We’re a little off the beaten path, which can be a real asset in productive, memorable events. Our beautiful, oak-shaded campus provides just the kind of environment that invites attendees to relax, settle in and focus on the goals of the meeting.

The friendly, welcoming environment of Manchester College draws you in from the moment you first set foot on campus. Manchester’s 120- acre campus, beautifully landscaped grounds and brick halls set just the right tone for a productive meeting.

Petersime Chapel and the outdoor Muir Peace Garden offer beautiful focal points for spirituality, meditation, and relaxation on the campus. Both serve as places for individual reflection and communal worship. Every year, we host many different kinds of religious groups and events take place on our campus. Groups come here to take advantage of the unique facilities, serene atmosphere, and outstanding food service that make their meetings all the more enjoyable and effective. We're a surprisingly affordable choice, too.

Manchester's "up-front" pricing means you know exactly what your costs will be from the start.We include everything - room set-ups, equipment rental, staffing, etc. - in the quote you receive, so you won't get any uncomfortable surprises later. Come take a look at our campus. We'll be happy to give you a tour and share ideas about how our facilities can help your group have one of its best events ever.

The Gasthof Amish Restaurant and Bakery serves delicious, homemade Amish cooking and we’re open on Sunday. Be sure to take home fresh breads, pies, cakes and pastries that will please everyone.

The Gasthof Village Inn enables you to have the comforts of home while touring the area. With 82 rooms furnished in Amish décor, the Gasthof Village Inn provides the solitude of a peaceful, country setting next to Indian Rock Lake. Our outdoor pool completes the picture.

We love groups! Whether planning a family event, a business gathering or a coach tour, let the Gasthof Amish Village help. We’ll arrange an Amish Community Tour. Just a few minutes from our door is Dinky’s Amish Auction Center, home to the Midwest’s largest weekly auction. We host gatherings of any size including meetings, weddings and reunions. Religious groups often have long-term gatherings in our non-alcohol environment.

There’s always something going on at Gasthof Amish Village. Der Heuboden Shop has unique items including Amish quilts. Country Ruffles and Victorian Lace adds to the shopping experience. We hold weekly Flea Markets from May through October and special events and festivals throughout the year.

From the statues of the Jolly Ol’ Elf that greet you upon your arrival to our antique holiday decorations, you can celebrate Christmas every day here in picturesque Southern Indiana.

The lobby of Santa’s Lodge is constructed of hand-hewn barn timbers, first used in this same location in 1883. This cedar and oak soaring 37 feet into the Southern Indiana sky provides the setting for our festive atmosphere.

With Christmas trees and 2 stories of antique decorations, our guests are amazed that it’s seems like Christmas all the time. And there’s always a photo opportunity in our Canadian horse-drawn sleigh!

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

Santa’s Lodge provides groups with variety. From family whirlpool suites to king suites to rooms with two queen beds or two standard beds. Additional amenities include a new outdoor pool, an indoor pool and whirlpool.

DINING & ACTIVITIES

Your stay with us will be enhanced even more when you dine at St. Nick’s Restaurant. Our menu that varies with the seasons and you’ll overlook our lake while dining. Next door, Frosty’s Fun Center has pizza, ice cream and miniature golf.

MEETINGS & BANQUETS

For special occasions, our Celebration Room accommodates up to 375 people for church meetings, banquets, weddings and other events. Of course, we will help you plan your gathering, all overnight accommodations and catering by St. Nick’s. Smaller meetings may be held in our Conference Room.

As you cross the covered bridge that serves as the gateway to Wilstem, you’re about to experience the peace and serenity of scenic Southern Indiana. Nestled on 1,100 rolling acres, Wilstem Guest Ranch is a haven from today’s hectic lifestyles. As a working ranch, horses and cattle roam wide open pastures while our hillsides are adorned with great hardwood trees. This unique setting allows you to bond with nature in a true getaway or to simply sit on the front porch of life.

History

What started as a private retreat and hunting lodge in 1919 by circus entrepreneur Ed Ballard, is now Wilstem Guest Ranch. Over the years, we have played host to the rich and famous including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Al Capone and boxer Joe Louis. We continue to serve as a retreat for many families, successful companies and members of the religious community. We have a non-alcohol environment.

Living

Our living areas are nestled in a breathtaking walnut grove. All have fully-equipped kitchens, televisions, fireplaces and porches.

The Lodge & Annex: Mr. Ballard’s original Lodge is waiting for you. Built of walnut logs, it remains the centerpiece of Wilstem. With 7 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths, the Lodge is a premier place to stay. Other amenities include a great room, study and an outdoor garden with pond and hot tub. The adjacent Annex has 3 additional bedrooms and 2 baths. The Lodge and Annex can be combined into one tremendous residence.

Ranch House – Carriage House – Bunkhouse – Honeymoon Cottage - Cabins: Variety is the spice of life at Wilstem Guest Ranch. From the Ranch House with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths to heart-shaped whirlpools in the Carriage House and Honeymoon Cottage, we can create any setting from romantic getaways to family reunions to retreats and conferences.

Adventure

Wilstem is a place you can do practically everything or absolutely nothing! Youth groups and adults alike enjoy walking, hiking or biking in the beauty of nature. Fishing is permitted in our pond. We provide an outdoor pool, basketball court, volleyball court and horseshoe pits. Picnic tables, grills and fire pits abound throughout Wilstem.

As a working ranch, we have over 30 miles of trails for horseback riding and guided pony rides for children. We can even arrange an old-fashioned hayride and barbecue!

All rooms include Free High-Speed Internet Access. Four restaurants including the Chanteclair featuring award-winning French cuisine with an extensive wine selection and strolling violinist; BenchWarmers Sports Bar, Cafe Grill for casual dining and The Bakery are located on property. The Bakery opens at 4:30 AM for early flights. A heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center and video game room are onsite and available to hotel guests.

We're located directly across from the Indianapolis International Airport and offer Free 24-hour Airport Shuttle Service. Our hotel is just an 8 mile drive to downtown Indianapolis and the Indiana Convention Center/RCA Dome. Our convenient location, proximity to downtown and major attractions make us the ideal choice for personal, business and group usage.

We we offer special discounts to religious organizations and are a member of RCMA.