabins

Hermitage

A cozy cabin, tucked in the beautiful forest away from noise and distraction, the hermitage is intended for year around solo retreats and offers a serene setting for solitude and renewal.

Woodchuck

A cozy cabin intended for seasonal solo or couple retreats, Woodchuck is located adjacent to Grouse Circle, not far from the bathhouse. It also has an insulated outhouse nearby.

Seasonal Facilities

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Grouse Circle Campground

One of Clearwater’s best-kept secrets is our beautiful camping area, Grouse Circle.

Grouse Circle located close to the central camp area features 15 camp sites – five electric, and two pull-through also electrified. Each site has its own picnic table and fire pit with a nearby bathhouse with flush toilets and showers. A laundry facility is also available. Grouse Circle has a centrally located fire pit perfect for large group gatherings. An adjacent firewood shelter is well-stocked for your family campfires each night. We request a donation for stocking the wood. At the edge of Grouse Circle, there are two family-friendly cabins: Bear and Raccoon. These simple cabins have electricity and 12 beds each. Also nearby are two personal retreat cabins – Woodchuck and the Hermitage providing a comfortable and secluded setting for solo or couple get-a-ways.

All campground guests may use the swimming beach and canoes or sit-on-top kayaks at the Leaning Tree Beach. Campers may also bring your own watercraft, however they must be launched from the public access at the north side of Clearwater Lake.

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Loon Point Campground

Loon Point is situated on the shores of Clearwater Lake; the 13 rustic campsites on Loon Point are a favorite for many who like a more primitive camping experience. Hearing the call of the loon just yards away from your tent, nestled among the pines and maples, you can be sure to feel detached from the routine of everyday life in this camping area! There are sites perfect for incredible sunsets or sunrises depending on your preference.

Loon Point is one mile south of the central area of Clearwater Forest Camp. A screened pavilion with an indoor cooking area and picnic tables to seat 35 is centrally located. Outside is a large fire pit with benches perfect for large group gatherings. An adjacent firewood shelter is well-stocked for your family campfires each night. We request a donation for stocking the wood. Two sets of recently renovated outhouses are available or you may use the bathhouse/shower facilities at Grouse Circle. There is a hand-operated pump for water and each site has its own picnic table and fire pit. Two docks are available for fishing with boat access on both sides of the point. Four canoes and life jackets are provided for your enjoyment.

All campground guests may use the swimming beach and canoes or sit-on-top kayaks at the Leaning Tree Beach. Campers may also bring your own watercraft, however they must be launched from the public access at the north side of Clearwater Lake.

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Summer Cabins

Nine summer cabins are nestled in the woods, around the Galilee Pavilion and the River Jordan Bathhouse. Each cabin sleeps 14 in rustic bunk beds and includes a changing area and screened porch. Named after the local birds making their homes on the Clearwater Forest property, the cabins are suitable for three-season use.

coming soon!

a new retreat facility

Many of you have heard we had to lay our beloved Osprey House to rest last summer because of safety concerns. We are currently working on plans to build a replacement building with a multifunctional retreat and meeting space.

Our architect’s rendering – tour of the proposed facility to replace Osprey House.

latest facilites news

conservation easement

The Board of Directors of Presbyterian Clearwater Forest is pleased to announce that Clearwater has completed the agreement with the Minnesota Department of Revenue to place the northern, rustic part of our property into a perpetual conservation easement in exchange for $1,663,620. This agreement, which was approved by all five governing bodies of Clearwater Forest, does not limit our ability to have trails for mountain biking and cross-country skiing or using it for wilderness camping programs.

We were well into negotiations for this easement prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the funds ($850,000) received from the easement will be permanently placed in the Clearwater Conservation Easement Endowment Fund with the earned income going to the annual budget each year. Part of the easement ($650,000) will be used as a bridge loan to the capital campaign to allow us to break ground on the needed renovations to Hallett Hall. After covering about $3,000 of legal and filing fees, the balance of $160,000 will be used to cover some of the losses due to the pandemic.

When we first realized the possibility of not having summer programs, the question was raised, “What new possibilities does this give us?” This question and the availability of easement funds opened up the possibility of beginning the renovations to the dining hall during this time when we don’t have guests at camp. The original budget for the Hallett Hall renovation was $1,200,000 but we have reduced that to under $800,000 and will be using volunteer workgroups to help with some of the interior parts of the redesign. If you have a potential workgroup interested in coming to Clearwater in fall (pandemic orders allowing), please contact Lance@clearwaterforest.org.


clearwater forest

labyrinth

An ancient meditative practice, walking the labyrinth provides clarity of mind, a peaceful setting to hear God’s voice, and the opportunity to unwind from life’s daily stresses and pressures. It is not a maze; there is one way in and out. The labyrinth at Clearwater Forest is patterned after the medieval design on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. Using rocks from the forest and lake, staff painstakingly built the labyrinth.

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