THE MAIN LODGE guests are immediately impressed with the open beam log rafters and the quality craftsmanship. Picture all of us painstakingly peeling the bark off logs for the kitchen and conference room! Hints of the old country are evident in the simple design, rich woodworking, and pictures of Sweden with Dalarna horses decorating many a shelf. Family photographs taken in Sweden and prints depicting life in Scandinavia can be found all around.
The MAIN LODGE has beds for 40-60 guests. This includes private rooms, family rooms and dorm style rooms. The Dalarna Cabin is on the same 16 acre site and is an optional rental for our retreats. The cabin would add an additional 4 double beds. This cozy cottage also has a dining nook, kitchenette, bathroom and private gazebo with romantic porch swing.
THE MAIN LODGE itself has a variety of amenities. A glassed in sunroom with Tuscan tile, sweeps the back of the lodge. The log-framed conference room and the spacious Anna's reception pavilion provide spectacular areas for large group events. Picturesque outdoor dining patios are nestled in the forest. For those important leisure times, one can relax in a sauna or take a stroll on our trails. For more strenuous activity guests can choose from ping pong, pool, volleyball, soccer, badminton, basketball, horseshoes or tennis to name a few. You can stay connected with our wireless internet! Children appreciate the play structure, tetherball and the miles of hiking trails. Visitors love our campfire amphitheater. Songs and laughter fill the night air! You may even spot a friendly troll hiding in the trees.
THE HILLTOP HOUSE has a smaller overnight capacity, but is big on nature and scenery. It is at the top of a hill overlooking the YaleValley and is secluded and quiet. This cozy retreat center is complete with Swedish beds, game room, covered amphitheater, softball diamond, wood play structure, miles of hiking trails (75 acres worth!) and impressive view.
The outdoor dining patio overlooks the beauty of the Yale Valley. A rock fireplace and baby grand piano are focal points of the 2400 sq. ft. carpeted conference room. Ulla's reception pavilion is a wonderful space with laminate floor for dancing and celebrating. The view is the real star here. The spacious wrap around deck capitalizes on the picturesque view of the valley and mountains beyond.
THE HILLTOP HOUSE has beds for 32 (12 double beds and 8 single beds). Guests can enjoy wireless internet at no charge. Also on site are 3 quaint Chalet style cabins. These cabins are optional rentals for our retreats. Each cabin is equipped with a sofa that pops up to make a double bed and 2 twins, kitchen, bathroom and living/dining space. Several RV hook-ups are available for group use here as well. My favorite times are watching the elk graze in the apple orchard or hearing children hard at play in the authentic Swedish playhouse.
YOU MUST SEE OUR CABINS! You will marvel at the Swedish bunks and benches. We patterned the Dalarna Cabin and Chalet Cabins after ones we saw in Sweden. We photographed various cabins, inside and out. From those photographs we built beds like ones we saw there. Our cabins are unique and full of charm.
Anderson Lodge operates year-round and through the years have welcomed a variety of events. It was a pleasure to host an exchange student orientation retreat at our lodge. Students from all over the world came together to celebrate their arrival and gain understanding of the American culture. The Yale Valley Arts Festival holds their yearly concert and dinner at the Hilltop House. Several college choirs had very rewarding retreats at the lodge. The extended practice time preparing for performances coupled with fun activities and fabulous food made for very successful retreats. We have some family reunions that have been coming to the lodge each year, for over 20 years. One family has been coming to the lodge from the very beginning, 26 years now! Whatever the event, it is enhanced by the natural setting of Anderson Lodge.
Weddings at Anderson Lodge are truly unique affairs. All our wedding packages include an overnight stay. Family and friends are able to stay at the site eliminating the need for hotels. This way everyone is not isolated by being forced to enjoy only a small part of the wedding or reception. Imagine how wonderful it is to be able to have all your relatives spend the night and even some of your special friends! It's a TRUE celebration. Not only is our facility is well suited for an outdoor wedding but also provides large conference rooms and reception pavilions for plan B. (Rainy WEATHER) It's a very romantic setting for such a blessed event.
Family reunions love Anderson Lodge. We have many returning groups who manage to get together on a regular basis. We often hear about their activities and have even received a few videos of talent shows, skits in the amphitheater, or slipper parades. Some have auctions at their reunions, some make quilts and all boast of killer barbecues! Whatever the group, we have a facility comfortable for young and old. The oldest guest was 102 and she played the fiddle. What memories!
Businesses and Church groups discovered that Anderson Lodge is a great location for their events. One company spends the weekend with a little work and a lot of fun. They arrange golf tournaments at the golf course a few miles from the lodge. Of course they have a lodge full of meeting space, wireless internet and many leisure opportunities too. Churches appreciate our flexible meeting spaces, wireless internet and the activities on-site for their attendees. Our caterers spoil them with fine meals. Our self-catering option allows for fun in the kitchen too. Whether it is a working weekend, a relaxing occasion or a combination of both, you can create your own event at Anderson Lodge.
Family Celebrations at Anderson Lodge are amazing! We have had many 50th and 60th birthday parties, anniversary parties, Bar Mitzvahs, retirement festivities, etc. It is so wonderful to see all your friends and family together in such a spectacular venue and know you have a day or two to interact together. Many have a small family group stay the weekend with invited guests coming up for a big dinner and party. We have many options for you to create a magical event!