Resting upon a bluff, Saint John Retreat Center - Rickert Lodge overlooks Christian Valley and the Mississippi River.  It provides a wonderful gathering place for retreats, worship and fellowship.
 

The vision for an outdoor and retreat ministry began with the gift of the Rickert family farm in 2000.  This 140 acre farm, with 40 acres of woods, provides a wonderful sanctuary for an individual or group to experience and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Although the primary use of the lodge is for the ministries and members of Saint John, we believe our mission is one of sharing our blessings so that others might grow in their faith.  The Rickert Lodge is designed for group retreats, worship, and fellowship.  We welcome and invite others to utilize this wonderful outdoor sanctuary.

Whether you hike the trails or sit on a chair under our porch, you will be surrounded with a sense of peace and tranquility as you listen to the sounds of nature.

Our lodge's main gathering area (40'x40') has room to seat 60 comfortably. The loft (30'x40') provides additional space for group breakouts, and dining.  Our spacious kitchen may be used to prepare your gathering's meals, or you may choose to have your meals catered locally.  

The Rickert Lodge fully heated and air conditioned and is available year around for gatherings, retreats and worship. 

We maintain the drive and parking lot in the winter months to insure accessibility.  The facility is well insulated and heated, with a working fireplace and an abundance of wood.

Currently, overnight retreats are only a possibility if you are willing to spread a sleeping bag on the floor of our loft or pitch a tent. The lodge has no showers, but is equipped with two indoor bathrooms.

Saint John Retreat Center offers several easy hiking trails, 2 campfire areas with outdoor grilling, a Labyrinth for a quiet place meditate and pray, a sand volleyball court, and plenty of open space for a quiet place to get way, for group activities and tent camping.