Facilities

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Last Updated: Dec 11, 2024, 03:53 PM

touch of nature facilitiesPlan your meeting, conference, retreat or special event at Touch of Nature. We are located eight miles southeast of Carbondale on Giant City Road, in the rolling hills of Southern Illinois on the shores of Little Grassy Lake.

Touch of Nature, with its outdoor spaces, indoor facilities, and lodging is capable of hosting several types of events including:

  • Business and Board Meetings
  • Conferences and Events
  • Staff, Church and Family Retreats or Reunions
  • Field Trips

Contact our staff at 618-453-1121 or by email at ton@siu.edu for more information. 

Rates and Special Requests

Our Facilities

  • Freeberg Hall

    Freeberg Hall is Touch of Nature's largest dining and meeting room. It’s adjacent to the Burke Lounge, the Friends Gazebo and a patio. Ideal for conferences and meetings, Freeberg and Burke Lounge can be rented together or separately. This space includes heating and AC, Wi-Fi and abundant parking.

    • Room Dimensions:  38’ x 102’
    • Maximum Standing Guests:  450
    • Approx. Banquet Seating:  220
    • Approx. Theater Seating:  400
    • Approx. Classroom Seating:  185
    • Approx. U-Shaped Seating:  100
    picture of tables decorated at freeburg hall

  • Burke Lounge

    Burke Lounge is an activity and meeting room with vaulted ceilings, tiled floors and a large stone fireplace. It is adjacent to Freeberg Hall. This space includes heating and AC, Wi-Fi and abundant parking.

    • Room Dimensions:  38’ x 28’
    • Maximum Standing Guests:  150
    • Approx. Banquet Seating:  75
    • Approx. Theater Seating:  100
    • Approx. Classroom Seating:  60
    • Approx. U-Shaped Seating:  30
    picture of tables decorated with white tablecloths at burke lodge

  • The Friends Room

    The Friends Room is located in Little Grassy Lodge. This beautiful room boasts a cathedral ceiling and wrap-around windows, provides an unobstructed view of wildlife, the surrounding woods and Little Grassy Lake. Various seating arrangements available to suit any event. This space includes heating and AC, Wi-Fi and abundant parking.

    • Room Dimensions:  42’ x 50’
    • Maximum Standing Guests:  300
    • Approx. Banquet Seating:  190
    • Approx. Theater Seating:  220
    • Approx. Classroom Seating:  150
    • Approx. U-Shaped Seating:  60
    picture of chairs set up at friends lodge facing a window

  • River Radio Retreat

    The River Radio Retreat is conveniently located by Little Grassy Lodge. This sandstone building has a large fireplace and provides the perfect setting for any meeting, seminar or get-together. This space includes heating and AC, Wi-Fi and abundant parking.

    • Room Dimensions:  30’ x 40’
    • Maximum Standing Guests:  180
    • Approx. Banquet Seating:  80
    • Approx. Theater Seating:  150
    • Approx. Classroom Seating:  75
    • Approx. U-Shaped Seating:  30
    picture of river radio with tables and chairs set up in sandstone building

  • Schafermeyer Hall

    Schafermeyer Hall is a dining facility and activity room. It has vaulted ceilings, a fireplace and tile floors. This space includes heating, Wi-Fi and abundant parking.

    • Room Dimensions:  92’ x 26’
    • Maximum Standing Guests:  300
    • Approx. Banquet Seating:  150
    • Approx. Theater Seating:  250
    • Approx. Classroom Seating:  150
    • Approx. U-Shaped Seating:  60
    picture of benches set up in shafermeyer hall

  • Outdoor Facilities

    Touch of Nature Environmental Center has two amphitheaters and several pavilions located throughout the grounds. Our amphitheater overlooking Little Grassy Lake is the perfect location for receptions and outdoor performances.

    • Capacity varies per location
    ampitheater at touch of nature