General Information

Solitude Ridge, under the sponsorship of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a secluded area located on Villa St. Joseph property in the village of St. Joseph.

Three individual hermitages are built on the edge of the woodland and provide the peace and quiet of the rural setting.

About the Hermitage

Each hermitage is equipped with electric fireplace,water, bathroom, shower, stove, refrigerator, microwave, CD/tape player and phone for emergency.

Furnishings include a single bed, an easy chair, a small square table and chair. Towels and bed linens are provided.

Guests are asked to bring their own personal grooming items and food. Some food staples are provided e.g salt, pepper, coffee, sugar. Their is a small convenience store withing walking distance if you forget items.

Please ... No pets. No smoking.

Planning Your Stay

Each guest determines length of stay.

You may want to bring good walking shoes or boots, to hike the trails. Dress in clothing for the season and consider slippers for inside.

You may also want to bring spiritual books and writing materials.

Guests provide and prepare their own food.

Spiritual guidance and retreat guidance are available upon request.

Reservations are required. A non-refundable deposit of $20.00 is requested.

Services Available:

If you would like to have a director for spiritual direction or a directed retreat while at the hermitage, please make arrangements through the Franciscan Spirituality Center.

Suggested Fees:
$33/day or $195/week.

Directed Retreats: $81 per day or $395 for 5-6 day retreat. (Includes hermitage and spiritual direction)

For reservations or more information contact:
Franciscan Spirituality Center
920 Market St.
La Crosse, WI 54601-8809
(608)791-5295
E-mail fscenter@fspa.org

- in all of nature
- in the songs and sounds of the creatures,
- in the touch of the earth,
- in the rhythm of the seasons, and
- in the beauty of the countryside.

The hermitage experience

- Allows some time away from the routine, noise and busyness of life,
- Offers an opportunity to pause and recognize the abundance of God's gifts which are all around us, and
- Provides a way to gain perspective by withdrawing to a secluded place for prayer, solitude and contemplation.