Toddhall Retreat
Across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, above the bluff separating flat floodplain from upland farms, the Toddhall Retreat Center nestles in a peaceful setting of rolling hills and meadowlands. Road Scholars gather here to relax and renew as they join historians and other experts to investigate some of North America’s most fascinating history, including the Cahokia Mounds, site of the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. The thoughtful landscaping, well-tended gardens and meditative labyrinth on the 45-acre campus provide a wonderful setting for learning, companionship and growth.
Most Road Scholar groups visiting Toddhall Retreat Center stay at Blackburn Lodge, which has guest quarters and a meeting room under one roof. Guest rooms each have two twin beds, individually controlled heat and air-conditioning, private bathroom, dresser and an alcove for hanging clothes. Home-cooked meals are served in Toddhall’s separate dining hall.
A fireplace, kitchenette with coffee and tea service, and piano are found in Blackburn’s pleasant meeting room and gathering space. There are ample places for Road Scholar to enjoy a good book or to socialize with new friends. Road Scholars also enjoy the labyrinth and gardens, a bonfire pit and following the 1.3-mile hiking trail.
- No TVs or phones in guest rooms.
- TV available in the dining hall.
- Courtesy phone available.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Housekeeping once a week.
This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our Retreat programs offer a tranquil respite from daily life in locales that lend themselves to outdoor exploration, reflection, or study. The accommodations may be basic in nature, but the facilities offer communal spaces to gather and to relax. During the week, opportunities usually exist for some combination of light exercise, a locally sourced meal, or evening entertainment.