Custom workshops for individuals or small groups can be created and held at Vision Quest’s TRADE RIVER RETREAT CENTER located 20 miles north of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, a scenic and relaxing 90 minute drive from the Twin Cities. This beautiful, very private, north woods setting rests on the banks of the Trade River, a designated protected waterway.
The river, with its clear water, shallow depth, strong current and sand bottom, makes a great location for photo shoots. The grounds are kept in a natural state and the workshop center itself has been built not only for maximum energy efficiency, but also with much care in providing a safe, non-toxic, all natural environment. There is a small Japanese garden, walking paths and numerous artistic details to awaken your creativity and provide photographic inspiration.
At the TRADE RIVER RETREAT CENTER delicious, healthy meals are prepared from fresh organic or locally sourced ingredients and served in a casual relaxed setting. After dinner gather around the fire pit with a glass of wine to discuss the days events, journal in the screen porch on the bank of the river, sit inside by the wood stove or relax and detoxify in the wood-fired sauna.
The facilities are rustic but not primitive, with full amenities. Comfortable indoor sleeping facilities are provided with several sleeping options available including a private bedroom with shared bathroom. There is also a separate hand-built log cabin on the premises with a large fireplace and sleeping loft with outdoor balcony. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring a sleeping bag; linens, blankets and pillows provided. If more private accommodations are desired, there are several local motels that are very modestly priced, or you may bring your own tent.
Directions and a ‘what to bring’ list and will be sent upon receipt of registration.
To view a list of ‘Activities’ that you can participate in while at the TRADE RIVER RETREAT CENTER click here.
See some student photography from the retreat center.
Student testimonials:
“One of my favorite moments of all this past year is when we stayed up late around the fire at Vision Quest. You have created a beautiful and thought provoking place to take a deep breath.” — Natasha D’Schommer, Minneapolis, MN
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“One of my favorite moments of all this past year is when we stayed up late around the fire at Vision Quest. You have created a beautiful and thought provoking place to take a deep breath.” — Natasha D’Schommer, Minneapolis, MN
“I find myself taking photographs that perhaps I never would have taken before. Emotional content has improved. The freedom to fail and courage to create are as strong now as in the first days of picking up a camera. NEW JUICES FLOW! I have more patience behind the ground glass, if I can’t feel it I shouldn’t shoot it, the emulsion is becoming my best friend. I wonder where it will lead me and try to remain open as possible to the journey.” — Brian Droege, Minneapolis, MN
“I really gained a wealth of information that will help me throughout my photography career.” — Alli Jagoda, Minneapolis, MN
“I just returned from your lovely spot in the Wisconsin woods, where we had a spectacular weekend. Today we canoed on the St Croix River where the water was abundant, the rapids fun and the weather absolutely perfect. Back at your place Connor loved exploring in the river and we even caught six or seven fish, including a decent sized small mouth bass. They were all returned without harm to their home. We picked raspberries along your driveway and watched a big snapping turtle burrow in the sand and a large turkey vulture land nearby. On the St Croix we saw a mature eagle, a deer and a fawn drinking from the river and very few other people.” — Chris Polydoroff, Lauderdale, MN
“Thank you for a wonderful weekend at Vision Quest. It was everything I had hoped it would be: adventurous, relaxing, nurturing, challenging, and gorgeous weather to boot.” — Bonnie Butler Brown, San Francisco, CA
“I want to say thank you for the portfolio workshop. It was so relaxing and at the same time invigorating. I loved talking to the others and also viewing the work on display. I hope that our paths will cross again.” — Bruce Nimmer, Minneapolis, MN
“I took some of the best photographs of my life and discovered things inside of me that I didn’t know were there. I feel like you can easily, honestly and gently point out many of the emotional blocks keeping me from making photographs. I don’t want to make excuses and I want to create work that is true to myself, and I feel like you’re a great catalyst.” — Sarah Rust-Sampedro, Minneapolis, MN 2008
“You and your staff went out of your way to help me get the most out of the workshop. I also want to compliment you on the meals that were prepared and the unique facility in general. Your retreat center location is artfully inspiring. The lodging was peaceful and comfortable. Maybe next time I will try and brave it outdoors in the tipi. I’m a creature of comforts…and I was delighted with your rustic ambience. The food was fantastic. I loved it all—the vegetarian burritos, fresh salad creations, ral lemonade and the cook-out was great. You have done an exceptional job of offering courses in an unparalleled setting. I will be back for more!” — Peggy Lauritsen, Minneapolis, MN
“They say that if you can touch one person in a lifetime... I feel as though I might have been fondled.” — Jamey Guy, Minneapolis, MN
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Trade River Retreat Center
13911 Oeltjen RD, Andersen Township WI. 7 miles south of Grantsburg, WI.
Retreat Center phone: 751-488-2245. PDF Directions. Go to Mapquest.
For more information:
Please contact Doug at doug@douglasbeasley.com, or view this Activities PDF file.