faq | manitouhealth

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring for the Detox Retreat?

In warmer months, you may like to participate in lake activities so bring a swimsuit and beach apparel. In colder months, we advise bringing warm clothes and layering. The retreat center is a modern home and generally kept warm, but it is nice to have extra clothes in the winter. If you are going to be hiking outdoors in the winter, bring warm outdoor wear as well including nonskid boots in icy weather. Yoga mats are provided, but you are free to bring your own if you prefer.

What are the facilities and rooms like at the Manitou Retreat Center?

Manitou Retreat Center is hidden in the woods and consists of two homes on adjacent properties comprising 900' of lakeshore on beautiful Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

The primary home was built in 2018 and has 5 bedrooms rooms which are ensuite. Four rooms include a fireplace. Each room includes a large bathroom with a separate toilet room for privacy. All vanities have double sinks and a large shower with fixed and hand-held spray heads. Three bathrooms also include soaking tubs. Beds are super comfortable and vary by room; generally a king or two singles. The home features a large Great Room with a beautiful stone fireplace for gathering, a Dining Area, a Full Kitchen with large island and a Sunroom. In the bottom level there is an 11 Seat Theater with electric reclining chairs, a Game Room with a Pool Table and Kitchen area, both Steam and Dry saunas, a Ping Pong Room and a Bathroom with handicapped accessible shower. The home also includes an Elevator for easy access between all three floors.

The second home was built in 1998 and has three bedrooms. The master bedroom features a vanity, shower and a soaking tub and walk-in closet. That home also features a Full Kitchen and a small Great Room. The rooms are all on a single level.

The grounds for both homes are beautiful. Both are located on bluffs overlooking the lake. One of the homes features 400' of sandy Lakeshore which is Perfect for Sunning and Swimming. During the warmer months boating and kayaking are available for guests. The beautiful Pokegama Golf Course is also located several minutes away. Hiking is also available for guests.

Winter activities include hiking, skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and bonfires.

The Great Room features a stone fireplace that is always lit throughout the day and serves as a community gathering to sit and chat with other guests.

The Theater serves as the meeting room. It's large screen projection is used to present course material while guests sit comfortably in their recliners. You will not be disappointed. This is a beautiful facility!

How far is Grand Rapids, MN from the Twin Cities (MSP) Airport?

Grand Rapids, MN is about 190 miles north of the Minneapolis/St Paul Airport. Driving time is about 3 hours and 20 minutes. The Manitou Retreat Center is set among beautiful trees on Lake Pokegama, a body of water that is one of Minnesota’s most beautiful! The Ojibwe word Pokegama means water which juts off from another water. Lake Pokegama is connected at one end to the Mississippi River and has multiple bays or inlets extending like fingers from the main body, fitting the Ojibwe description.

Is there a medical facility nearby in case of an emergency?

Yes. Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital is a 4 minute drive away. They offer an integrated delivery system that employs over 600 people and is described as a “modern expression of hospitality and healing” and home to over 60 physicians and other care providers including specialists in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Oncology, ENT, Urology, General and Reconstructive Surgery and Podiatry. For more information you can visit online at: www.granditasca.org.

Are the therapists all licensed?

Yes, any therapist recommended by Manitou or the resort is not only licensed but has a reputation of excellence in the local community. Additionally, they try to keep their fees very reasonable for our guests. Slots do fill fast, so if you are interested in a service, you may want to sign up ahead of time. Changes can be made to the schedule at arrival however, if the slot does not fill, a cancellation fee of 50% of the normal charge may apply. We need to be fair to therapists who may have blocked out time and turned away other business. Massage therapists, acupuncturists, nutritionists and health coaches are all available on site. Chiropractic care is available in the town of Grand Rapids, a 10 minute drive away.

Can you accommodate a special diet?

Yes, Just let us know in advance of any dietary restrictions. Our meals are prepared from scratch in our kitchen using locally grown produce or produce that is certified organic. We avoid food that we feel has the potential to be genetically modified. Fats and oils are limited to organic extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil and grass-fed organic butters and dairy. Gluten-free options are available in lieu of organic whole wheat products. You can review our on-line menu sample for more details. If you want to venture into town to eat at one of the many restaurants in Grand Rapids it is a short 10 minute drive. SuperOne Foods is open 7 days a week if you are looking for grocery items.