La Salle Retreat Center

La Salle Retreat Center is a Catholic retreat center located on 180 acres of beautiful wooded grounds southwest of St. Louis, Missouri. Founded by the Christian Brothers in 1886, it offers a peaceful setting for retreats, workshops, and spiritual reflection. The site features historic buildings, grottos, and well-maintained facilities that have been continuously upgraded. Learn more about the grounds and services.

La Salle Retreat Center, established in 1886 by the Christian Brothers, is a Catholic retreat center nestled on 180 acres of serene, wooded land just southwest of St. Louis, Missouri. The site has a rich history, originally serving as an orphanage and later as a training ground for young men becoming Christian Brothers. Today, it provides a tranquil environment for individuals and groups seeking spiritual growth, reflection, and community events.

The retreat center offers a variety of facilities, including overnight accommodations, meeting spaces, dining areas, and outdoor grottos. The grounds are known for their beauty and include shrines, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Recent improvements have enhanced the buildings and infrastructure, with ongoing efforts to preserve and modernize the historic campus about our facilities.

La Salle is open year-round and welcomes groups of all faiths for retreats, workshops, conferences, and youth programs. The staff is committed to providing excellent hospitality, and the on-site kitchen prepares meals that have been praised for their quality and variety. Visitors often describe the experience as 'holy ground,' emphasizing the peaceful and reflective atmosphere read more.

Facilities include:

• Meeting spaces ranging from intimate to large conference rooms
• Overnight accommodations with simple sleeping rooms
• Gymnasium and recreational areas
• Outdoor grottos and shrines, including the historic Lourdes Grotto (dedicated in 1891) and St. Joseph Grotto
• On-site chapel and dining services

The retreat center also hosts community events, such as the Community Garden program, which offers in-ground plots for gardening enthusiasts event details. While specific service times are not listed on the website, visitor reviews mention ACTS retreats and days of reflection as common offerings. The staff and volunteers are frequently praised for their welcoming and helpful nature, contributing to the overall sense of peace and hospitality at La Salle.

La Salle Retreat Center in Wildwood, Missouri, offers a serene Catholic retreat experience on 180 acres of wooded grounds. Founded in 1886 by the Christian Brothers, the site blends historic charm with modernized facilities, creating a welcoming space for spiritual reflection, workshops, and community gatherings. First-time visitors will notice the peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained grottos and shrines, and the staff's commitment to hospitality.

Pros

• The retreat center provides overnight accommodations, meeting spaces, and outdoor grottos for diverse gatherings.
• Recent facility upgrades and ongoing improvements enhance comfort and accessibility.
• On-site dining is praised for quality and variety, supporting group retreats and events.
• The grounds include a historic Lourdes Grotto and St. Joseph Grotto, offering scenic spots for prayer and reflection.
• A range of programs, from ACTS retreats to days of reflection, caters to spiritual growth and community engagement.
• The campus hosts year-round events, including the Community Garden program, fostering connection with nature and local activities.

Cons

• Service times for spiritual programs are not clearly listed on the website, requiring direct inquiries for details.
• Some visitors have reported past issues with temperature control in facilities during colder months, though improvements are ongoing.
• The website lacks specific information about accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs.
• While the site is open to all faiths, the Catholic-focused programming may be less relevant for those seeking interfaith or non-denominational options.
• The remote location southwest of St. Louis may present travel challenges for those unfamiliar with the area.
• Facility upgrades are ongoing, which could occasionally affect the availability or condition of certain spaces during visits.