About Us
My name is Anne and my husband’s name is Steve. Given our life experiences (Steve is a retired electrical engineer and my background includes teaching, ministry, and directing retreats), we wanted to create a peaceful and restful place where individuals and small groups can “retreat” from an increasingly busy and hectic life. Over the years of my ministry, I have witnessed people needing a sacred place in their lives. Whether they be suffering from a “spiritual starvation” or seeking to further nourish their spiritual life or wishing to spend time pursuing an interest, the Turtle Lodge was created for the diverse needs and interests of people. Our purpose in founding Turtle Lodge was to help others and ourselves pursue intentional living so that we could all make a more positive difference in the world. For many years I have had a calling to open a spirit center. We answered the calling by building Turtle Lodge and made it available for all of those that choose to come.
Blessings,
Anne & Steve
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Our History
The property was purchased in 2007 in the beautiful Whitewater Valley in Elba, Minnesota, a mile from Whitewater State Park. We selected a building site on the property and put up a small maintenance shed.
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We hoped that we would find property with recreational water to enjoy. We were blessed with a fresh water trout stream.
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Our biggest decision when buying the property was whether we wanted to become campground owners. That winter we purchased a camper and named it Turtle Lodge. Spring came and we soon found ourselves enjoying the campground business and our camping families.
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Real hardship came to the Whitewater Valley in August 2007, with the 1,000-year flood. Roads washed out, and much damage was done to the campground. We were grateful for the State of Minnesota's business recovery loan, which helped us get back on our feet.
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During the flood cleanup process, a friend of ours gave us a gift of money and wanted us to use it to add something new to the property. Much to our joy, we put it towards a small cabin. This cabin lifted our spirits away from the flood and provided a year-round place to stay. Turtle Lodge now moved to the cabin. The real Turtle Lodge was again put on the back burner.
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Our dream finally came true in 2017. The builder was chosen and the surveying began to build the Turtle Lodge.
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The soil was tested for the drain field.
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The septic and excavation work began.
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The first floor framing...
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The second floor framing...
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The roofing and siding were completed as soon as possible to keep out the elements.
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The outside work was basically done. The temperature dropped and snow fell as work continued indoors.
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Spring blooms.
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Welcome to Turtle Lodge.
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Summer - Turtle Lodge blends into the natural landscape.
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Steve and I wish to convey our deep gratitude to friends and family who helped making our dream of creating Turtle Lodge.
We look around and see you here and there, be it your gift of time in voluntary work hours, your gift of money, supplies, furniture, and your decorative gifts. Also, thank you for your emotional support. It helped us celebrate the happy times and get through the tough times. We appreciate each of you with a heartfelt thanks.
A special thanks to our artist Chelsi Low for her design of the Blanding turtle totem art which guided us joyfully through this website. Also a special thanks to Abby Tricker for her fox "meditation" picture.
Love and Gratitude
Anne & Steve
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