By Joleen

At Big Raven Farm, every retreat meal is crafted with care—and Chef Darin is the heart behind it all. In this Q&A, he shares his approach to cooking with the seasons, his passion for locally sourced ingredients, and how he creates meals that nourish both body and soul.

There’s a feeling you get when you step onto the land at Big Raven Farm—something in your shoulders softens. Your breath slows. You remember what it feels like to be instead of do. Our guests have tried to describe it: peaceful, magical, restorative, creative, cozy. But perhaps the most telling description of all? “Already dreaming of going back.” Again and again, people return to Big Raven Farm—and they rarely come alone. They bring sisters, best friends, book clubs, healthcare teams, and retreat communities. They return not just for the beauty, or the meals, or the yoga—but because something inside them changed,...

Discover how group art retreats foster creativity, connection, and personal breakthroughs. Explore why shared artistic experiences at Big Raven Yoga inspire transformation.

  Can a deck of cards really change your life? At Big Raven Farm’s Awaken Your Magic retreat, the answer might just be yes. Held November 20–23, 2025, in the breathtaking driftless region of southeastern Minnesota, this one-of-a-kind retreat weaves together Tarot, Yoga, and Creative Expression into an immersive and deeply personal experience. Whether you're a total beginner or you've dabbled in tarot before, this weekend is designed for curious, open-hearted seekers who want to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and explore what it means to live with more intention. If you’ve been craving rest, creativity, connection, and a sprinkle...

A Fall Weekend of Eco-Printing & Cyanotype at Big Raven Farm September 11–14, 2025 | Spring Grove, Minnesota There’s a moment that happens on the first day of a retreat at Big Raven Farm—it’s quiet, but unmistakable. It happens when the car doors close, the gravel crunches under your feet, and you step out into fresh, clean country air. You take a deep breath, look around, and realize… you’ve arrived. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally. You’ve arrived somewhere soft and sacred. A place where your creative spark will be nurtured and your spirit will finally get the rest it’s...