It will soon cool down, but at YMCA Trout Lodge, they’re just getting warmed up. Nestled in the eastern Ozarks, 90 minutes south of St. Louis, Trout Lodge is a year round country-style resort, conference center and Ranch that believes in family-friendly fun and bonding. Rates include lodging, buffet-style meals, many activities, and children 0-5 are free.
In fall, as you step out on your balcony of a guest room or outside of your cabin, you experience spectacular colors of 5,200 acres which come alive in hues of yellows, oranges and reds. Along with crisp and clean autumn air and stunning views of 360-acre Sunnen Lake, people of all ages are playing, relaxing and exploring.
What also makes Trout Lodge a perfect autumn adventure are the amazing themed weekends. During the Great Pumpkin Jamboree October 14-16 and October 21-23, take a hayride to a pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins to carve, enjoy games, Dutch oven cooking, face painting and so much more.
Halloween at Trout Lodge is a big deal and a guest favorite. They get into the spirit with a haunted hayride and haunted village. There’s also activities for the youngsters — trick-or-treating, carnival and pumpkin carving. It’s a really spook-tacular place to be Oct. 28-30.
The feast that is Thanksgiving, from November 23-27, includes your family/group enjoying a family-style meal together, including a turkey at every table with all of the trimmings, minus the cooking or cleaning. As part of this celebration Trout Lodge holds its annual Pioneer Christmas Village. Step back in time where carolers liven the streets with songs of joy, and where ornaments, candles, garlands, yarn dolls and yo-yos are made by the visiting families. Father Christmas reads stories sure to warm hearts, with demonstrations of blacksmithing, branding, apple press, Dutch oven cooking and more.
These fall themes are in addition to year round activities including zip lines, climbing towers, crafts, trail/pony rides, hayrides, archery, riflery, paintball, hiking, mini-golf, volleyball and more. Over 40 year-round activities!
Trout Lodge also hosts corporate events, retreats and family reunions, with meeting spaces, catering, AV equipment, team building and planners. They also have popular adult programs with all-inclusive rates.
Trout Lodge is a facility for every interest. Groups and families come back year after year, where there are always new activities and the staff welcomes everyone like an old friend. Make your reservation by calling 888-FUN-YMCA or visit troutlodge.org.