Situated on over 535 serene acres on the shores of Grindstone Lake near Sandstone, we have over 7 miles of trails through a variety of habitat, including old growth forest, managed forest, wetlands, and restored prairie. Our unique site provides a wonderful setting for your meeting or gathering; quiet and secluded, surrounded only by the soothing sounds and sights of the Minnesota outdoors.

We do not allow ATV’s or other motorized recreational vehicles on our property, so you can be assured of a quiet site, where the only sounds you will hear are the lapping of waves on the rocks, wind blowing through the old white pines, or songbirds singing in the treetops.

Open year-round, the beauty of nature and range of facilities and offerings at the Audubon Center of the North Woods makes us the ideal location for a variety of conferences, meetings and gatherings, large or small, including:

Whether you are looking for a location for a short field trip or day-long meeting, have a weekend retreat needing meals and lodging, want to schedule a company party or banquet, or need to rent the entire center for a larger group, the Audubon Center of the North Woods provides a conveniently located, affordable and natural setting for your group or event.

Download our Conference & Retreat
Center brochure

For current pricing, to get a quote for your event or to check availability, please email our Reservations Coordinator at:
reservations@audubon-center.org

Lodging & Meeting Space

We have a variety of lodging facilities
including rooms with private baths,
dormitory with shared bath and a 5-BR, 3 bath historic lodge - for a total on-site lodging capacity for 160 people. An assortment of meeting spaces, large and small, are available throughout the Center, ranging from our large dining hall and beautiful Crosby Lounge to indoor classrooms and dispersed classroom facilities spread throughout the Center's property such as a yurt, wildlife classroom and log cabin classroom.
Click here for more information>>>

Dining & Banquet Facilities

The main Dining Hall seats 200 people comfortably and has the most appealing setting with many windows overlooking the lake that makes you feel a part of the great outdoors even on winter days, when the fabulous stone fireplace keeps everyone cozy. The dining hall also features dance floor, pull-down screens and AV equipment. Click here for more information>>>

Programming
& Free Time Activities

Our trained staff can provide programs for your group, if desired. Options include team-building and team challenge low ropes course, high ropes/zip line, climbing wall, birds of prey presentations (with our education raptors), and a variety of naturalist programs.Click here for more information>>>

'Green' Conference and Retreat Center

The Audubon Center of the North Woods is a proud leader in renewable energy. We have implemented a great variety of renewable energy sources including a geo-thermal heat pump system, 9 solar photovoltaic arrays, solar hot water heating, solar air heat, and a wind generator. With these changes the Center has drastically reduced its dependence of fossil fuel sources of energy and proudly sets an example of what can be done to lessen our human impact of this earth. Click here to learn more about our renewable energy systems>>.

In addition to our renewable energy systems, we strive to utilize earth-friendly cleaning products, focus on seasonal/local and organic foods, use 100% post-consumer waste office paper, have a composting and ort (food waste education) system in place, and are constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact in our day to day operations.