Retreat and Conference Center
Given to the Lutheran Church by radio personality, Major Edward Bowes in 1939, Major Bowes Retreat is owned by three major Lutheran church bodies: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church/Missouri Synod (LCMS) and National Lutheran Campus Ministries (NLCM). The retreat is operated by an independent board of Lutheran clergy and lay leaders especially for, but not limited to, the needs of Lutheran Campus Ministry, churches and students. All are welcome to enjoy this ecumenical, multi-acre, heavily wooded venue with its dormitory style accommodations for up to 35 people, separate "Fellowship Hall" dining area with shaded veranda, and "The Chapel at Laurel Hill", with its massive stone fireplace, stained glass windows and seating for up to 50. Open year round.
Major Bowes Memorial Retreat is located in Ossining, New York, in the middle of the lower Hudson Valley. This is an area rich in nature preserves and untamed scenic trails for hiking, biking, and picnicking, and with waterfront views and activities. History surrounds us as much as nature and there are numerous castles, museums, gardens, and mansions of past presidents and wealthy industrialists to tour and explore. Did you know that Major Bowes himself was quite the historic radio-era icon, and it is because of his radio show, "Major Bowes Original Amateur Hour" that we have TV shows such as "American Idol" and "Dancing With the Stars"?
During your stay at Major Bowes Memorial Retreat, you might like to make some time to also visit nearby wineries and craft breweries and to shop local antique stores and craft fairs throughout the year. In the fall, take in the glorious autumn foliage, pick apples and pumpkins at nearby orchards, and dare to meet up with Washington Irving's "Headless Horseman" inside the gates of nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where, incidently, both Major Bowes and his wife, jazz-age actress Margaret Illington, are buried. Tap into a tree for the freshest of maple syrup at neighboring Teatown Lake Nature Preserve in early spring or just come to gather your thoughts and refresh your spirit in the peaceful serenity of Major Bowes' wooded retreat. Come back to an earlier, more leisurely time to discover the things that matter most in your life.
Gather - Plan - Refresh Your Spirit
To provide a quiet place for religious, church, student, and community groups to meet, plan, and refresh their spirit. Nestled amongst the nature preserves in the lower Hudson River Valley of Westchester county, we are only 40 miles away from New York City, but a world away in tranquility.
Cost of retreat is $30 per person, per night with a $350 minimum for the weekend. Cost to rent the space for one day (not overnight) is $250 with no "per person" charge.
