Yoga Play Retreat
September 24 - 27, 2026
Hillman, MN
The world can feel heavy. Sometimes even the things that we know make us feel good can be out of reach, hard to be consistent with, or feel like a burden. After years of offering retreats that were fun and light, but also full of serious work — I decided that this year I needed to offer something different. What I need, right now, and for all of 2026 is more play.
Babies play to learn. Most of us in school made the transition to learning to play. Adults? We don’t get enough play. It can renew our hearts and minds, it can help us find the will to do the stuff that is good for us. It can help making friends and connections so much easier.
Join me for a long weekend of connection and play! Where there will be lots of options to play the way you like, try something new, and we’ll even have some actual workshops to 1) understand play’s role in human development 2) what makes play so great 3) the roll of play in the science of happiness and 4) how to get more into your life at home.
Great people, great food, a nice place to stay, and (BONUS!) a lower price tag than last year.
Seriously. Lower. For a 4 day, 3 night retreat! There are 11 rooms that can be one person, or two people shared rooms. The shared price is lower. It’s just a matter of whether you know anyone you are willing to share a king sized bed with.
Get the details and get you (and your friend) registered ASAP!
Our retreat home this year is a former monastery on a small lake not far from Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.
Yoga and Meditation
In a dedicated space for yoga, adjacent to the Sun Room, both overlooking the beautiful lake.
Sun room lake view
A game room to play in.
A play room to game in
Creative space to bring your craft. Do a puzzle. Play a board game. Journal. Be inspired. Be.
Pickle ball or
dance hall?
Delicious meals.
The delicious food is focused on whole and wholesome ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian options with occasional optional meat. Other dietary needs can be accommodated with advanced notice.
All meals, from Dinner on Thursday to Breakfast on Sunday, are included. Plus a few snacks and treats.
Airy rooms with king sized bed, for 1 or 2 guests.
Gorgeous outdoor spaces.
The fine print - this is NOT a hotel stay. The space will be entirely occupied by our party, there is no “staff’ just your hostess and some generous attendees helping out. You will be expected to put your dishes in the dishwasher. Clean up after yourself, etc. Nothing major, just the common courtesy stuff.
All the details
Price: $875 for one person (solo) king bed room, $675 each for two person (shared) king bed room, until April 1, 2026. Then prices will go up to $975 and $775.
Dates: Thursday, September 24, 4 p.m. - Sunday, September 27, 11 a.m.
Location: Hillman Retreat House, in Hillman, MN - on Bulldog Lake. It is about 1 hour 45 minutes North of Minneapolis, mostly on highway 169. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is a 19 minute drive away, and Grand Casino Mille Lacs is a 16 minute drive.
Food: Meals included - dinner Thursday through breakfast Sunday (option to add lunch Sunday). Food is cooked fresh on site, from fresh whole and wholesome foods, Special diets and dietary needs can and will be accommodated with advance notice.
Accommodations: Airy rooms with king sized bed, shared bathrooms in the hall.
What we will do:
Thursday: Welcome, settle in. Introductions. Dinner. A little yoga, a little fun and games.
Friday: Optional morning Yoga Asana practice. Breakfast. Free time. Workshop. Lunch. Free time. Yoga. Dinner. Evening activity.
Saturday: Optional morning Yoga Asana practice. Breakfast. Free time. Workshop. Lunch. Free time. Yoga. Dinner. Evening activity.
Sunday: Morning gathering. Breakfast. Packing and tidying. Closing circle. Departure.
What to bring: Clothes you want to wear to hang out, practice yoga, go outside. Clothes for the sauna, if you plan to use it. Your toiletries, vitamins, medications. Yoga mat and other yoga props you like to use, like blocks, bolster, blanket(s), strap, eye pillow, sleep mask. Your reusable water bottle. Flashlight. Flip flops and walking shoes.
What to leave at home: Worries. Adult beverages. Recreational drugs. Food (we will be fed, and we don’t want to invite critters into our sleeping spaces). Fireworks.
Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot ASAP. The button below will take you to a reservation page, once you submit that, you will go to the payment page. Your reservation is not 100% complete until your payment is submitted.
Cancellation Policy - Please note that if you need to cancel your registration after 8/24/2026, a refund will only be given if your spot can be filled.