Cascade Lodge
Cascade Lodge is our smaller, more intimate facility. We use it to host campus retreats and rent it out to other groups for weddings, weekend getaways, evangelism trainings, ministry staff retreats, and much more! It's location is perfect for spending time in God's beautiful creation and enjoying the outdoors. Master Plan operates Cascade Lodge under a special use permit with the San Juan National Forrest.
Join us in May each year for a Volunteer Week at Cascade Lodge!
About Cascade Lodge
Cascade Lodge is a historic, rustic mountain lodge that is owned and operated by Master Plan Ministries. The two-story lodge is situated 30 miles north of Durango, CO and three miles from Durango Mountain Resort. At approximately 9,000 feet above sea level, it is adjacent to the famed "Million Dollar" highway, U.S. 550 one mile east of the south end of Old Lime Creek Road. It is located in the majestic Needle Mountains of the San Juan Range. The "Old West" log architecture has a warm and rustic atmosphere.
Amenities
- 3 lofts with a total of 50 single beds
- 3 private bedrooms with queen beds
- Full kitchen with griddle, 2 ovens, 2 ranges, 2 refrigerators, other miscellaneous small appliances, utensils, dishes, and cups
- Men's and women's bathrooms with showers
- Dining area with tables and benches
- Living room area with couches
- 2 stoves - 1 wood burning (kitchen) and 1 coal burning (main room)
- Pool table [new table in 2026!]
- Ping pong table
- Large deck with beautiful views
The goal is to make it available year-round at a low cost for the greatest good and largest number of people to promote Biblical moral and spiritual values and expose all groups to the claims of Christ.
Contact Russ to inquire about availability.
Cascade Lodge is great for the following group activities:
- Retreats
- Evangelistic ski weekends or trips
- Small group leadership training meetings
- Special get-togethers (Christmas / Thanksgiving)
- Returning missionary retreats
- Church board meetings
- Family reunions
- Church retreats or picnics
- Recreational weekends / weeks for youth groups, etc.
The Lodge is booked over a year in advance, so please plan accordingly. When you contact us, please have a few dates ready to check availability. The rate is $15 per person, per night, and is only available to groups.
History
During the late 1920's and early 30's, a local pastor, a coach, and a banker spearheaded a community effort to create the lodge for the positive moral and spiritual enrichment of the youth in the Durango area.
In the mid 30's, the lodge was transferred to non-local, private families. It remained this way for the next fifty years. During this time many of the original purposes of the lodge were lost to the Durango community.
In 1987 it was offered to Master Plan for free with a million-dollar view of the West Needle Mountains. The catch? It was scheduled to be demolished by the U.S. Forest Service as the permit for it to be on public land had expired, it had fallen into disrepair, and was uninhabitable. God had other plans. Through a lot of renovation and a lengthy legal process, the Lodge was promoted to the National Register of Historic Places!
Today Master Plan uses Cascade Lodge for the campus ministry, men’s ministry, and it is also available for group rental.
As of 1988, Cascade Lodge has come full circle. Through Master Plan Ministries, the original purpose has been restored. Master Plan's goal is to make the Lodge available year round at a low cost for the greatest good and greatest number of people. The goal is still to promote Biblical moral and spiritual values and expose all groups to the claims of Christ.
Questions or to Reserve Cascade Lodge
Our founder, Russ, oversees the scheduling and maintenance of the MPM mountain ministry venues. We aim to make them available in a cost-effective way to encourage the broadest use by the body of Christ and others.
Contact Russ to inquire about availability.
Russ Akins -
MPM Founder | President Emeritus | Mountain Ministry Venues Lead
Russ.Akins@mpmstaff.com
970-259-5768
