Self-Directed Retreats
We welcome groups who would like to run their own programming to use our space for a Self-Directed Retreat. Our staff is happy to give an advance tour of the building for retreat leaders so you can plan ahead for how you will use the space. Staff will also be available to welcome the retreat group on the first day of your retreat, give a short history of the Darst Center, and answer any questions. The Darst Center is located in the West Lawn neighborhood, steps away from Midway Airport, with with free street parking on surrounding blocks. The Center has two large meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, a full-sized traditonal chapel, and a dining room for up to 60 people. There are 19 individual sleeping rooms, each with their own attached bathroom. Each sleeping room has both a full sized bed for individual adult retreats as well as a bunk bed for student retreats. Sleeping three people per room, we can accommodate a maximum of 57 overnight guests. Self-directed groups provide their own meals during the retreat. Food can be ordered in or cooked on the premises. There is a small grocery store across the street. With Midway airport very close by, there are many local and chain restaurants in the area. The Center is within walking distance of the CTA Orange Line and is about 10 miles from Chicago's downtown.
Self-directed groups have the following covered in our rates:
- use of building and two large meetings rooms, including a TV and laptop;
- kitchen facilities, including all dishware, cookware, and a dishwasher;
- one refrigerator and freezer to store food;
- linens, blankets, and towels for each guest in bedrooms
Click the link below to see our current rates. Contact Danny Warwick, our Program Director, to see availability.