Our unique Center features a mixture of historic as well as newly constructed facilities that can provide lodging for 162+ and meal service for 200+. We have a variety of comfortable, modern lodging facilities including rooms with private baths, dormitory with shared bath and a 5-BR, 3 bath historic lodge. There are also rustic accommodations in our log cabin, yurt or campground.

Here at ACNW, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and have drastically reduced our reliance on fossil fuel energy sources with a variety of green energy sources including:

geoexchange heat pump system

solar PV arrays

solar hot water heating

solar air heat

a wind generator

In addition, we have made extensive energy conservation improvements throughout the Center and our food service is based on scratch-cooking with a focus on locally grown or organic items. We are proud to set an example of sustainability by undertaking these conservation and efficiency measures and alternative energy installations. By choosing ACNW for your next conference or retreat, you are making a green choice and helping us to foster a philosophy and culture of environmental stewardship.

Our kitchen staff provides delicious scratch-cooked meals throughout the day for visiting groups as well as customized banquet menus, prepared fresh to satisfy every palate. Each meal is served buffet style and offers a variety of exceptional cuisine, including vegetarian options, with a focus on locally grown or organic items, as well as fruit, salad bar and bread.

Combine our fantastic meals with our beautiful lakeside dining hall and you’ve got a truly enjoyable dining experience. Our dining hall seats 200 people comfortably and has the most appealing setting with many windows that makes you feel a part of the great outdoors even on winter days, when the huge stone fireplace keeps everyone cozy. When more than one group is visiting at the same time, meal times are usually staggered to make serving more efficient.

An assortment of meeting spaces, large and small, are available at ACNW, ranging from our large dining hall and beautiful Crosby Lounge to indoor classrooms and dispersed classroom facilities spread throughout the Center’s property such as a yurt, wildlife classroom and log cabin classroom. There is also a variety of outdoor class areas around our campus. Our modern facilities can accommodate groups of any size – from large meetings of 200+ to small groups and breakout sessions.

ACNW is available to host your group’s meeting, conference, retreat, reunion or getaway. The quiet beauty of nature that surrounds us on our 535-acre lakeside sanctuary, our central location, year-round facilities and range of offerings at the Center makes us the ideal venue for conferences, meetings and gatherings, large or small.

Situated on over 535 serene acres on the shores of Grindstone Lake near Sandstone, we have over 7 miles of trails through a variety of habitat, including old growth forest, managed forest, wetlands, and restored prairie. Our unique site provides a wonderful setting for your meeting or gathering; quiet and secluded, surrounded only by the soothing sounds and sights of the Minnesota outdoors.