Mound Ridge Retreat Center — Hotel in St. James

I've been coming to Mound Ridge for about ten years as an adult leader with church youth groups. I've stayed in the newer White Pine and Red Pine cabins at the top of the hill, the Hillside cabins down the hill, Oak Cottage, and in the Lodge. The older cabins and the Lodge have a more rustic feel, but all accommodations are comfortable and cozy. Most of my visits have been in early November. The weather is perfect and the camp staff always makes sure there's a fire burning in the fire pit the entire time we're there. There's a trail system all over Mound Ridge that allows you to explore the hills and get away from everything for a while. Other than the fire pit, my two favorite places to relax are the prayer labyrinth that is nestled between two steep hills, and the other is the rocky bank of the Meramec River that forms one of the borders of the camp. If the weather isn't cooperating, the Lodge main room is a great place to curl up on the couch with a book or play board games with others. Where Mound Ridge really shines, though, is the food. If you opt to eat at the dining hall, breakfast, lunch, and dinner never disappoint with simple, yet delicious stick-to-your-ribs food. If you make arrangements ahead of time, they will do their best to accommodate any dietary needs. There's always coffee and hot chocolate available. The fall retreat we do at Mound Ridge with the high schoolers from our church is my favorite weekend of the whole year. I couldn't imagine having nearly as good of a time anywhere...

I've been coming down to Mound Ridge with family and friends since I was 16. This is a great place that allows you to recharge your batteries in a spiritual, emotional, and mental capacity. There are beautiful cabins to stay in, or bring a tent and enjoy the outdoors in multiple spots around the camp. There are a ton of things to do down here, including hiking, swimming, exploring nature, work retreats, river floating and much more. The camp has prime access to the Meramec River and allows for great float trips (we do a float down here every year) depending on the weather and the time of year. The camp is located near Meramec Springs between St. James and Steelville Missouri. I highly recommend visiting Mound Ridge...

When I was in the 7th grade, there was a camera with a red light above the shower in one of these buildings. We poured concrete for this retreat center, but none of the girls showered because we all saw it. This building with the camera above the first shower was between the cafeteria and the river/ rock lodging building. I didn’t speak out then, but I am now. Lost my faith for a long time....