Inspiring spaces & gracious hospitality

Programming and event spaces to support, equip, and celebrate those serving in the community

Serving those who serve

We offer educational programs and host non-profits for private events, at minimal cost for attendees and organizations. Conveniently located at the edge of the west metro, our lakeshore, meadow, and forest are waiting for you.

Charlson Meadows allowed our group to relax together in a beautiful space. This contributed to a great deal of quality work. Actually, we achieved more than I had planned and moved our future plans forward in a deeper way."

About Charlson Meadows

Our gathering spaces, both indoors and outdoors, are designed to be inspiring and beautiful.

The Nancy Nelson Lake House will feel like home, yet serve your needs for a lecture style or collaborative meeting in our Gathering Room. Meet by the fireplace in the living room or enjoy the view of Lake Zumbra from the sunroom.

At Charlson Meadows we encourage all of our guests to plan to spend time in nature to enjoy the benefits of restoration and renewal. As a group you can gather at our outdoors spaces or simply enjoy a community walk together on the trail.

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Charlson Meadows does not accept applications for private use. 

Ex. weddings, reunions, corporate events, private retreats

One group is hosted at a time to provide private access to both the Nancy Nelson Lake House and the land.

Consider preparing your own food together in our residential style kitchen or hire a caterer . We have a list of preferred local caterers we recommend. 

Choose to eat your meal at the formal dining room table, in the kitchen at the island, or outside on the patio tables.

See some of our interior spaces

The Lake House is ADA compliant 

Kitchen Amenities:

  • Appliances
    • Fridge and freezer
    • Double ovens (convection or conduction)
    • Microwave
    • Warming drawer
    • Gas cooktop
  • Small appliances
    • Slow cookers (3)
    • Rice cooker
    • Blender
    • Toaster
    • Coffee maker
    • Electric teapot
    • Electric griddle
  • Pots and pans (variety)
  • Knives and cutting boards
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cookie sheets
  • Pizza pans
  • Silverware
  • Plates (Salad, Dinner, Dessert)
  • Soup bowls
  • Dessert bowls
  • Coffee cups
  • Drinking glasses
  • Wine glasses
  • Basic spices
  • Coffee and tea
  • Serving platters
  • Serving bowls
  • Beverage Containers
  •  

Wifi is available

Clickshare is used to stream content from a computer to a large screen in the Gathering Room. 

Sonos system provides music throughout the Lake House.

Easels with a dry erase board are available for use with flip charts. (Paper not provided)

All linens and towels are supplied.  Please bring a beach towel if you wish to use the beach.

Each bedroom has a private bathroom with a hair dryer and toiletries.

Day events -pack your own lunch. Coffee, tea and water provided.

Weekend Events -Our caterer offers gluten free and vegetarian meals.  This must be selected during the registration process.  Any questions should be directed to programs@cmeadows.org.

Come explore our 142 acres of meadows, woods, and lakeshore. Walk the trails, ride a golf cart or bicycle. Enjoy the lake at the beach, or by canoe, or kayak. Our exclusive Life Journey Program will help you encounter nature in a unique and restorative way.

See pictures and map of our grounds

Spring/Summer/Fall Amenities:

  • Golf Carts (4)
  • Kayaks (5)
  • Canoes (up to 7 available)
  • Life jackets (12)
  • Bicycles and helmets (5)
  • Lawn games:
    • Bocce ball (2)
    • Volleyball
    • Bean bags
    • Croquet
    • Ladderball
  • Fire pits:
    • Nancy Nelson Lake House
    • Chalet
    • Council Point
  • Camp chairs (9)

Winter Amenities:

  • Kick sleds (4)
  • Snow shoes (6)

Charlson Meadows Programs

Our programs inspire deeper connections with yourself, nature, and community.

Each one is designed to:

  • Teach current research and practical tools to improve self-care practices
  • Provide time to connect with nature
  • Promote conversations that matter

How to get started:

  1. View the program offerings
  2. Register online
  3. Come to Charlson Meadows and be refreshed, inspired, and renewed!

Hosting Your Events

Our guests hold events for:

  • Strategic planning and organizational development
  • Team building and recreation
  • Shared time in nature
  • Meaningful conversation in a safe welcoming environment.

How to host your event at Charlson Meadows

  1. Apply online
  2. Committee will review your application
  3. If accepted, register online
  4. Come to Charlson Meadows and be refreshed, inspired, and renewed!

What a fabulous revitalizing space you have! Thank you for generously sharing it with us for our productive meeting."