Come for a Day
We ask that all guests, even those who may come for a day of private retreat, sign in at the front desk on the reception level just so we know who is in the building. Before venturing to other parts of the guesthouse, please check with the Guest Master or the Guest Services Coordinator to see if there are group activities taking place in other areas of the facility. The public areas are on the third floor (mall level). Only guests staying at the retreat center are allowed on the fourth floor. The reading lounge on the second floor and the seating on the first floor and conference areas are often reserved. The enclosed spaces that are meeting rooms and parlors are reserved and we ask that you not use them unless you have made arrangements through our office.
The Saint Benedict Guesthouse and Retreat Center has a reading and lounge area on the third-floor mall level, providing day guests a welcoming space to sit and read. You may also eat there any meals you bring. Be sure to leave the area you have used clean and free of trash. When packing your meal or snacks for the day, please keep in mind that we do not have a microwave for public use. Coffee, tea, and hot water are available for our guests on the lobby (parking) level. Meals in the dining room are not available to day guests.
On the top of Abbey Drive, pathways encircle the Hilltop, passing under the giant cedars and around the buildings. The distance of the combined pathways equals a quarter-mile track. For a self-guided tour, check out the online Walking Tour brochure or find one in the lobby of the guesthouse, bookstore, or vestibule of the Abbey church.
Guests are also welcome to visit the Abbey church, library, museum, and bookstore. Please check here for current hours of operation for each location.
If you are interested in coming as a school group or other large group, we ask that you email and let us know ahead of time. We can arrange for a monk to give you a tour and recommend parking options for your van or bus. We also have specific policies for school groups, as well as forms we ask you to complete before your arrival. Children 18 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult at all times while at the Abbey.
The monastery and seminary residence buildings are private; visitors are not allowed to tour or use these buildings.