The Shire in the Woods was formerly known as the Dwelling in the Woods. It was founded in 1989 by three Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with a vision of creating a place where people can spend time quieting the mind and opening heart and spirit. They recognized the need for individuals living in a modern, fast paced society to be able to retreat to a quiet, nurturing place, thus replenishing the soul and deepening their connection with self, nature, and the universe. They settled upon a lot of 120 acres, a log house, and a sauna.

Over 20 years later, the grounds have expanded considerably. The Shire is located inside the Solana State Forest along the Soo Line Trail.

Enjoy wooded solitude and hiking on the groomed trails, meditate while walking the Labyrinth or in the Octagon, enjoy time around a campfire, read or relax in front of a fireplace. Enjoy cross country skiing, bird watching, snowshoeing, mountain biking, or horseback riding on the trails.

Spend time in the sauna or the octagon library. There are 7 unique, year round places which are equipped with many of the accouterments of home along with fireplaces. Buildings range from an entire house that sleeps 12, a large vaulted multipurpose octagon building, to a cozy one room cabin.

The Shire can serve your family, friends, hold your next retreat, facilitate meetings, host weddings, professional development events, and more!

Whatever your event, we will work with you to best serve your needs.

Average Cost: $ - $$    See Website rate page for details. Food is not provided at this time, but all of the needed equipment and utensils to prepare food are provided for in each dwelling. Some basic foodstuffs are provided. Some of the cottages have full kitchens. Children 17 and under stay for free. There are special rates for large groups (a large group is 5 or more adults).
Work Exchange: Yes!
Some tasks included in work exchange would be general gardening, grounds care, trail upkeep, animal care, and wood cutting. Call for more details.

Environment: Lake / Pond, Rural, Rustic, Woods

Gay Friendly: Yes!

Special Needs: Wheelchair Access

Pet Friendly: Yes!

Environmentally Sustainable: Yes!
We organically grow some of our food. We compost all of organic and animal waste (horses). Recycling is key throughout the complex. We use off peak electric to heat our buildings during the colder months.

Room Types: Cottage / Cabin

Total Number of Rooms: 34

Children OK: Yes!

Meal Availability: Available Nearby, Kitchen - Private