Driftless Creek Women’s Writing Retreats for Academics
If you are looking for independent writing time with other female faculty, post-docs, and graduate students, surrounded by woods in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, please join us. We will provide the space for you to rest, be nourished, and focus, along with optional opportunities for nature walks, goal setting, and camaraderie.
Upcoming sessions
March 17 – 20 and 24 – 27, 2025
Each session is open to 6 women staying in 2 full-amenity cabins in the secluded wooded setting of Driftless Creek, with other cabins on the property used for gathering and spreading out to work. We provide simple, rustic, home-cooked vegetarian meals, small tables and cushy chairs for workspaces, commercial grade Wi-Fi and printing, and facilitation of (optional) goal-setting and reporting, for 3 nights, for $575 (private bedroom)/$500 (king bed in loft)/$450 (twin bed in loft).
About us
Driftless Creek is vacation rental cabins and trails on 75 wooded acres with a small prairie, on a ridge surrounded by trout streams, created and owned by your hosts: Amy Kalkbrenner, a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and her husband, Rodney Cain, primary operator of Driftless Creek.
We are close to the tiny, artsy, foodie town of Viroqua, Wisconsin, within a few hours drive from Milwaukee (3), Chicago (4), Madison (2), and the Twin Cities (3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why women*?
We believe that the world will benefit from the success of women scientists, academics, and researchers, and that women are often more in need of rest, care, and energy-supporting food to help them make the world a better place. (Also, limiting to one gender helps with room assignments).
*We define women however you do.
Are graduate students permitted?
Yes. In fact, we welcome any women who want independent writing time for academic and research-related work.
What is the cost and what is included?
For 3 nights and all meals:
$575 – private bedroom
$500 – king bed in shared loft
$450 – twin bed in shared loft
+4% booking fee and local taxes
What will happen during the goal setting sessions?
These short, optional sessions will allow you to propose a simple goal (e.g. finish an introduction). They are meant to encourage setting 1-day writing goals and promote accountability to others, factors that support productivity.
Will I get a cabin to myself?
No. This retreat involves sharing space (bathrooms and workspaces) with others.
Will you provide editing, review, or educational content?
No. This retreat is designed to facilitate your independent work.
Will printing be available?
Yes. We will have a networked printer in the gathering cabin (Vireo).
Are there mobility requirements?
You must be able to walk on uneven ground and navigate steps.
What if I want to extend my stay?
You may stay Thursday night for an additional $50, for example to dine at the Driftless Café or visit Viroqua. This will not include additional meals.
What is the dress code?
We encourage you to wear your outdoorsy and comfy “at home” writing clothes.
What should I bring?
Bring shoes that can endure mud, your laptop, and charger.
Should I bring a towel / linens?
No. We will have ample clean towels and bedding for you.
Will alcoholic beverages be provided or for sale?
No, but you are permitted to bring your own.
May I request non-vegetarian food?
No. This is a vegetarian retreat.
Can you accommodate vegan or gluten-free dietary requests?
Absolutely. Make sure to let us know at the time you register.
Sample Menu
Available All Day
- coffee and tea supplies
- nuts and fruit
- chocolate
Breakfast
- juice or smoothie
- hot porridge with toppings (like lentils cooked with apples or oatmeal with almonds, hemp hearts, and blueberries)
Lunch
- protein-packed salad (like green salad with feta, pepitas, and pickled veggies or Asian slaw with peanuts)
- spreads and crackers
Dinner
- tofu curry and rice
- minestrone and baguette
- vegetarian chili and cornbread
Workspaces
Towhee and Tanager cabins include upper and lower small tables and first-floor cushy chairs and a supplemental cabin (Indigo Bunting) has a large desk. The largest cabin (Vireo) will be a site of meal preparation and gathering, and provides cushy chairs and ottomans for those who like to work in settings with more activity.
Questions?
amy@ursid.com