2026 GROUP RETREATS
Below are the creative groups and arts organizations joining us in 2026.
Alumni WORK WEEK
June 1st-4th, 2026
An opportunity for alumni to show up, pick up, and party down as we beautify the highway and wake up the lake!
sAY yES (TO RETREAT): sONGWRITERS AT tOFTE lAKE cENTER
June 26th-July 2nd, 2026
Songwriters get to Say Yes to six unhurried days at Tofte Lake Center, with access to shoreline, birdsong, and stillness, and the chance to share and be inspired by their peers through optional daily gatherings. This week provides the rare gift of extended time to write, reflect, and reconnect with the creative practice without pressure or expectations.
Note: This curated residency is almost full. If you are interested in being on the wait list you may fill out the application here.
July 20th-26th, 2026
McKnight Dancers and Choreographers return to TLC for their 15th annual retreat week fostering community through conversation, meals, shared work, and play.
TOFTE LAKE CENTER BOARD RETREAT
July 29th-August 2nd, 2026
TLC hosts our annual gathering of the Board of Directors for a week of planning (and playing) and strategizing ways to keep our mission and vision strong and supported.
Producer Hub Residency for Independent Arts Producers
August 5th-11th, 2026
This week-long residency will be focused on creating time and space for independent producers in the performing arts in order to aide their work in the field.
BETTY Residency
August 14th-20th, 2026
In this alumni crated week, Minneapolis-based performance group BETTY (Shelby Richardson, MK Tuomanen, and Paul Kruse) gather a group of artists for a week-long retreat at TLC to develop new work.
PLAYWRIGHTS’ CENTER RETREAT
August 24th-30th, 2026
After taking a year’s hiatus to open their new building, we’re so excited to welcome back the Playwrights’ Center fellows for their 13th season at the lake!
September 18th-24th
After such a successful first run of our Ely Film Festival Residency, we’re happy to once again host another week-long residency for our region’s talented filmmakers! We are proud to be a third annual sponsor of the festival.