Guest Policies

Please review our Guest Policies. 

Guest Policies

Cypress Hollow Iowa, a ministry of Cypress Ministries

Guest Policies | Updated 06/2025

 

Cypress Hollow Iowa is a place for Christ-centered solitude, retreat, rest, and reflection. With that in mind, all guests are expected to recognize, understand, and adhere to the following policies. If you have questions about these policies, please contact us prior to your arrival.

As a Christian retreat center, we seek to uphold biblical behavior and lifestyles. This includes such things as consideration and respect for others, modesty of dress, appropriate speech and behavior, appropriate sexuality, and so on. Cypress Hollow staff reserve the right to address unbiblical behavior and/or remove disruptive guests from the premises.

 

Insurance Requirements

  1. All individuals, families, or groups must possess their own health/medical insurance when on Cypress Hollow property or when participating in an event hosted by Cypress Ministries.
  2. All organizations must possess their own liability insurance and must present a certificate of insurance during the booking process.

 

Safety Policies

  1. Fires may be burned in designated locations only (fireplaces, stoves, pits, rings, etc.). Fires may not be burned outside designated locations. Candles are not permitted.
  2. Fireworks are not permitted. Shooting, archery, hunting, and trapping are not permitted.
  3. Alcoholic beverages are permitted. However, drinking in excess is inappropriate and intoxication is not permitted. Illegal drugs of any kind are not permitted.
  4. Smoking or vaping is not permitted inside any building. Smoking is permitted outdoors, away from buildings.
  5. Vehicle drivers must drive slowly on the grounds. Vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas only. Unnecessary driving on the property should be avoided.
  6. During tornados, windstorms, and other severe weather, guests must shelter in one of the designated storm shelters in Cypress Lodge basement and Village Bathhouse basement.

 

Reservation & Cancellation

  1. All reservation requests must be approved by Cypress Hollow staff. Cypress Hollow reserves the right to deny a reservation request for any reason.
  2. Upon approval, a contract must be signed by the guest or group representative and a deposit must be paid in the amount of 50% of anticipated suggested minimum donation. The contract and deposit link will be sent to the email address listed on the Reservation Request Form. Once the signed contract is returned and deposit is made, the reservation is confirmed and the booking is considered complete.
  3. Deposits are not refundable. In the event of a cancellation, the deposit amount may be applied to a future stay if the reservation is rescheduled and takes place within one year. Deposits are not transferable to other guests or groups.
  4. Total payment amount is on the basis of suggested minimum donation. Any deposits made during the booking process apply toward the suggested minimum donation. Remaining donations can be paid in advance or upon arrival/check-in. Donations in amounts greater than the suggested minimum donation are welcome and deeply appreciated.

 

Check-in & Check-out

  1. Reflection Cabins, Primitive Outposts, and RV Sites: Check-in is any time after 3:00 pm. When you arrive, please first register at the office. If a staff attendant is not present, please follow the posted registration instructions.
  2. Cypress Lodge and Cottage: Check-in is any time after 3:00 pm. When you arrive, please go directly to Cypress Lodge and check in using the instructions emailed to you.
  3. All Accommodations: Check-out is 12:00 noon. Rooms must be vacated by 12:00 noon, but you are welcome to remain on the grounds until 3:00 pm.
  4. Check-out procedures are posted in the cabins and lodges. Guests are expected to follow the posted check-out procedures.

 

Food & Dining

  1. Cypress Hollow does not have a public dining hall and does not offer food service. (Exception: Cypress Hollow may provide meals for scheduled group retreats, such as Deep Woods Immersion, or for pre-arragned special events.)
  2. Guests are responsible for bringing and preparing their own food, drinks, snacks, and meals. Grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores are all locally available.

 

Activity Policies

  1. Fishing is welcome in Wapsipinicon River, Kreg’s Pond, and Barker Pond. Guests are expected to know and follow all Iowa DNR fishing regulations.
  2. Swimming is not advised in the Wapsipinicon River due to the potential for strong undercurrents. Swimming is not permitted in Kreg’s Pond or Barker Pond.
  3. When using canoes, kayaks, or other water equipment, persons under 16 years of age must wear a life jacket at all times.
  4. All recreational activities, including but not limited to fishing, canoeing/kayaking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and all other activities are done absolutely at your own risk. You and your group assume all responsibility. Cypress Hollow assumes no responsibility.
  5. When borrowing equipment from the Cypress Hollow Gear Room, follow all check-out and check-in procedures posted in the Gear Room.

 

Miscellaneous Policies

  1. It is strongly recommended that guests unplug from technology and media while at Cypress Hollow. Using media devices in a way that disturbs other guests is not permitted.
  2. In general, Cypress Hollow should remain a quiet place at all times so that guests can remain undisturbed. However, designated daily quiet time is from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am.
  3. Pet dogs are allowed at Cypress Hollow if they are well behaved, kept leashed or crated at all times, and are closely controlled by their owners. Pets are not allowed inside cabins, lodges, or meeting spaces. (Exception: trained service dogs may enter buildings with their owners.)
  4. No outside or unregistered guests are permitted. All guests must register with the Cypress Hollow staff upon check-in.
  5. Guests are to help keep the center looking nice by properly disposing of trash and respecting the natural features of the property.
  6. All adult guests must sign a guest waiver. All minor guests must have a guest waiver signed on their behalf by a parent or guardian.

 

Other Considerations

  • Items to Bring. Bring comfortable clothing appropriate for the season and weather. Bring bedding (sleeping bag or linens/blankets, pillow, etc.). We suggest bringing towels, slippers, personal items and toiletries, flashlight, reading or retreat materials, Bible, journal, etc.
  • Machinery Noise. Cypress Hollow staff seek to maintain quiet for guests. However, maintenance equipment (mowers, chainsaws, etc.) may be heard from time to time. The stone quarry across the river utilizes heavy equipment. Occasionally, it may be possible to hear the quarry machinery in operation.
  • Farm Animals. Cypress Hollow is a working hobby farm with livestock (chickens, cattle, goats, etc.). We ask guests to not approach or disturb the livestock.

 

These policies must be recognized, understood, and followed by all Cypress Hollow guests.

Information for Guests

Retreats

Personal Solitude Retreats

Modern society and ministry do not encourage the spiritual practices of solitude, silence, and contemplation. We provide space for personal or couples' solitude retreats. Solitude retreat guests can stay in the Cottage, in one of the Reflection & Prayer Cabins, or in a tent at one of the primitive campsite outposts. We also offer a couple of RV sites for those wishing to stay in their own camper.

Self-guided solitude retreats: Guests plan and do their own solitude retreat.

Coached solitude retreats: A tailored solitude retreat plan can be prepared for you by Cypress Hollow staff.

Time conversing with a pastoral coach can be incorporated into a solitude retreat if desired.

Small Group Retreats

Small groups and families are welcome at Cypress Hollow. Meeting spaces include Cypress Lodge and Myrtle Chapel. In general, groups are limited to around 30 people due to the size of the meeting spaces.

Cypress Hollow staff can help you plan and execute your retreat or reunion.

Scheduled Retreats

Occasionally, we at Cypress Hollow hold our own retreats and we invite interested people to join us. See our upcoming events list or contact us for our retreat schedule.

Deep Woods Immersion is our signature scheduled event. It is a group solitude retreat that incorporates periods of silence and solitude as well as times of fellowship. Emphasis is placed on Scripture contemplation.

Pastoral/Biblical Coaching

Cypress Hollow is able to offer pastoral and biblical coaching for guests who desire to speak with someone as they retreat. Coaching is on a request basis and must be scheduled in advance.

Business Leadership Coaching

Cypress Hollow is an excellent retreat location for business leadership teams to meet and connect. Kreg Tjelmeland, our ministry president, is an experienced business owner and executive with a passion for integrating biblical and missional principles into corporate cultures and business practices. Kreg offers coaching to business owners, executies, and leadership teams interested in incorporating Kingdom ideals into their planning and executing. 

 

Facilities

Cypress Lodge & Cottage

Our largest accommodation. Sleeps up to 24 people. Includes 6 bedrooms, two bunkrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, dining area, living/meeting area with fireplace.

Myrtle Center

Myrtle Center is our office and maintenance shop complex and includes the check-in desk, a small gift/provisions shop, a historical display, and our gear room.

Reflection & Prayer Cabins

Tucked away along the edge of the timber are 12 small cabins for personal solitude, reflection, and prayer. Each cabin sleeps three and has bathroom, kitchenette, and bunk bed.

Primitive Campsites

Four primitive campsite outposts for tent camping are located in secluded areas of the timber. Each outpost includes a pit toilet, fire pit, pavilion, and picnic table.

RV/Camper Sites

Cypress Hollow has two RV sites for those who travel with their own accommodations. Both RV sites have electrical hookups and water. A sanitation dump is avaialble at Myrtle Center.

Chapel

Our chapel is a multi-use meeting space intended  for worship, reflection, and prayer. It also has a small library and reading room, as well as a basic kitchen.

Stone Hut Hermitage

A small, secluded stone hut accessible by foot only. Furnished with woodburning stove, chair, desk, and lantern. No water or electricity. A pit toilet and firepit are nearby.

Natural Features

Our little spot is set on 350 acres of rolling timber and hayfield on the south bank of the Wapsipinicon River. The property boasts more than 10 miles of trails, one mile of river frontage, and two fishing ponds.

Reservations

Availability & Booking

Please check our availability calendar.

To book space at Cypress Hollow, fill out the Reservation Request Form. After receiving your request, we will contact you to discuss your retreat and then send you a Retreat Contract. As soon as you return the Retreat Contract and any required deposit, your booking will be complete and added to the calendar. 

If you would like to visit Cypress Hollow for a day or part of a day (for individuals or couples), we do allow day use. However, please contact us ahead of time to make sure that we are able to accommodate you on your desired day.

Cypress Hollow reserves the right to deny, cancel, or modify bookings for any reason at any time.

Pricing & Payment

Payment for Cypress Hollow services and facility use is on the basis of suggested minimum donation. Donation amounts above the suggested minimum donation are welcome and deeply appreciated. Payments are made through our online donation system.

Suggested Minimum Donations:

Individual day use fee (no facility use): Free (call ahead)

Individual day use fee (with facility use): $20/day

Group day use fee: $20/person or $200/day

Primitive campsite use: $15/campsite/night

RV site use: $50/night

Reflection & Prayer Cabin use: $75/cabin/night

Cypress Lodge rental: $500/night

Cottage rental: $100/night

Chapel day use only: $50/day

Pastoral/biblical coaching: $75/hour

Executive business coaching: Contact to discuss

Contact us to discuss special arrangements and suggested minimum donations for group retreats and events. 

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in: 3pm. Your lodging and meeting space will be available by 3pm on the day your reservation begins. Upon arrival, guests staying in Reflection & Prayer Cabins, RV sites, or at an Outpost must check-in at the Myrtle Center office. Guests staying at Cypress Lodge or The Cottage will be emailed check-in procedures.

Check-out: 12 noon. Lodging rooms must be vacated by 12pm on the day of departure. You are welcome to stay on the grounds until 3pm. Late check-out or late departure may incur additional fees.

Meal Information

Cypress Hollow does not have a dining hall and does offer standard meal service. Meals are the responsibility of individual guests or groups. (Exception: Cypress Hollow may provide meal service for planned/scheduled retreats, such as Deep Woods Immersion, or for pre-arranged special events.)

Here are some meal options:

Bring and prepare your own food. Cypress Lodge, Cottage, and Chapel have fully equipped residential kitchens and dining areas. Reflection & Prayer Cabins have small kitchenettes consisting of microwave, mini refrigerator, hot plate, and coffee machine. Meals can also be prepared over open fire at any of our fire pits. Local grocery stores include Fareway, Walmart, and Dollar General. 

Have a local catering service cater your meals. You will need to arrange this service with the caterer of your choice as Cypress Hollow does not contract with a catering service and is not responsible for any outside catering service. Cypress Hollow staff can get you a list of local caterers. 

Eat some or all of your meals at local restaurants. The area has several good restaurants.

Gear & Provisions

In all cabins and lodges, Cypress Hollow provides beds and/or mattresses: Bedding (sleeping bags, sheets, blankets, pillow cases, pillows, etc.) is not provided and is the responsiblity of the guests.

Cooking and eating utensils are provided in all buildings with kitchen/dining facilities.

Wireless internet is available in Cypress Lodge and Myrtle Center. There are no televisions in any of the facilities.

Cypress Hollow maintains a Gear Room in the Myrtle Center office. Gear can be checked out from the Gear Room free of charge. Fees will be incurred if any piece of equipment is not returned or returned damaged and/or irreparable. Availability of specific equipment is not guaranteed. The following equipment can be checked out in the Gear Room:

- Camping gear such as tents, cots, and other items

- Fishing gear such as rods and reels and some tackle

- Canoes and kayaks

Nearby

Anamosa, Iowa

The small, quaint town of Anamosa is known for several things: famous painter Grant Wood, the beautiful Wapsipinicon State Park, the historic Anamosa State Penitentiary, and limestone quarries producing the distictive and sought-after Anamosa Stone. Anamosa is also the official Pumpkin Capital of Iowa and celebrates this claim to fame each October during the annual Pumpkin Festival. Anamosa boasts several attractions, restaurants, and shops. 

Cedar Rapids Metro

The cities of Cedar Rapids and Marion lie about 25 miles to the southwest. The metro boasts a variety of restaurants, shopping, museums, and entertainment venues, as well as the region's main commercial airport. For information about the Cedar Rapids area, visit www.tourismcedarrapids.com.

Surrounding Towns

Many small towns dot the surrounding Iowa landscape, with each town owning a unique claim to fame. Neat little towns such as Mount Vernon, Monticello, Springville, Wyoming, and Central City are all within a 20-minute drive. Many of these towns have quaint shops, unique historical features, and decent restaurants.

FAQ

Who are you and why do you do this?

We're a group of like-minded people who love Jesus, recognize and revel in His saving love for us, appreciate spiritual disciplines and hard work, enjoy investing in the lives of others, and love being outdoors.

We started this ministry in 2024 to offer something to the Christian community that we ourselves deeply appreciate: a Christian adult retreat center devoted to the practices of solitude, rest, contemplation, counseling, coaching, mentoring, and intimate fellowship for pastors, missionaries, ministry workers, and mission-minded businesspeople.

Learn more about us at www.cypressministries.org

Are you affiliated with a denomination or church?

No. Cypress Hollow is an independent organization not affiliated with a denomination or a specific church. We do, however, partner with denominational organizations, churches, parachurch ministries, nonprofit agencies, and business organizations to offer our suite of retreat services. 

Do you have a statement of faith?

Yes! We would describe ourselves as Gospel-centered, biblically informed, theologically conservative, and gratefully free in Christ.

God. We believe in the Holy God as revealed in the Bible. We believe God to exist as three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

People. We believe that people were created in God's image and are loved by God. Due to sin, all people have inherited a sin nature and are naturally separated from God. 

Salvation. We believe that God, in His love for people, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem through His sacrifice on the cross, that all who believe in Jesus Christ and His work are saved.

Sanctification. We believe that, upon salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, guiding them, comforting them, convicting them of sin, and empowering them to live in repentance and righteousness.

Scriptures. We believe the Scriptures, the Holy Bible, to be the true and inerrant Word of God in its original languages. The Bible is reliable in all matters of faith and practice.

Church. We believe the Church to be comprised of all true believers in Christ. Local churches are gatherings of believers in specific locations.

Eternity. We believe that the souls of people will live forever in an eternal state, either with God or separated from God. We believe that Christ will return to earth to save and judge the world.

Freedom. We believe that within the parameters of orthodox, biblical, God-centered Christianity, there is freedom and diversity in specific beliefs, practices, and expressions. 

Do I have to be a Christian to visit?

No. Anyone is welcome at Cypress Hollow. However, it is important to recognize that we are a Christian retreat center and hold to biblical principles and teachings. Our goal is to foster spiritual growth and rest in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we ask all guests to respect the sacred purposes and practices at Cypress Hollow in words, attitudes, and behavior.

Can Cypress Hollow host a wedding?

Cypress Hollow is not an event venue. However, in some cases when avaialble, we are able to host simple, small weddings. Contact us to discuss this possibility.

Can Cypress Hollow host a church or corporate event?

Cypress Hollow is not an event venue. However, in some cases when avaialble, we are able to host simple, small getherings for churches, organizations, and corporations. Contact us to discuss this possibility.

Are there really cypress trees in Iowa?

Sort of. While cypress trees are not native to Iowa, the bald cypress species is able to thrive in Iowa. Bald cypress trees are prized for their soft needles that turn to orange and drop each fall.

When we started Cypress Hollow, our first order of business was to plant a few small stands of bald cypress trees in key locations on the property. These little cypress groves serve as a living, growing reminder of God's restorative work as proclaimed in Isaiah 55: In place of the thornbush, the cypress will grow.

Location

22714 Fish House Road, Anamosa, Iowa. About 25 minutes northeast of the Cedar Rapids metro