Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Spring Grove, MN, Big Raven Farm offers a one-of-a-kind retreat experience that focuses on rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re looking to deepen your yoga practice, explore your creativity through art, or indulge in delicious meals prepared by an on-site chef, our retreats are designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and focus on self-care. Discover what makes Big Raven Farm the perfect destination for a transformative retreat experience in Minnesota.
Yoga Retreats That Restore Mind and Body
At Big Raven Farm, our yoga retreats offer something for everyone, whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner. Led by a variety of skilled instructors, each retreat is designed to help you reconnect with your body, find inner peace, and deepen your yoga practice. Whether you're focusing on mindfulness, strength, or flexibility, our instructors tailor each class to meet the needs of the group and offer personal guidance to enhance your experience.
Our retreats take place in a tranquil, natural setting that invites relaxation and mindfulness. With different styles of yoga offered throughout the year, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative practices, you'll have the opportunity to explore various approaches and find what resonates with you most. Our instructors bring their unique expertise and passion for yoga, ensuring each retreat is a journey of self-discovery, relaxation, and renewal.
Creativity Unleashed: Art Retreats for the Soul
At Big Raven Farm, our art retreats are a sanctuary for creativity, offering a space where your imagination can flourish. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your creative journey, our retreats are designed to help you reconnect with your artistic self in an environment that fosters self-expression, exploration, and growth.
Led primarily by Joleen Emery, with occasional co-facilitators who specialize in a variety of artistic disciplines, our art retreats offer a diverse range of experiences. From art journaling and eco-printing to crochet and mixed media collage, there's a retreat to inspire every artist. One of our most popular offerings is the "Pick Your Projects" retreat, where you can choose from a curated list of over 30 projects designed by Joleen. You get to pick the ones that speak to you, learn new techniques, and create meaningful art that reflects your personal journey. You can take a peek at these fun projects here.
Our retreats take place in a peaceful, natural setting, surrounded by the beauty of Big Raven Farm. The serene atmosphere helps you step away from the distractions of daily life and focus entirely on your craft. As you work on your projects, you’ll find new layers of inspiration—whether through the process itself or the gentle rhythm of the farm’s quiet surroundings.
Here, creativity flows freely. Guests often remark how the dedicated time to immerse in their art, away from everyday responsibilities, allows them to rediscover their creative passion and build a deeper connection with their artistic process. By the end of each retreat, you’ll leave with not only completed pieces but a renewed sense of creative freedom, eager to continue your artistic journey long after you’ve returned home.
Savor Every Moment: Cooking Retreats with an On-Site Chef
At Big Raven Farm, food is more than just sustenance—it’s an experience that nourishes both body and soul. Our cooking retreats, led by Darin Warling, our on-site chef, invite guests to immerse themselves in the art of food preparation, offering a unique opportunity to not only enjoy the flavors of the farm but also learn the techniques behind each dish.
Darin, trained in culinary arts and a lifelong food enthusiast, brings a passion for creating meals that are as nourishing as they are indulgent. Each retreat focuses on using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, many of which come directly from our farm, ensuring that every bite is fresh, flavorful, and rooted in the land. Whether you're exploring new recipes, honing your cooking skills, or simply savoring meals prepared with care and intention, each dish becomes an expression of our commitment to quality and the joy of cooking.
During the retreat, you’ll have the chance to participate in hands-on cooking experiences, learning everything from preparing fresh ingredients to plating dishes that delight the senses. Darin’s approach to cooking is all about simplicity and elegance, creating meals that celebrate the natural flavors of each ingredient while maintaining a balance between health-conscious options and indulgent treats. From hearty farm-to-table breakfasts to elegant dinner spreads and decadent desserts, you’ll savor every bite and leave with new skills to recreate the experience at home.
One of the highlights of our cooking retreats is Darin’s attention to detail in meal presentation. He believes that the first taste is with the eyes, and each dish is beautifully plated to elevate the dining experience. It’s not just about cooking—it's about crafting a memorable experience where food becomes a celebration of the senses, connection, and creativity.
But the experience doesn’t end with cooking. Guests often find themselves gathered around the dinner table, enjoying not only the meals but also lively conversation, laughter, and the warmth of community. Whether you’re cooking alongside Darin or simply enjoying meals prepared for you, each moment is infused with care, attention, and a love for good food.
At Big Raven Farm, food isn’t just a necessity—it’s a journey of flavors, learning, and connection. You’ll leave our cooking retreats not only with a deeper appreciation for food but also with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to bring the farm-to-table experience into your own kitchen.
Why Spring Grove, MN, Is the Perfect Location for Your Retreat
Located in the heart of Spring Grove, MN, Big Raven Farm provides the perfect setting for a retreat focused on relaxation and renewal. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, this charming town offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Spring Grove is an idyllic rural retreat town that provides the perfect balance of quiet relaxation and the ability to explore the outdoors. Whether you want to go for a quiet walk on the farm or explore the surrounding nature trails, the area offers plenty of opportunities for peaceful reflection and adventure.
At Big Raven Farm, we’re proud to offer more than just a retreat—we offer a transformative experience that leaves a lasting impression. Our guests often describe their time here as unforgettable, and we’re honored to share this beautiful space with those who visit.
Amy, one of our recent guests, shared how our commitment to creativity, care, and detail far exceeded her expectations, saying, "The connections, creativity, and rejuvenation far exceeded my expectations... it certainly fueled mine!" Jenny, another guest, captured the heart of what Big Raven Farm is all about, describing it as "a place you will want to return to time and again." From our peaceful yoga studio and spacious crafting areas to the unforgettable meals crafted by Darin and the warm connections formed around our dinner table, our retreats are designed to nourish not just your body, but your soul.
Are you ready to experience the magic of Big Raven Farm for yourself? Whether you're looking to relax with yoga, explore your creativity through art, or indulge in farm-fresh meals, we have the perfect retreat for you. Visit our [retreats page] to learn more about the variety of experiences we offer and find the one that resonates with your journey. Join us at Big Raven Farm, where renewal, inspiration, and connection await.