Lake Williamson Christian Center In St. Louis | Unique Venues
Lake Williamson Christian Center

Lake Williamson Christian Center

Restore. Renew. Reconnect.

Event Types Welcomed

  • Professional Meeting / Training / Conference / Retreats
  • Youth Retreat/Camps

About

Lake Williamson Christian Center, the St Louis region conference center in the Christian Retreats Network, has been a trusted name in Christian Hospitality for over 50 years. Our Christian conference center features year-round recreation and accommodations for up to 1,350 overnight guests.

Retreat packages include everything your group needs for a successful ministry event: lodging, dining, meeting, and recreation.

We strive to “serve one another in love” in the spirit of Galatians 5:13. Lake Williamson is as a place to restore, renew, and reconnect.

Find Us Online

Meeting & Event Spaces

  • Max Capacity: 1350 guests
  • Largest Classroom Style: 400
  • Largest Theatre Style: 1500
  • Largest Auditorium Seating: 1500
  • Largest Seated Reception: 400
  • Largest Standing Reception: 1500
The Auditorium
The Auditorium, Lake Williamson's largest meeting space, accommodates up to 1,500 individuals. A variety of chair, table, and wall combinations are available. The space can be further customized using wall partitioners. Our setup allows us to offer the space as one room, split into two rooms, or divided into six rooms.

A newly added foyer is excellent for socializing between meetings or displaying exhibitors. Off the foyer is Room A7, which has a seating capacity of up to 80. A7 offers a private restroom, a countertop with a sink, a coffee maker, and two wall-mounted TVs. Groups commonly use this space as administrative headquarters or childcare.
  • 500 Banquet Style
  • 700 Classroom Style
  • 1500 Theatre Style
The Brotherhood Center
The Brotherhood Center, built in 2018, accommodates up to 600 seats and is equipped with high-quality audio and visual equipment. The spacious foyer offers supplemental space for displays and vendors. Off the foyer are two additional private meeting spaces: The Lewis Room and The Clark Room. The two rooms are comparable in size and have a maximum capacity of 30 guests.
  • 400 Banquet Style
  • 300 Classroom Style
  • 600 Theatre Style
AC-207
AC 207 is located on the second floor in the Activities Center next to AC 205 and 206. Wall partitions allow us to divide the room into 1) four rooms with a hallway down the middle or 2) a combination of two small rooms and one large room. AC 207 has A/V equipment, stage lighting, and two projectors/screens.
  • 288 Banquet Style
  • 144 Classroom Style
  • 320 Theatre Style
Lakeside Center
Lakeside Center includes meeting space in addition to lodging. The meeting space features a mounted TV and a small kitchenette with a countertop, sink, and refrigerator. Lakeside Center also has two lounges, one on each wing. A portable stage and A/V equipment are available upon request.
  • 120 Banquet Style
  • 70 Classroom Style
  • 150 Theatre Style
AC 205 and 206
AC 205 and AC 206 are on the second floor in the Activities Center. Wall partitions allow us to separate the room into two equally sized rooms. Option include:

AC 205: Rows (130) Banquet (96) Rounds (72) Classroom (48)
AC 206: Rows (130) Banquet (96) Rounds (72) Classroom (48)
AC 205-206: Rows (260) Banquet (192) Rounds (144) Classroom (96)
  • 192 Banquet Style
  • 96 Classroom Style
  • 260 Theatre Style
AC 201, 202, and 203
AC 201, 202, and 203 are configurable to meet your needs. Wall partitions allow us to offer the space as one room, two rooms (2:1 split), or three rooms (1:1:1 split). Choose from a multitude of table and chair layouts:

AC 201: Rows (50) U-Shape (24-36) Circle (19-29) Classroom (24-32) Conference (32)
AC 202: Rows (50) U-Shape (24-36) Circle (19-29) Classroom (24-32) Conference (32)
AC 203: Rows (60) U-Shape (28-40) Circle (23-32) Classroom (36-48) Conference (40)

AC 201-202: Rows (90) Classroom (48-64)
AC 202-203: Rows (110) Classroom (60-80)
AC 201-202-203: Rows (150) Classroom (96-128)
  • 125 Classroom Style
  • 150 Theatre Style
Lincoln Room
The Lincoln Room is located on the first floor of the Activities Center and boasts a wall of windows that fill the space with natural light. The room has a counter, sink, refrigerator, two mounted TVs, and a mounted whiteboard. Portable sound equipment is available upon request.
  • 1 Sq. Ft.
  • 64 Banquet Style
  • 40 Classroom Style
  • 100 Theatre Style
  • 40 Conference Style
  • 26 Hollow Square Space Style
Grant Room
The Grant Room is located on the first floor of the Activities Center next to Connections Cafe. Large windows fill the space with natural light. The room has a counter, sink, refrigerator, two mounted TVs, and a mounted whiteboard. Portable sound equipment is available upon request.
  • 64 Banquet Style
  • 40 Classroom Style
  • 100 Theatre Style
  • 40 Conference Style
  • 23 Hollow Square Space Style
Cottonwood Cabin
Cottonwood Cabin is an intimate space for small groups. It is a conveniently located stand-alone building that offers a quiet, distraction-free atmosphere. Its uses are endless. The cabin has a full restroom with showers and can be converted to lodging.
  • 27 Classroom Style
  • 60 Theatre Style
  • 20 Conference Style
AC 204
AC 204 is located on the second floor in the Activities Center across the hall from AC 201, 202, and 203. The space includes a long countertop, sink, refrigerator, and mounted TV. Portable A/V equipment is available upon request.
  • 494 Sq. Ft.
  • 24 Classroom Style
  • 50 Theatre Style
  • 24 Conference Style
AC 101
AC 101 is located on the first floor of the Activities Center building and is conveniently located next to the indoor pool and the gym. Previous groups have used this space for breakout activities such as crafts and games, while others have designated the room as a camp "store," administrative headquarters, and staff lounge. AC 101 has a long countertop, sink, and a mounted TV.
  • 19 Classroom Style
  • 40 Theatre Style
  • 26 Conference Style
  • 15 Hollow Square Space Style

Food & Beverage Options

Lakeside Dining Room
Lakeside Dining Room sits on the shore of Lake Williamson, complete with large windows overlooking the lake. Following your meal, step out for a short walk around the lake or take a moment to unwind in the gazebo.

Buffet dining is a standard feature included in all of our retreat packages. We offer self-service buffet lines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, allowing you to enjoy an all-you-can-eat experience.
  • Seating Capacity: 660

Accommodations

  • Total Number of Overnight Guests: 1350
  • Number of Overnight Rooms: 183
  • Wi-Fi in Guest Rooms: Yes
  • Wi-Fi Guest Room Cost : Free
Overnight Room Attributes
  • Air-conditioned rooms available
  • Linens Provided
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Towels
  • WiFi

 

Williamson Lodge
Known as the preferred choice for adult and family retreats, Williamson Lodge combines the convenience of motel-style lodging with a picturesque setting. The suites include air-conditioning, heating, TVs, landline phones, soap, linens, and housekeeping services. Room options include either: 1) two full-size beds and one bunk bed or 2) one queen-size bed and two bunk beds. Additionally, Williamson Lodge offers six private suites, each featuring a king-size bed, a table and chairs set, a TV, and a personal coffee maker. Multiple ice and soda machines are conveniently located in breezeways.
  • 127 Rooms
  • 750 Beds
  • Guest Wifi: Yes
This accommodation has A/C
Lakeside Center
Lakeside Center features two lodging wings plus an oversized meeting area (seats 150). Among the twenty rooms, sixteen feature one full-size bed and five sets of bunk beds (sleeps 12), and two rooms feature three sets of bunk beds (sleeps 6). All rooms have half-bath ensuites with nearby centrally located showers. Each wing includes a king-sized suite with a private bath and shower. Lakeside Center is an excellent choice for youth groups.
  • 20 Rooms
  • 212 Beds
  • Guest Wifi: Yes
This accommodation has A/C
Clark Hall
Clark Hall has 24 air-conditioned dorm rooms, each with five bunk beds and private bathrooms. It is conveniently located and within walking distance of the Auditorium, Activities Center, and Lakeside Dining Room. The dorm-style layout is a popular choice among youth groups and men's retreats.
  • 24 Rooms
  • 240 Beds
  • Guest Wifi: Yes
This accommodation has A/C
Parkside Lodge
Parkside Lodge is located close to the outdoor activity areas and Lake Williamson beachfront. Each room includes five bunk beds (sleeps 10), a private full bathroom, and air-conditioning. Parkside Lodge is a favored choice of youth groups.
  • 12 Rooms
  • 120 Beds
  • Guest Wifi: Yes
This accommodation has A/C
RV Parks
We have three RV parks for groups who wish to be more in tune with nature. In total, we offer 200 full hook-up sites. Our RV parks are all located on the northwest side of the Lake Williamson property. Shower and restroom facilities are on-site, and laundry facilities are available in the Activities Center and at the outdoor pool.
  • Guest Wifi: Yes

Featured Amenities

  • A/V Equipment
  • Accessible Facilities
  • Air Conditioning Air Conditioning
  • Fitness Center Fitness Center
  • Flexible Floor Plan
  • In-House Catering
  • Linens
  • Near Public Transit
  • Near Water
  • Outdoor Fire Area
  • Outdoor Space
  • Overnight Rooms
  • Paid Parking
  • Pool
  • Running Trails
  • Scenic Views
  • Sports Facilities
  • Stage
  • Taxi
  • Theater Seating
  • Waterfront
  • WiFi

Venue Location + Transportation

Address

 
17280 Lakeside Drive,
Carlinville, Illinois 62626

Transportation

  • TaxiTaxi
  • TrainTrain

Nearby Airport

  • Saint Louis Lambert (STL) - 55 minutes

Nearby International Airport

  • Saint Louis Lambert International Airport - 55 minutes

Parking

  • Onsite Parking: Yes
  • Car Charging Stations: No

Nearby Cities

St. Louis, MO: 65 miles
Springfield, IL: 50 miles

Things to Know

Catering

  • Must Use In-house Catering: Yes
  • External Catering Allowed: No
  • Can Bring in Own Food: no
  • Cultural Catering Available: Yes
  • Food and Beverage Onsite: Yes

Technology

We offer complimentary A/V equipment. A staff member will give your technician a tutorial on using in-house equipment systems. Many groups find the systems intuitive and easy to use; however, we can provide a technician upon request.

You can find a comprehensive list on our website at: www.lakewilliamson.org/meeting

  • Guest Wi-Fi: Free
  • Onsite Tech Support: Yes
  • Wi-Fi in meeting space: Yes
  • Equipment Available On-Site:
    • Projector Screen
    • Microphones
    • Sound System
    • Custom Lighting

Venue Policies

  • Alcohol Consumption: No
  • Smoking Permitted: yes
  • Cannabis Industry-Friendly: No
  • Cannabis Consumption: No
  • ADA Accessible: Yes
  • Family Friendly: Yes
  • Pet Friendly: No

Testimonials

"I want to thank you for your overwhelming hospitality this past weekend. Everyone was very gracious and helpful. The facilities are great. I will definitely recommend this site to anyone who is seeking a place for a meeting, a retreat, etc. May God continue to work through you to reach others."
Carol - The Logos Ministry
"I cannot say enough how much our group loves Lake Williamson, especially the staff and the facilities! Everyone there has been great to work with, extremely accommodating and very caring of our group. We have literally no complaints!" "Our group has used several other camps & retreat centers and nothing compares to the facilities, activities, and staff that LW has, since coming to LW there has been no need to try any place else!"
Lisa - Harvest Bible Chapel
"I love the Carlinville facility and the staff. I like the improvements they have been making to the grounds. I enjoy working with the staff. I feel they go above and beyond the call of duty in taking care of us. They are extremely flexible and it is so nice to work with a group of folks who not only understand what good business is but approach it with obvious good Christian values and attitude. I already look forward to the next time we can work together.”
Shawn- New Apostolic Church National Youth Day
"It was awesome to see our youth group connect spiritually to Jesus and each other. We all enjoyed the high ropes, blacklight dodgeball, lake, basketball, and playing pool. You have a great camp and I am so BLESSED to have seen my own son grow so much in his spiritual, emotional and social walk with our Lord. We all enjoyed the campfire time, and every one of our youths were very open and honest and loving during this special worship time. We have been there 3 times and we all are looking forward to next year. Thank you for Loving Jesus and our youths.”
Leader - The Rock Community Church

Technology

Sound Boards
Subwoofers
Monitors
Stage Lighting
Lighting Controller
Projectors
Microphones