The Crystal Lodge Venue Is Ready For Your Event
East of Yellowstone Lodge & Retreat -a secluded escape
The Property
During Your Stay
- A very secluded lodge and campground tucked away that even many locals are unaware exists.
- The 10,000 sq ft Luxury Western Lodge sleeps 29 comfortably and the bunkhouse adds 12 more.
- Six full bedrooms and a bunk house room
- Two game rooms, 4 lounges, & seven bathrooms
- Large kitchen and formal dining room
- Massive deck overlooking the forest
- Lost Nation Golf Club is next to the property
- Multiple firepits for evening relaxing
Campgrounds
- Upper Campground with two rustic cabins (Summer 2024)
- Lower Campground with three rustic cabins and shower house (shower house closed over winter)
- Creek access and open air patios
- Fishing and swimming lake (potential 2024)
- Reception Hall for parties or gathering space
- Crystal Lodge venue space opening Jan 2024
Nature and Tranquility
Enjoy:
- Over 4 miles of trails on 43 acres
- Year round creek and well established forest
- Secluded lodge and campground
- Abundant wildlife
- No road, city, or non-facility distractions
Why East of Yellowstone?
We are nearly due east of one of the premiere national parks in the US. Yellowstone National Park may not be next door but our goal is to bring a little of that tranquility and excitement here. We aim to bring the Old West to the Midwest.
The Great Room
Upon entering the Lodge you find a place to enjoy time with family and friends while enjoying the atmosphere of a Western Lodge. Take in the hand hewn logs from Montana and decor including antiques and vintage art.
Inside the Lodge
Saloon and Billiards
Cinematic Experience!
Cinematic Experience!
Unwind with a beverage or bite at the World Saloon while surrounded by art collected while we were in Australia, Fiji, Guam, Southwest Asia, Europe, and the US. Challenge your best Mate to pool on the freshly overhauled and felted 9 foot slate table.
Cinematic Experience!
Cinematic Experience!
Cinematic Experience!
Kick back and relax with the Lodge theater experience. Six cup holding recliners on stadium seating set the scene for the show. Then 7 channels of sound and a 4K projector illuminate a 100 inch screen to take you away for a little while.
Game Room Blue
Cinematic Experience!
Game Room Blue
Cut loose with family and friends for a Ping Pong, Air Hockey, or Fusball dual. If a blast from the past is more your style, have a seat at the ULTRACADE with 263 games including the favorites. Leave a new high score for others to chase.
Chow Line
When its time to rest
Game Room Blue
When your gang is hungry the kitchen features a smooth surface JenAir flat surface cooktop and double oven. The huge built in Sub Zero holds everything you need for your stay. The World Saloon has a full size fridge, sink, and a popcorn popper for movie time. We can stock the shelves or cater for your party when you want to just enjoy your stay a little more.
Catering by Southern Seasons Grill open 2024
When its time to rest
When its time to rest
When its time to rest
The Lodge boasts 3 master en suite bedrooms with queen(2) or full beds and bunks, Jack and Jill bedrooms share a full bath and include queen beds and bunks, a master pass through bunkhouse has a full size and 10 Twin XL beds. Finally, the Directors Den is down the hall from the downstairs activities and delivers a great night sleep with a queen and bunk beds.
FAQs
When its time to rest
When its time to rest
- Some History: The property is located on a former Girl Scout Camp established in 1937 - cabins have signatures from the campers and staff over the years highlighting the history here.
- Rental / venue options: the entire property is yours for rental which includes the lodge, 3 cabins, and reception hall for one price. Catering and additional venue support are available upon request.
- If you are only searching for a reception hall for a day party we have you covered with or without catering. (Available when the property has not been rented out)
- Security: The property is fenced up to Clear Creek which acts as a natural fence line.
- Owners live quietly on property to support your needs or stay invisible while you enjoy your stay.
Our Location
Our Location
Our Location
We are hidden away in the countryside of Northern Illinois and only about an hour away from the west suburbs of Chicago. East of Yellowstone Lodge & Retreat Lodge offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
About Us
We are a retired military family of almost 24 years and were looking for a place to start a business of our own. We were awestruck when we found this 43-acre lodge property in our home state of Illinois about 100 miles west of Chicago. We are in the beautiful rolling hills of the historic farming community of Sauk Valley in the charming town of Dixon, Illinois.
The amazing Alpine built lodge was crafted from hand hewn Montana logs, assembled, numbered, disassembled for delivery, and rebuilt over the course of 18 months here near Clear Creek. The nearly ten thousand square foot lodge boasts seven bedrooms, seven baths, a huge great room with rock fireplace, a dream kitchen, and an amazing deck overlooking the amazing view of the forest and its wildlife.
We realized this was the perfect place to start our business and to share this magnificent place with others. As a military family stationed around the world, we had the privilege of living in and visiting many wonderful places such as Australia, Fiji, Guam, New Zealand, North Dakota, and many national parks including Yellowstone. As we walked the expansive property, we discovered how peaceful it is and how the beauty of this place rivals many places we have had the good fortune of visiting around the world. We were hooked!!
Our family team consists of Keith and Lisa who own and manage all aspects of the business. Our adult children Devin and Grant, who have extensive experience in the service hospitality industry as well as management of same. The youngest is Kindle who loves life and keeps us all on our toes…we hope she will choose to join our team when ready!
We look forward to bringing this original lodging and retreat experience to you, your family, and your friends! Our goal is to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience…bringing you back to nature while staying in a beautiful western themed lodge. Stay for the day, a weekend, week, or longer. Our tagline is “Where Old West – Meets Midwest” and we hope that after your stay here you feel like you have truly been somewhere unique. And yes…we do love the Dutton ranch and the show too!