Full Moon Forest Bathing
2024-03-25 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Dodge Nature Center – Main Property, Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, Minnesota, 55118, United States
Forest Bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. And much like meditation or yoga, the experience can be significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides.

Over the course of this walk, you will be given a series of invitations—suggested ways to connect to your surroundings. The experience will be mostly silent, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about a mile and-a-half over generally flat surfaces. At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks. The walk will be led by a guide from Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, who has been Certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.

Preregistration is required via Dodge Nature Center. Registration typically closes the day before the program at 12 p.m. Program fees are nonrefundable and transfers are not permitted.

Earth Day Forest Bathing
2024-04-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Dodge Nature Center – Main Property, Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, Minnesota, 55118, United States
Forest Bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. And much like meditation or yoga, the experience can be significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides.

Over the course of this walk, you will be given a series of invitations—suggested ways to connect to your surroundings. The experience will be mostly silent, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about a mile and-a-half over generally flat surfaces. At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks. The walk will be led by Leigha Horton of Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, who has been Certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.

Pre-registration with Dodge Nature Center is required. Registration typically closes the day before the program at 12 p.m. Program fees are nonrefundable and transfers are not permitted.

Evening Forest Bathing
2024-05-09 18:00 - 20:30, 2024-08-28 18:00 - 20:30 | Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center – Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 5121 McAndrews Road, Apple Valley, Minnesota, 55124, United States
Forest Bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. And much like meditation or yoga, the experience can be significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides.

Over the course of this walk, you will be given a series of invitations—suggested ways to connect to your surroundings. The experience will be mostly silent, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about a mile and-a-half over generally flat surfaces. At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks. The walk will be led by Leigha Horton of Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, who has been Certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.

Pre-registration with Dakota County Parks is required. Program registration must be made 48 hours or more in advance.

Nourish 02: A Community Land-Tending Day
2024-05-26 12:00 - 18:00 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
A volunteer community land-tending day with seasonally-specific projects. Dinner and sauna to follow.

For more information and to register, visit the full Nourish 02 event listing.

Summer Solstice Forest Bathing in partnership with Minneapolis Parks and Rec
2024-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Winchell Trail, 4357-4367 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, 55406, United States
Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a slow and mindful practice, connecting with nature through the senses. As a Certified Forest Therapy Guide with Silvae Spiritus, Mary McCallum will offer a series of invitations to explore a deeper connection with nature and with yourself. Research has shown that spending time in nature has many benefits including decreasing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving mood. Advance registration required via Minneapolis Parks and Recreation.

Forest Bathing in partnership with the Yoga Center Retreat
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Hold Your Horses, 5265 Woodland Trail, Greenfield, MN, 55357, United States
Join Mary McCallum in partnership with the Yoga Center Retreat on this Zen field trip as you slow down and connect with nature through the practice of forest bathing at Hold Your Horses, a non-profit that offers equine-assisted therapy services in a private farm setting located just 20 minutes west of St. Louis Park.
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Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a slow and mindful practice, connecting with nature through the senses. As a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Mary will offer a series of invitations to explore a deeper connection with nature and with yourself. Research has shown that spending time in nature has many benefits including decreasing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving mood.
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No prior experience with forest bathing is necessary; all are welcome. Reservations required through the Yoga Center Retreat’s MindBody booking portal.
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Please come prepared:

Plan to arrive no later than 9:45am for check-in
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather. We will be walking on grass and dirt trails and may be sitting on the ground.
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the walk
Sunscreen and bug spray is recommended

Cost: $45 or save $15 when you purchase a bundle of (3) 2-hour workshops

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hold Your Horses to support their mission of moving lives forward from trauma and disability with the help of a horse. You can learn more by visiting holdyourhorses.org.

Community Forest Bathing + Community Sauna
2024-06-23 11:30 - 15:30, 2024-07-21 11:30 - 15:30, 2024-08-25 11:30 - 15:30, 2024-09-29 11:30 - 15:30, 2024-10-20 11:30 - 15:30 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
Forest Bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. And much like meditation or yoga, the experience can be significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides.

Over the course of this two-hour Community Forest Bathing walk at Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, you will be given a series of invitations—suggested ways to connect to the surrounding 30 acres of woods and meadows. The experience will be mostly silent, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about a mile and-a-half over generally flat surfaces. At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk will be led by Leigha Horton or Travis Norman, Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy guides who have been Certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.

The walk concludes with tea and light snacks, and allows for a 30 minute break before the start of the 2 pm Community Sauna session.

Community Sauna sessions at Silvae Spiritus are appropriate for all experience levels, and an opportunity to deepen your nature immersion, and your sense of deep relaxation and vitality, while enjoying the company of others. The 90-minute sessions are guided (information, science, and light coaching available) and the fire(s) fully tended, so that guests can fully luxuriate in the experience. The wood-fired hot tub will made be available to all guests at no additional charge if the Community Sauna Session reaches full capacity (8 guests), so bring your friends! Relax, connect, rejuvenate — together.
Community Forest Bathing + Community Sauna Sessions must meet a minimum of three people; cancellation notices and full refunds issued 24 hours prior to event start if minimum attendance is not met.

Pre-registration is required. Program registration must be made 36 hours (11:30 pm on the Friday preceding the event) or more in advance. Register here.

Interbeing 06: Creative Expression + Flow + Nature Connection
2024-06-28 15:00 - 2024-06-30 15:00 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
A weekend camping retreat (Saturday single-day passes available) with an intention toward creative expression in all mediums, the relationship with flow, and nature connection. Featuring earth art explorations, creative expression seminars, collaborative art-making, forest bathing, late night dance party under the stars, wood-fired sauna & hot tub + cold plunge, all on 30 private acres.
For more information, early-bird discount pricing, and to register, visit the full Interbeing 06 event listing.

Forest Bathing in partnership with the Yoga Center Retreat
2024-07-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Hold Your Horses, 5265 Woodland Trail, Greenfield, MN, 55357, United States
Join Mary McCallum in partnership with the Yoga Center Retreat on this Zen field trip as you slow down and connect with nature through the practice of forest bathing at Hold Your Horses, a non-profit that offers equine-assisted therapy services in a private farm setting located just 20 minutes west of St. Louis Park.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is a slow and mindful practice, connecting with nature through the senses. As a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Mary will offer a series of invitations to explore a deeper connection with nature and with yourself. Research has shown that spending time in nature has many benefits including decreasing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving mood.

No prior experience with forest bathing is necessary; all are welcome. Reservations required through the Yoga Center Retreat’s MindBody booking portal.

Please come prepared:

Plan to arrive no later than 9:45am for check-in
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather. We will be walking on grass and dirt trails and may be sitting on the ground.
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the walk
Sunscreen and bug spray is recommended

Cost: $45 or save $15 when you purchase a bundle of (3) 2-hour workshops

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hold Your Horses to support their mission of moving lives forward from trauma and disability with the help of a horse. You can learn more by visiting holdyourhorses.org.

Afternoon Forest Bathing
2024-07-23 15:00 - 17:30 | Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center – Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 5121 McAndrews Road, Apple Valley, Minnesota, 55124, United States
Forest Bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. And much like meditation or yoga, the experience can be significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides.

Over the course of this walk, you will be given a series of invitations—suggested ways to connect to your surroundings. The experience will be mostly silent, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about a mile and-a-half over generally flat surfaces. At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks. The walk will be led by Amy Haben of Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, who has been Certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.

Pre-registration with Dakota County Parks is required. Program registration must be made 48 hours or more in advance.

Interbeing 07: a R.E.V.O.LU=TION in sound! ((( Resonance + Entrainment + Vibration + Oscillation + Loving Unconditionally = The Infinite Open Now )))
2024-09-06 15:00 - 2024-09-08 15:00 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
A weekend camping retreat (Saturday day passes available) with an intention toward embodied experiences, co-creation, and nature connection. Featuring ambient immersion / sound bath, collaborative jams, sound healing seminars, production clinics, late night dance parties, wood-fired sauna & hot tub + cold plunge, all on 30 private acres.

Full Moon Forest Bathing
2024-09-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-17 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-11-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Dodge Nature Center – Main Property, Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, Minnesota, 55118, United States
Forest Bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. And much like meditation or yoga, the experience can be significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides.
Over the course of this walk, you will be given a series of invitations—suggested ways to connect to your surroundings. The experience will be mostly silent except for prompted, optional sharing moments, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about a mile and-a-half over generally flat surfaces. At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks. The walk will be led by Leigha Horton from Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, who has been Certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.
Preregistration is required via Dodge Nature Center. Registration typically closes the day before the program at 12 p.m. Program fees are nonrefundable and transfers are not permitted.

Interbeing 08: Woodland Creatures Conference
2024-09-20 - 2024-09-22 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
This Autumnal Equinox weekend camping retreat is playfully curated in collaboration with a dear friend and Interbeing 04 participant, and is centered around community connection, nature, reflection, embodiment, and a touch of wild. From prompted journaling to dance parties, guided meditation to laughter yoga, sound bathing to cold water immersion, and ephemeral nature art to spaciousness, there’s a little something for every part of your whole being.
Learn more about the Interbeing 08 sessions, facilitators, and schedule + register here.
Early bird guests can register for a $70 discount! Register by July 20, 2024 and use promo code “EARLYBIRD” for $70 off your ticket. This event is limited to 25 participants.

Nourish 03: A Community Land-Tending Day
2024-10-06 12:00 - 18:00 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
A volunteer community land-tending day with seasonally-specific projects. Dinner and sauna to follow.

For more information and to register, visit the full Nourish 03 event listing.

Afternoon Forest Bathing
2024-10-15 13:00 - 15:30 | Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center – Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 5121 McAndrews Road, Apple Valley, Minnesota, 55124, United States

The Great Northern Sauna Village + Forest Bathing with Silvae Spiritus
2025-01-26 11:00 - 12:00 | The Great Northern Festival Sauna Village + Forest Bathing @ Prospect Park + Malcolm Yards, 55 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
The Great Northern winter festival and Silvae Spiritus proudly present Forest Bathing in conjunction with The Great Northern Sauna Village
Rediscover your connection with the natural world this winter with a rejuvenating forest bathing session led by the founders of Northern Minnesota wellness retreat, Silvae Spiritus, at Prospect Park in Minneapolis.
The guides will lead you through a one-hour journey of embodied mindfulness to encourage reconnection with yourself, one another, and our living planet. Following the session, participants will be welcomed at The Great Northern Sauna Village with a healing sauna session.
Participants will meet at Prospect Park at 11am, then transition to their sauna experience at Malcolm Yards 12-12:30pm. Ticketed reservations required.

Plan Your Experience
Please note:
Sauna participants must be 13+ years of age at the time of their sauna experience. Attendees under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are welcome to bring children ages 5-13 during our Family Day Steam Sessions.
How to prepare for Forest Bathing:
Dress in layers (far warmer than you think you’ll need) as we will be moving slowly, and therefore unable to rely upon body heat to keep us warm. A water bottle to stay hydrated is recommended. Any other outdoor comfort items desired are welcomed (hand warmers, something to sit on if you choose not to sit on the ground and prefer not to stand).
How to prepare for Sauna:
Bring easy-to-slip-on/off sandals or flip-flops, a towel, a robe to wear to and from the saunas, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Bathing suits are required, and we recommend coming already dressed to maximize sauna time. Please note that Malcolm Yards requires shoes and either a robe or clothes to be worn indoors.
Please note that photographs and video footage may be taken throughout this event. These will be used by The Great Northern and its partners for marketing and publicity, our archives, on our website and in social media.
If you have a Sauna Village + Forest Bathing question, please reach out to saunavillage@thegreatnorthernfestival.com.

Earth Day Forest Bathing at Dodge Nature Center
2025-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Dodge Nature Center – Main Property, Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, Minnesota, 55118, United States
Join Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, for a special Earth Day guided forest bathing experience at Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul!
Forest bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. Forest bathing is significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides—you’ll be guided by an expert through this program!
Over the course of this walk, you will be given a series of invitations and suggested ways to connect to your natural surroundings. This experience will be mostly silent, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about 1.5 miles over generally flat surfaces.
At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks.
Advance registration required – obtain tickets from Dodge Nature Center here.

Spring Forest Bathing at Dodge Nature Center
2025-05-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Dodge Nature Center – Main Property, Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, Minnesota, 55118, United States
Join Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, for a guided forest bathing experience at Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul!
Forest bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. Forest bathing is significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides—you’ll be guided by an expert through this program!
Over the course of this walk, you will be given a series of invitations and suggested ways to connect to your natural surroundings. This experience will be mostly silent, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about 1.5 miles over generally flat surfaces.
At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks.

Advance reservations required – obtain tickets from Dodge Nature Center here.

2025 Open House | Spring Refresh
2025-05-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
Silvae Spiritus proudly invites you to our 2025 Open House | Spring Refresh! Featuring tours of The Thermic Oasis – our luxury wood-fired sauna + cold plunge tubs and wood-fired hot tub nestled in the woods, The Lounge – the main gathering space for wellness guests and retreat participants, our 5-star AirBnB Guesthouse and 5-star AirBnB Tiny House accommodations, and our 30 acres of woods, meadows, and ephemeral ponds with trails throughout!
Tours • Music + DJs • Wellness Samplers • Light Refreshments • Local Vendors • Community Vibes

Full Moon Forest Bathing at Dodge Nature Center
2025-06-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Dodge Nature Center – Main Property, Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, Minnesota, 55118, United States
Join Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy, certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, for a guided forest bathing experience at Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul!
Forest bathing is a slow-moving, deeply sensory, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to result in measurable physiological, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga, these activities can be practiced on one’s own, almost anywhere, and yet the benefits greatly increase with regular practice. Forest bathing is significantly more immersive when facilitated by properly trained and certified guides—you’ll be guided by an expert through this program!
Over the course of this walk, you will be given a series of invitations and suggested ways to connect to your natural surroundings. This experience will be mostly silent, honors each participant’s personal space, and covers just about 1.5 miles over generally flat surfaces.
At the end of each invitation, the group will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection, integrating the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks.

Advance reservations required – tickets can be obtained from Dodge Nature Center here.

Interbeing 09: Full Moon || Fruition
2025-08-08 18:00 - 2025-08-10 14:00 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
This weekend-long camping retreat accompanied by the full moon is centered around celebrating the abundance of our wholeness with community connection, nature, reflection, and embodiment. In past years, Interbeing retreats have typically focused on a single theme or wellness modality; in 2025, we are delighted to offer retreats that offer a little something for every part of your whole being: from prompted journaling to dance parties, guided meditation to yoga for all bodies, sound bathing to nature relation, ephemeral art to spaciousness, thermic cycling to naps, music to story circles. Guests will be invited into a weekend of relaxation, curiosity, shared wisdom, open-heartedness, and community.
Early bird guests can register for a $99 discount! Register by June 8, 2025 and use promo code “EARLYBIRD” for $99 off your ticket. This event is limited to 25 participants.
Get more info about Interbeing 09 and register here.

Interbeing 10: New Moon || Transformation
2025-09-19 18:00 - 2025-09-21 14:00 | Silvae Spiritus Northwoods Nature Retreat, 68441 Rhine Lake Road, Finlayson, MN, 55735, United States
This weekend-long Autumnal Equinox camping retreat under the new moon is centered around the transformative power of possibility when held with community, connection, nature, reflection, and embodiment. This is a weekend to set intentions, explore wellness modalities in community, and gather your vision for the winter to come. From prompted journaling to dance parties, guided meditation to yoga for all bodies, sound bathing to nature relation, ephemeral art to spaciousness, music to story circles, there’s a little something for every part of your whole being.
Early bird guests can register for a $99 discount! Register by July 19, 2025 and use promo code “EARLYBIRD” for $99 off your ticket. This event is limited to 25 participants.
Get more info and register here!
