Connection and Training Centers
The Land
The land we are on was part of the Illinois Military Tract that was created by Congress in 1812. It is part of the 5.4 million acres in Western Illinois between the Illinois and the Mississippi Rivers. Burton Creek Farms is a remnant of one of these original land grants awarded to soldiers for their military service.
When European settlers (many of German descent) arrived in the area they encountered members of the Sauk, Fox, and Kickapoo tribes. These tribes do not originate in this area and were victims of westward displacement by American frontier expansion.
This area was relatively uninhabited when these displaced tribes arrived. For centuries, this area was more of a “pass thorugh.” Prior to this, a group of people known as “mound builders” inhabited West Central Illinois. The Illinois and Mississippi River Valleys are rich in artifacts and “mounds” that marked the legacy of these people. Many of these sites have been respectfully preserved. They include Indian Mounds Park in Quincy, IL, Dixon Mounds State Museum in Lewistown, IL, Sugarloaf Mound, St. Louis, MO, Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry, IA, and, perhaps the most famous one, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Unseco World Heritage Site in Collinsville, IL.
The Centers
Burton Creek Farm
150 acres located in rural Adams county Illinois, mixed woodlands, meadows, bottom lands, sustainable organic farm fields.
- Woodhinge
- Modeled after the seasonal calendar, ceremonial space at Cahokia Mounds (UNESCO world heritage site 100 miles from Burton Creek Farm)
- Commercial greenhouse
- Summer kitchen
- Wood fired refractory oven
- Commercial size smoker
- Plancha
- Commercial style kitchen
- Main cabin
- Restrooms
- Staff quarters
- Small group meeting space
- Forest bathing trails
- Forest observation deck
- 10 person wood fired sauna
- Cold plunge tubs
- Big green thing (modified first nations wigwam)
- Acoustically baffled for sound therapy
- ONE SIDE opens up into the forest canopy
- Meditation, yoga, group meeting space
Windy Hills Farm and Stables
20 acre site located in rural Adams county Illinois on the outskirts of Quincy (less than 5 minute drive from Burton Creek Farm)
- Six stall stable
- Equine language and small group connection skills taught
- Private in ground pool
- Somatic water exercise and meditation
- “Save your self” skills and test area
- Forest therapy trails and sit spots
Private Island on the Illinois River
18 acre (river stage dependent) on the Illinois River one hour drive from Burton Creek Farm.
- Nature quest experience
- Nature river trail walks
- River kayak experience
Location and travel times
- Chicago (4.5 hours)
- Kansas City (3 hours)
- Iowa City (2 hours)
- Springfield Illinois (90 minutes)
- St. Louis (90 minutes)
- Red Thread staff is available for pick up/drop off from St. Louis Lambert Airport
- There are three options from Chicago
- Drive – All good four lane (4.5 hours)
- Amtrak – Direct train two times daily from Union Station, Red Thread pick up/drop off at Quincy Illinois terminal to Burton Creek Farms
- Air – Daily “puddle jumper” flights from O’Hare