Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a retreat and conference center focused on ecology, spirituality and holistic health. It is nestled in a natural setting of 72 acres of prairie and woodland in Hiawatha, Iowa, just north of Cedar Rapids. Prairiewoods is funded by Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration but is open to people of all faiths and cultures.
Prairiewoods is a place of peace and transformation. We often hear from our guests that Prairiewoods is an oasis in the midst of busy lives and they feel a sense of peace as soon as they turn into our drive. Come see how you can be transformed by:
- a huge variety of programs and retreats to nurture your relationships with the Source of All Being, Earth, Self and Others
- holistic services, such as massage and reflexology
- healthy meals made on-site
lodging for 34 people in our Guest House and for 2 people in our straw-bale Hermitages (small private cottages in the woods) for those participating in Prairiewoods-sponsored programs or programs taking place on Prairiewoods’ grounds
- Wi-Fi enabled meeting spaces for companies and organizations looking to gather for workshops, planning sessions, seminars, retreats and conferences away from daily distractions (accommodating 2 to 70 people)
- free access to 72 acres of quiet nature through walking trails, an outdoor labyrinth, a lending library Media Center with an extensive collection on the environment and a peaceful Meditation Room
Retreat from Daily Life
If you are ready for an extended time (or even an hour) away from the busy-ness of life, we invite you to enter into the sacred rhythms of creation to listen deeply and discover what is emerging in your own life.
You are invited to:
- refresh yourself through the healing energy of Dry Creek flowing lazily throughout the lush woodlands
- breathe in the balm of the gentle, soothing breezes stirring your senses and your soul
- catch your breath when a doe and her fawns gaze up from the stream or peek out from behind the trees
- drink fully from the prairie’s deep quiet, with only the swaying grasses and birdsong as your daily companions
- rise with the sun on a cool morning walk through the Four Winds Food Forest or flower gardens
- enjoy the wholesome food served with simple hospitality and warmth
- renew your bodily spirit with massage, healing touch or reflexology
- enjoy a good read in the Media Center, listen to soothing music while writing in your journal or walk mindfully along the Cosmic Walk through the woods
sip your favorite tea in the last light of the evening sunset from the comfort of the Guest House porch- create a mesmerizing mandala, paint your own soulful portrait or compose a poignant haiku in the inspirational setting of the Art Room
- laze through the day in a sky chair, hammock or lawn chair, or slumber with a favorite poem by the fire in the Lounge
- journey through the labyrinth with the moon and stars as your trusted guides
- pray and give thanks in the Meditation Room
- sleep peacefully—swimming in the deepest pools of your own fertile imagination and dreams—and awake refreshed and energized
- simply be
To learn more about retreating at Prairiewoods, download our printable retreat brochure. To schedule your next retreat, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.