A pilgrimage is an intentional journey with a sacred purpose, often to a sacred place or place of personal significance. Every step along the way has meaning; challenges and obstacles may appear on the path. Helpers and guides may show up with aid and support unlooked-for. Sometimes it involves a long and arduous walk. A person who makes such a journey is called a pilgrim.

Often a person makes a pilgrimage to a shrine or place of spiritual significance to them. In a more general sense, a person may make a pilgrimage to a favorite scenic place such as a breathtaking ocean view or a spectacular mountain peak or an ancient landscape such as Machu Picchu or the Great Pyramids. It has been said that the journey through life itself is the greatest pilgrimage.

At Kinstone, a pilgrimage may involve a short, mindful walk to a favorite spot or perhaps a full day retreat experience alone or with others that includes a sacred walking journey along The Way of the Stones.

The Way of the Stones is a long, circuitous, sometimes difficult, walking path that winds its way around 15 acres of Kinstone to various waypoints and ultimately leads to the Chapel of Creation. It offers a pilgrimage experience to those who seek to reveal and connect to the Holy, Divine, and Sacred in their daily lives. An outer, physical journey can often be a mirror and magnifier of one’s inner, spiritual journey.

Individuals wishing to embrace this pilgrimage may obtain a small booklet with a simple map, writing space, inspirational words and journal prompts to guide them as they take this personal, self-directed journey. The booklet is available at Kinstone for a small fee.

Periodically Kinstone offers special “Way of the Stones Retreat Experience” day-long events with various themes. These offerings include a designated leader, a central theme, specific meditation and journaling exercises, as well as time to share thoughts and experiences with others in the group. Time for lunch and personal reflection is also included. These events require advanced registration and are typically limited to 19 participants. Watch the Calendar of Events for any Way of the Stones Retreat Experience events that may be scheduled. Also, sign up to receive our electronic newsletters as we often announce such events to our followers that way.

Groups wishing to arrange a customized pilgrimage retreat experience may contact Kinstone to discuss options. Initiate your request by sending an inquiry with the subject “Group Pilgrimage” or “Group Retreat” using the Contact Us form. Thank you for your interest!

Individuals or small groups may arrange daytime retreats at Kinstone. There is no overnight lodging available at Kinstone. Kinstone offers both directed and undirected retreat opportunities for small groups including special retreats sponsored by employers for groups in their organization, and for individuals who are undertaking a personal inner journey. The gathering spaces we have are semi-private during open hours as the public is always welcome during published open hours. If a more private scenario is desired, you may request a time and date for your event that is outside of our published open hours. We do not offer lodging or overnight accommodation. Multiple-day retreats are possible, but lodging must be off-site. There are hotels, motels and b-n-b’s within 7 miles of Kinstone. Kinstone is non-denominational and non-sectarian. It is a sanctuary where relaxation, reflection and meditation in, on and with the land and sacred stone spaces lead many to transformation and personal growth. All have access to Kinstone’s sacred spaces, prairie, fields, and forests where the paths beckon and offer an outward manifestation of each one’s personal journey of contemplation and spiritual discovery. If you or your group are interested in a retreat, please CONTACT US for more information. Please use the subject “Retreat” in your inquiry; please indicate your name, how many in your group, approximate dates/times desired, the general purpose of the retreat, and whether you want a directed or undirected experience. Once received we will review the request and get back to you to discuss, plan and schedule your experience.