Unplug from Distractions — Step Away to be with God
Walk along Memory Lane
A lakeside walkway that features benches, arbors and stones covered in memorial plaques. Walk through the winding path to learn about the unfolding history. Sit under the arbors looking out over beautiful Green lake. Simply put — a peaceful place to be still.
Step into Spurgeon Chapel
Originally this was a root cellar built by the Lawsons on 1904. It has since been transformed into a quaint, quiet spot, perfect for meditation and prayer. The stained glass windows surround you as you sit on the benches at the foot of the cross. This secluded spot invites you to dwell in His presence.
Visit Lone Tree Point
A quiet, scenic, and historical spot located behind the Roger Williams Inn. It’s a gorgeous, green peninsula surrounded by the waves of Green Lake crashing on the shoreline. This is the spot Jessie Lawson first visited when she discovered the Green Lake Conference Center grounds back in 1888. Sit on one of the benches or even the concrete wall and enjoy the tranquility.
Explore Landmarks & Historical Highlights
Judson Tower
This is the conference center’s most famous landmark. It was built in 1908 and has a 121 step spiral staircase to an observation deck. It was originally built for use as a 75,000 gallon water tank by the Lawsons and offers a beautiful view of the lake.
If you wish to climb the 121 steps to the top, you will need to unlock the gate. Get the key from the front desk in the administration building. Please return it there after your climb.
Chapel Car “Grace”
The Chapel Car is a historic, 1915-built railway car that served as a traveling church, now permanently displayed at the Green Lake Conference Center on the main entrance road. It serves as a memorial to missionary work and continues to host worship services. It features original pews and an organ.
Get a Taste of the Green Lake Campus Culture
Worldwide Gifts Shop
Worldwide Gifts is located directly next to the Pillsbury Meeting Hall. It’s more than a gift shop. It is a mission-focused store run completely by volunteers. All profits go directly to five different mission agencies. It features beautiful hand crafted products made around the world. This is a place where every purchase supports life changing work worldwide.
Shopping hours are limited so check the sign on the door for open shopping hours. Cash and credit cards are accepted for your purchases. (may require a minimum for debit and credit charges)
Troster Art Studios
A welcoming place where creativity comes alive. Inside the studio you will find ceramics, jewelry-making, and a place to work with stained glass. This is place you can “create” no matter your skill level. Whether you are painting pottery, making a necklace, or crafting a colorful glass piece you will enjoy the creative process. Guests of all ages can enjoy “creating” together. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Best suited for older “kids”.
Check the art studio for open hours. There is a small charge for art supplies. The studio takes, credit cards, debit cards and checks. (may require a minimum for debit and credit charges)
Family day, (Wednesday) is especially busy at the Art Studio and it reaches capacity quickly. Please consider giving parents who wish to accompany their Wilderness campers priority on this day only as it’s the ONLY time they can go to Art studio together.
Padelford Country Store
A go-to spot for all those staying on the Green Lake campus – especially those guests staying near the campsites. Campers can purchase forgotten items and enjoy penny candy and frozen treats. Also, firewood, snacks and other helpful supplies are available. This nostalgic place brings back a sense of simple fun, whether you decide to explore inside, sit on the porch or play on the swing set.
Ollies Place Cafe
Tucked inside the Kraft Center, Ollie’s is a favorite hangout for guests of all ages. It offers a welcoming space to rest and recharge. The café features comfortable seating, a laid-back atmosphere, and fast Wi-Fi. The café is also known for its delicious, hand-scooped Wisconsin ice cream. (may require a minimum for debit and credit charges)
Engage in Outdoor Recreation
Hiking
Green Lake campus offers over 10 miles of hiking trails across its 900+ acre property, featuring scenic views of Green Lake, woodlands, and prairies.
Biking Trails
Cyclists often connect to the broader Green Lake area, including the “Loop the Lake” route, which highlights the scenic views of Wisconsin’s deepest natural lake.
Basketball, volleyball, tennis/pickleball courts, and soccer fields
See campus map for locations. Please note, planned events use these areas throughout the day.
Waterfront
Sandy beach, fishing and swimming. You are invited to bring your own water safety items and beach toys. There is no lifeguard on duty so children must have adult supervision at the waterfront.
Fun playground near the beach
See campus map for location.
Boat Rentals
Motor boats, WaveRunners, pontoon boats are available. Contact Pierless Boating .
Kayaks, Paddleboards, & Pedal boats
Provided by GLCC.
Golf
Lawsonia Golf courses are easily accessed from the campus of the Green Lake conference center. There is a Golf Scramble each week or you can book time on the course individually. See website for pricing and details.
Personal Bikes & Scooters
Please bring your own along with locks to protect them from being mistaken for public use. There are no bike rental options on campus.
Discover Indoor Options
Fitness Options
Limited weight room with machines, weights and spin studio
Rysdon Recreation Center
Indoor basketball, volleyball, and ping pong.
Sample the Northern Pines Extras
Northern Pines Book Store
Staffed by Northern Pines staff, it’s way more than a book store. Along with books recommended by the week’s speakers, there are many Northern Pines swag options: Sweatshirts and t-shirts for children and adults; mugs, water bottles, journals, blankets and more. The content each year is a little different. The book store has some open hours every day.
Crafts for Younger Children
Every afternoon, a craft area for young children is provided. It’s staffed by caring adults and CCAs. Children can cut, glue, paste and paint to their hearts content. It’s a great alternative to the Troster Art studio which can be very busy and confusing for little ones.
Children's Fishing Contest
Each week a fishing contest is held for children 0–8. They need to be accompanied by an adult. Only the poles and bait provided by Northern Pines are permitted. Sign-ups are required.
Hire Afternoon Childcare
The best perk of all!! Many of the CCA’s (Child Care Assistants) who work with the young children in the mornings and evenings can also be hired to care for young children in the afternoon if parents want to participate in other activities.
This is an amazing option if you want someone to sit with your napping child while you take an older child to the beach. Or if parents want to golf or play pickleball, they can hire a CCA to play with their child(ren).
The CCAs who want to participate offer their services and parents can sign up if they want a CCA. Your afternoon CCA will likely not be the same CCA you have in the evening; please do not request your daily CCA to watch your children during the afternoon. More information and pricing will be available in your pre-camp mailer and announced at camp.
Off-Campus Activities
The towns of Green Lake, Ripon, Princeton and Berlin are all very accessible from the Green Lake Conference Center. If you are looking for a particular activity close by, search online to see what is currently available in the area.
Biking
Green Lake
Green Lake biking maps
The varied terrain of the Green Lake area offers a perfect palette for a variety of unique biking experiences. From the lakeshores of Green Lake and Lake Puckaway to the White Marsh, Princeton Prairie State Natural Area with river bends including the Amish Country. There is a route for every level of cyclist.
Heidel Hike Illinois Avenue in Highknocker Park
Phone: 920-294-3344
Website
Terrain Level: 3/4 to 1-3/4 mile hiking trails through woods w/ markers and benches
Princeton
Website
Bicycling enthusiasts can choose from over 150 miles of mapped biking routes on eight back-road tours that begin in downtown Princeton. The routes, which range from 8 to 34 miles, and from flat to quite hilly, will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside in central Wisconsin.
Ripon
Website
Meandering country roads and gravel trails make for fun, challenging and breathtaking rides. Grab your road bike and access Ripon's back roads to Green Lake.
Fishing
Big Green Lake
Bordered by Highways 73 & 23, County Roads K & A, Green Lake, WI 54941
Grid Location : F5-G4
Acreage : 7346
Maximum Depth : 236 feet
Type of Fish : Walleye, muskie, bass, bluegill, lake trout, northern pike, brown trout
Little Green Lake
Highway 44 north of Markesan, Green Lake, WI 54941
Grid Location : H5
Acreage : 466
Maximum Depth : 28 feet
Type of Fish : Walleye, muskie, northern, panfish
Spa
Evensong Spa at the Heidel House Resort
410 Trillium Circle
Green Lake, WI
Phone: (920) 294-3344
Website
Local Activities
Green Lake County Fair
First week of August
Additional Information
The Green Lake County Fair is a FREE Fair, charging no admission fee for general attendance. The Green Lake County Fair is known as “the best little Fair around”.
Princeton Flea Market
April–October
Additional information
"Wisconsin's Largest Weekly Outdoor Flea Market" opens at 6 a.m. in the City Park on Highway 23 on the east side of town and closes at 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Come and find antiques, homegrown produce, spices, baked goods, handmade creations, jewelry, cheese curds, T-shirts, plants and that special "find" for your collection.
Historical Site: Ripon's Little White Schoolhouse
Additional information
Birthplace of the Republican Party. Come and see the newly restored one-room Schoolhouse where the Republican Party was founded in 1854. Local, political and education history. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. most days