Minnesota is one of the most northern states in the United States, second only to Alaska. Minnesota is also one of the Great Lakes States and is bordered to the northeast by Lake Superior. The state has four distinct regions, each with a unique landscape. The southwest region is comprised of rolling prairie grasslands, the southeast is mainly broadleaf forest and the northeast area is a mixed forest. The northwest region of Minnesota is made up of a mixture of tall grass prairie land, woodland and meadow wetlands. Minnesota’s climate is as extreme and varied as its landscape, with hot summers and bitterly cold winters. This great diversity of climate and land make Minnesota a great place for a wide range of activities all year long. There is a vast array of winter sports available during the long snowy months, like snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, ice-climbing and ice-fishing. The warmer months are perfect for taking advantage of the beautiful state parks for camping and hiking or the waters of Lake Superior for water-skiing, fishing and boating.
Some points of interest for Christian groups include:
Churches of St.Paul- Known as “The Saintly City,” St. Paul, Minnesota is home to many beautiful and historic places of worship such as: The Cathedral of St. Paul, Church of St. Agnes and St. John’s Church
Father Baraga’s Cross– Father Baraga, nicknamed the “Snowshoe Priest” made a wooden cross as an offering of thanks for a safe landing after a difficult crossing of Lake Superior. The spot is now marked by a beautiful granite cross at the mouth of the Cross River.
State Parks- Minnesota is rich in parkland that is perfect for camping and outdoor adventures. Bear Head Lake State Park, Glacial Lakes State Park and Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park are just a few places that offer picnicking, geocaching and cave and mine tours.
Minnesota is a great place for adult retreats and youth camps. The variety of landscape and the distinct seasons make it perfect for year-round adventure. Minnesota is sure to offer a thrilling experience for every taste.
The best camp and retreat venues in Minnesota are:
| Name | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Sandy Camp & Retreat Center | 52511 185th Place McGregor, Minnesota 55760-4590 | (218) 426-3389 | http://www.bigsandycamp.com |
| Camp JIM | 1026 Camp Jim Road SW Pillager, Minnesota 56473-2225 | (218) 829-6767 | http://campjim.org |
| Camp Lebanon | 1205 Acorn Rd Burtrum, Minnesota 56318 | (320) 573-2125 | http://www.camplebanon.org |
| Camp Nathanael | 39564 Wilbur Way Hinckley, Minnesota 55037 | (888) 869-4334 | http://www.campnathanael.com |
| Camp Oak Hills | 1696 Oak Hills Road SW Bemidji, Minnesota 56601 | (218) 444-4085 | http://www.campoakhills.org |
| Camp Victory | 58212 403rd Avenue Zumbro Falls, Minnesota 55991-9732 | (507) 843-2329 | http://www.campvictory.com |
| Covenant Pines Bible Camp | 43696 245th Place McGregor, Minnesota 55760-5542 | (218) 768-2610 | http://covenantpines.org |
| Green Lake Lutheran Ministries | 9916 Lake Ave South Spicer, Minnesota 56288 | (320) 796-2181 | http://www.gllm.org |
| Inspiration Point | 13207 Inspiration Trail Clitherall, Minnesota 56524 | (218) 998-4572 | http://ipoint.org |
| Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch | 7291 CR 6 SW Stewartville, Minnesota 55976 | (507) 533-4315 | www.ironwoodsprings.com |
| Koronis Ministries | 15752 County Rd. 181 Paynesville, Minnesota 56362-9377 | (320) 243-4544 | www.koronisministries.com |
| Lake Beauty Bible Camp | 25766 Hummingbird Trail Long Prairie, Minnesota 56347-5478 | (320) 732-3218 | http://www.lbbc.com |
| Lake Geneva Christian Center | 605 Birch Ave Alexandria, Minnesota 56308-8514 | (320) 763-3680 | http://www.lakegenevacamp.com |
| Laketrails Base Camp | PO Box 25 Oak Island, Minnesota 56741 | (218) 223-8281 | http://www.laketrails.org |
| Living Word Bible Camp | 36186 Baker Road Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744 | (218) 999-5433 | http://lwbcmn.org |
| Lost Timber Bible Camp | 466 Valley Road Chandler, Minnesota 56122 | (507) 677-2555 | http://www.losttimber.org |
| Miracle Bible Camp | 4389 Timber Drive NE Hackensack, Minnesota 56452 | (218) 682-2714 | http://www.miraclebible.com |
| North Central Camp Cherith Inc. | 32884 Camp Cherith Rd. Frazee, Minnesota 56544-8913 | (218) 334-8454 | http://www.camp-cherith.com |
| Pine Haven Christian Assembly | 16508 State 87 Park Rapids, Minnesota 56470-2698 | (218) 732-9419 | www.pinehavencamp.org |
| Prairie River Camp | 52792 80th St. Bricelyn, MN 56014 | (507) 383-9989 | www.prairierivercamp.org |
| Sand Hill Lake Bible Camp | 1046 250th Ave. Fosston, Minnesota 56542 | (218) 435-6100 | http://www.sandhilllakebiblecamp.com |
| Shamineau Ministries | 2345 Ridge Rd. Motley, Minnesota 56466-0244 | (218) 575-2240 | http://www.shamineau.org |
| Shetek Baptist Camp | 1641 175th Ave. Slayton, Minnesota 56172 | (507) 763-3449 | http://www.campshetek.com |
| Timber Bay Camp & Retreat Center | 18955 Woodland Road Onamia, Minnesota 56359-9542 | (320) 532-3200 | http://www.timberbay.org |
| Trout Lake Camps | 10173 Trout Lake Drive Pine River, Minnesota 56474-2555 | (218) 543-4565 | http://troutlakecamps.org |