5 of the Best Retreat Centers in New York State
Looking for a retreat center to suit your group needs can be a daunting task with a seemingly endless list of questions to check off…Do they have enough accommodation? What activities are available? Is the food any good? Can we make our own schedule? And so on.
So knowing just how hard it can be to make sure that you find the right location for your group, we have compiled a list of unique and individual retreat centers all across New York State that all offer something pretty special in their own way.
So whether you are looking for beautiful scenery, tons of activities, plenty of accommodation or all of that and then some, we think that you’ll find inspiration and ideas from our list below.
Camp Schodack / Berkshire Retreat Center
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Albany, you’ll find a real gem hidden in the woods. Camp Schodack has been operating as a children’s Summer Camp since the 50s and in that time they have developed a keen understanding of how to create great memories and experiences for all who stay there. Whether it is campers, wedding parties, corporate retreats, religious groups, college athletes or whoever, Schodack can host them all.
Nestled in 60 acres of privately owned woodlands is their 40 acre site complete with accommodation, meeting spaces and a dining facilities all capable of accommodating up 500 people. ON top of that there is huge range of activities available that you would expect from a Summer Camp including horseback riding, go-karts, a 40 ft climbing tower, 7 tennis courts, 2 heated outdoor swimming pools and more.
Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/
Springwater Center
Located an hour south of Rochester, New York, Springwater Center offers silent meditation retreats in a beautiful and spacious facility on 212 acres of country land with streams, meadows, forests, a pond, and miles of walking trails. There are no rituals, required beliefs, or assigned practices.
In the heart of this land is a 12,000 square foot retreat center. The building has 14 guest rooms, a large kitchen and dining area, and a beautiful and spacious sitting room which accommodates up to 45 people. The building also has a library, solarium, and an outdoor area with lovely views for sitting and eating. All meals are vegetarian. The Center is maintained by a full-time staff.
The essence of retreat at Springwater is being together in the simplicity and openness of silent awareness. Attending moment-to-moment to what is happening within and without, in a spirit of wonder, curiosity, and discovery.
Find out more: https://www.springwatercenter.org/
Cobblestone Springs
Cobblestone Springs is an interdenominational retreat/renewal center located in the Finger Lakes Region of rural Upstate New York. Housed in an historic 1840s cobblestone mansion, it overlooks the Seneca Lake valley. Well-kept Mennonite farms surround the property, and horse-and-buggies regularly pass by the house.
Cobblestone Springs is set on 16 mostly wooded acres with a large front porch, a patio garden, a screened gazebo, an outdoor chapel, and trails with benches in quiet places for prayer and reflection. Our facilities include two formal parlors for gatherings of 10 to 15 people, overnight retreat accommodations for three people, and a library filled with a variety of spiritual reading. Cobblestone Springs regularly offers programs related to spirituality, community, and ecology. Its facilities are also available for individuals or groups. Meals can be provided by prior arrangement.
Find out more: https://cobblestonesprings.org/
The Garrison Institute
Perched above the Hudson River about 50 miles north of New York City—on the east bank of the river across from West Point—the Garrison Institute is nestled in the hills of a landscape made famous in 19th century Hudson River School paintings.
The 93-acre area surrounding the Institute still looks like a Hudson River School painting today, but it might have been otherwise. Supporting the call of local conservationists, the Institute’s founders rescued what was then a run-down Capuchin monastery from destruction to make way for a proposed large-scale real estate development.
Since 2003, over 60,000 people have participated in our retreats and programs. They come together to engage in deep reflection, cultivate wisdom and compassion, connect more deeply with others, and seek answers for today’s most pressing questions.
Find out more: https://www.garrisoninstitute.org/
Skye Farm
Our site boasts over 400 wooded acres with a gorgeous view of Sherman Lake. In addition to providing facilities for groups to conduct their own retreats, meetings, worship services, and programs, we can assist with program planning, guide groups through our low ropes course, conduct retreats and workshops, lead singing and games, and provide leadership for activities.
Skye Farm operates year round. Spring brings warm days amid breathtaking blossoms of Lily of the Valley, fresh wild strawberries in the early summer, and the scent of pine trees, perfect weather for a canoe ride, fishing along the river. In summer our fields are filled with the laughter of children at summer camp, and stargazing. The days are pleasant and the nights are comfortable for our Summer Programs and Retreats. Fall gives way to crisp days of Adirondack vistas of autumn colors and the opportunity to gather around the campfire. Whatever the season, Skye Farm a beautiful place to be.