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Who Chooses Us & Why

We’ve transformed a 146-acre former dairy farm into a welcoming retreat space with areas where groups may gather and connect. These include a large dining room, a separate meeting house that can be used for yoga or movement classes, quilting, crafting and art sessions, or even business meetings. Additionally, our outdoor pavilion, labyrinth meditation garden, and walking trails invite guests to explore the beauty and diversity of our natural setting.

Why Choose Us

Peaceful Location

The concept of inns has changed over time. What was once a halting place for a caravan became a place of shelter where you could rest, enjoy a meal, and share in conversation and connection. The most important adventure human beings undertake is that of their own life’s journey. Modern culture does not make it easy for us to halt the caravan of our own existence. We often lack both the space and the time to reflect on where we have been and where we are going. Our inn offers a counterbalance to the fast pace and pervasive effects of technology. Nestled on 146 acres in the Manistee National Forest, the Inn’s peaceful surroundings will weaken your cellular signal but strengthen your connection to nature from the moment you pass through our front gate.

Space to Connect

Our inn is well suited to serve those looking for a gathering place for a small group retreat.  Our most frequent types of retreat guests include those who want to hold or be a part of:
-A spiritual retreat
-A yoga retreat
-A meditation retreat
-A creative retreat, such as a quilting, arts and crafts, or a writing retreat 
-A “read and feed” book club retreat: a weekend getaway centered on reading, shared meals, lively discussion, and time to relax together 

Well-Prepared Food

Enjoying well-prepared food is one of the joys of life.  From yoga practitioners to quilters, people come to the Rustic Gate to do their creative work, to walk amidst the beauty of the land, and to eat.  Once they have had the Rustic Gate experience they are drawn back by many things, but most especially the food.  We design unique menus that showcase scratch cooking with in-season and organic foods whenever possible, while meeting each group’s needs with respect to food allergies and dietary restrictions.  From herbs in our own garden to fruits and vegetables from the Amish farmers in neighboring communities, we  source as much of our food locally as we can. We strive to create healthy and delicious meals that let the flavors of the best ingredients shine. 

Upcoming Events

November

14 – 17

Pia Brown Quilting Retreat

 

December

 

January

16 – 19

Sable Quilting Retreat