Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go when I arrive?

Upon arrival at the Retreat Center, guests will see three buildings in close proximity. Check-in will be at the front desk of the Youngdahl Lodge, the middle building. A staff member at the front desk will welcome you and direct you to your designated meeting space. View our campus building map here.

What should I pack?

Pack appropriate clothing and toiletries for the purpose of your group’s retreat and the length of your stay. We encourage you to bring essentials for indoor and outdoor recreation, such as a swimsuit or hiking/walking shoes. A journal and water bottle also come in handy when on retreat. The Retreat Center provides sheets, towels, linens, and pillows for your stay.

How do I access the trails?

Walk, run, ski, or snowshoe on our 5 miles of trails. The trails can be accessed at multiple locations on our grounds. Download our trail map to view the trails and decide which you will explore today. View our map of the trails here.

Is there WIFI?

WIFI is available throughout the Youngdahl Lodge, the Cornell House, and the Chapel. The password is posted at the front desk in the Youngdahl Lodge Lobby.

How can I contact the Retreat Center?

You can call us at 952.469.2175. Our office is staffed Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm and Saturday from 8am-1pm. There is always a staff member on call. In case of an emergency, you can reach the on-call manager at 952.201.1663.

Can I bring my pet with me?

Pets are not allowed at the Retreat Center or on the trails. Trained service animals in ADA-specified service are allowed.

Where are meals served?

Meals are served in the Trillium Dining Room on the main floor of the Youngdahl Lodge at the following times (unless other arrangements have been made in advance): 8am Breakfast, 12pm Lunch, and 6pm Dinner. Groups eat meals together while sharing the space of our large dining room with other guests.

What kind of food do you serve?

Most of our food is made from scratch and sourced locally. We have an organic garden on site where we harvest fresh fruit and vegetables during the summer months. We get vegan protein from a vegan deli in Minneapolis. We can accommodate gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs/restrictions. Click here for sample menus.

What is your alcohol policy?

Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center allows limited use of alcoholic beverages on-site when it is programmatically relevant for a group and when doing so will not adversely impact other groups on-site at the same time. Requests for use of alcoholic beverages can be made at the time of booking a retreat.

Can I smoke?

All our buildings are smoke free. Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside each building.