Roethke Poetry Retreat
May 9 - 11, 2025 • Montague Inn, Saginaw, MI
A three-day writing retreat with Anita Skeen and a surprise guest poet.
The Roethke Poetry Retreat is back for 2025. We have once again reserved the Montague Inn and the Roethke House Museum for our exclusive use for the three-day weekend. The retreat emphasizes conversations with professional poets, editors, and scholars; writing and revision guidance from experienced instructors; a network of language lovers; and an array of inspiring writing spaces.
Immerse yourself as you write in the childhood home of a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet at his original writing desk, his dining table where sister June typed his manuscripts, or on the sleeping porch where he spent summer nights. And find your inspiration on the grounds of the historic Montague Inn’s serene and natural six acres that reach the banks of Lake Linton and the Saginaw River on Ojibway Island.
We have a limited number of need-based scholarships available. If you are interested in attending but the cost is a road block, please email us at info@friendsofroethke.org for more details.
This event is made possible through a partnership between the Friends of Theodore Roethke Foundation and Wheelbarrow Books, an imprint of the RCAH Center for Poetry with publication and distribution by MSU Press. We also want to thank Promote Michigan for helping us launch our first retreat last year.
MEMBER RATE, $195 per person with code
Locals Package Includes:
Friday night meet-and-greet at the Montague Inn
Three poetry writing workshops
Blocks of writing time at the Montague Inn and Theodore Roethke’s historic childhood home
Lunch and dinner on Saturday.
Reading/performance featuring Anita Skeen and the surprise poet
Open mic and pop-up book/art fair featuring participants’ work.
One year membership to the Friend of Roethke Foundation.
Optional breakfast at the Montague Inn Saturday & Sunday (additional charge paid at the hotel, per person, per day).
Stay onsite for the retreat for a fully immersive writing experience. Each Montague room is uniquely furnished and includes a private bath. For complete room descriptions, visit https://montagueinn.com/rooms/
Price listed reflects the two night stay and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. There are no additional fees or taxes. You are welcome to have a guest stay with you, but if they want to attend retreat events, they will need to purchase a retreat package.
The hotel does have an elevator. If you have additional accessibility needs, please email us at info@friendsofroethke.org.
Planning to attend from out of town? As all-inclusive package at the Montague Inn is sold out, we recommend booking your accomodations at the Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw.
Library at the Montague Inn
Writing Desk at the Roethke House
Theodore Roethke Childhood Home Museum
Montague Inn Grounds
Please email us at info@friendsofroethke.org with any questions.