Creighton Retreat Center Celebrates 30 Years

Thirty years ago, Creighton University purchased 153 acres in Iowa, about 45 minutes east of the downtown Omaha campus, and opened the Creighton University Retreat Center, a place faculty, staff and community members to rest, reflect and connect with nature and God.

Since 1994, Creighton has made major improvements to the existing buildings, cabins and trails, making it more comfortable and enjoyable for retreatants that come from Creighton University and other parts of the world. 

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the Retreat Center is celebrating its anniversary in variety of ways. Guests are invited to visit the Retreat Center to learn more about its history and see a new historical timeline located in the dining hall. Read more about the Retreat Center in this article from 2023, Creighton Retreat Center Makes Lasting Imprints.

Ignatian Silent Retreats

The Creighton Retreat Center staff will host three-day silent retreat opportunities for Creighton faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Silent directed retreats are planned to be in July, October and December (2024) January, March, April and May (2025).  

Additionally, there will be a preached retreat for women in November and a preached retreat in March. If you haven’t spent time at the Retreat Center, this is your year. Read more.

Volunteer Days 

Help be part of the effort to groom and repair Retreat Center trails on Tuesdays in July. The Retreat Center is in need of volunteers — individuals and groups — to help make trails more easily walkable for our retreatants. Come learn how to use trail tools and work with others who love to spend time in nature and on our trails.

Shifts are 9 a.m. to noon with lunch following your shift. If you’d like to work in the afternoon, that can also be arranged. Upcoming dates are Tuesdays, July 23 and 30. Volunteers are asked to sign up at least one week in advance of the volunteer date. Benefit-eligible employees can use paid volunteer hours. Register for one or more of the days. 

Alumni Return to the Nest Retreat 

Return to the Nest Retreat is an alumni retreat held Oct. 5-6. Time will be spent praying with and sharing memories, relationships and flight patterns since taking off some years ago. Read more.

30 Year Anniversary Celebration

There will be a celebration event for the Creighton University Retreat Center. Stay tuned to Creighton Today this fall for more information.

Throughout the year, look for a video and written testimonials and online articles. There will also be the opportunity to bring a Retreat Center staff member to your staff meetings to share information about the center, staff retreats and how to use the space. For more information, contact the Retreat Center by phone at 712.778.2466 or email curc@creighton.edu. Kathy Kemler is director of the Creighton University Retreat Center.