Welcome to Erik’s Retreat! 

By simply staying with us, you are providing meaningful employment and social opportunities for young adults with autism. And what better way to interact with this deserving population and have fun than on one of our specialized tours? From horse racing, to limo rides, to making cocktails, we have something for everyone. The best part? Every tour is led by a member of Erik’s Retreat. Each and every tour at Erik’s caters to a member’s passion, letting their expertise and enthusiasm shine.

Meet Your Tour Guides

Tim: Tim moved to Minnesota after growing up in both North Carolina and California.

During his time here, he has discovered an adoration for Jucy Lucy burgers. This is likely because he’s equipped with a discerning palate and an appreciation for the finer things in life. However, when Tim isn’t hunting for his next favorite burger, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are very important to him.

Tim’s other interests include a wide variety of World War I trench warfare, comedy, paintball, boxing, Cross Fit, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Mixed Martial Arts!

Matt: Matt was born and raised in Wisconsin. He learned to ski at an early age and has carved through fresh powder on “double blacks” at the top resorts in the nation—most recently at Bridger Bowl with Dan McKay, an ALL American skier!

From assisting young children teetering on their skis for the first time to aiding injured skiers—he once carried someone down the slopes in a toboggan—Matt has experienced it all. In fact, if you’re looking for him during the winter months, you’d better purchase a ski pass!

During the summer, though, he enjoys his Segway Skills tour at Erik’s Retreat.

Erik: Erik is our good-humored and gentle-spirited namesake.

He enjoys riding horses, attending Circus Juventas School, swimming, skiing, biking, riding Segways and many other activities with his sisters, family, and friends at Erik’s Retreat. Sharing these experiences deepens the relationships in his life and roots them in love and respect.

Like many on the autism spectrum, Erik cannot live alone. He needs the support, structure, and nurturing environment that Erik's Ranch & Retreats provides. Erik deserves the chance for a meaningful life on his own terms, which we provide him and so many others like him.

Maddy: Born in SoCal and raised in Durango, Colo., Maddy is a graduate of Minnesota Life College and now calls Erik’s Retreat home. She loves animals and while growing up on a ranch, quickly discovered an affinity for horses where she learned to ride, groom, train and care for a variety of breeds. While in Colorado, Maddy was a member of Pony Club and she competed with her horse, Aragorn, in English riding competitions. When not in the saddle, Maddy loves spending time with her Labradoodle, Duncan.

Maddy keeps things shipshape around the Retreat as a seasoned housekeeper and is a member of the concierge team. She loves her part-time job at the Hennepin Theater Trust in downtown Minneapolis where she is an usher and has the unique opportunity to witness world-renowned plays and musicals. Maddy is compassionate, puts our guests at ease with her welcoming presence, loves WWE and Jane Austen and owns all nine seasons of Doctor Who. Maddy has three sisters and is extremely close with her family.

Maggie: Maggie joined us in August 2017 from California. From an early age, she took care of her family’s animals. The wide variety included horses, ducks, chickens, and even turtles! In her spare time, Maggie enjoys photography, spending time with her cat, vintage fashion and décor, visiting new restaurants, and secretly loves the Twilight trilogy – but don’t tell anyone!

Jacob: We welcomed Jacob to Erik’s Retreat back in June of 2017 and we are absolutely thrilled he has joined us! Jacob was raised in Prior Lake, Minnesota. He continually seeks the positive in almost any situation. He works on the concierge staff at Erik’s Retreat, where he loves meeting new people and learning about them.

Jacob discovered a passion for climbing after he and his family gathered for an adventure at Vertical Endeavors almost five years ago. Since then, Jacob would prefer to spend more of his free time at climbing, where bouldering and top roping has turned into him reaching for new heights. When not checking guests into Erik’s Retreat or climbing a vertical surface, Jacob enjoys volunteering at a local soup kitchen, Open Arms.

Tour Descriptions

Tim’s Cocktail Tour

Whether it’s the end of a workday or you’re on vacation, we have the perfect way to start your weekend!

This tour offers more than some drinks and food; Tim will guide you through how each cocktail is created so you can make it yourself at home! What is that saying, again? Give a man one drink, and he drinks for an hour. Teach a man to make a cocktail, and he drinks for a lifetime.

So join Tim for an evening mixing – and drinking! – his favorite cocktails with a side of his great sense of humor. He will also prepare gourmet snacks for your enjoyment.

Drink happy thoughts and book your cocktail tour at Erik’s Retreats!

Please note that the minimum age required to participate in this tour is 21. Contact us for mocktail pricing or dietary restrictions at 612-401-3080.

• $32.00 per person
• Length: 1 hour
• Days offered: Friday
• Start time: 6:30 p.m.
• Available all year round
• A minimum of two guests, maximum of fifteen
• What is provided: Light snacks, drinks
• Guests should bring: Valid drivers license
• Location: Erik’s Retreat, 3420 Heritage Drive, Edina MN

City of Lakes Limo Tour

Are you new to the area? Do the Twin Cities seem mysterious and daunting? Then come on an adventure with us around the Minneapolis!

We Minnesotans are proud of our 10,000 lakes. What better way to showcase some of the most renowned – Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles – than on your own guided tour in a limo? Our member concierge staff will eagerly share tales of Minneapolis’ three crown gems and answer any other questions you may have about our fair city.

During this posh adventure, you will also learn where you can cross-country ski, catch a glimpse of our most famous mansions, discover ideal spots for quiet strolls, find out where to enjoy an evening of dance, and much more!

• $35.00 per person
• Length: 1 hour
• Days offered: Tuesday-Friday
• Start times: 4:15 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.
• Available all year round
• A minimum of two guests, maximum of six
• Meeting Location: Erik’s Retreat, 3420 Heritage Drive, Edina MN

Scenic Segway Tour

Join us for a “wheel” good time!

Our adventure will take us through picturesque neighborhoods and amongst Minnesota’s key features! It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy the sunshine, listen to the bustle of life and birds, and make a memory with your friends or family. And if you’re nervous about operating a Segway, don’t be! The only real controls come from the intentions of the driver. No throttle to speed up, and no brakes to slow down. Gliding on a Segway is pure fun.

Please note that all participants must be at least ninety pounds and a minimum of eleven years old.

• $40.00 per person
• Length: 1 hour
• Days offered: Tuesday-Wednesday, Saturdays
• Start times: 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.
• Available April to October
• A minimum of two guests, maximum of four
• What is provided: Segways, Helmets
• Guests should bring: Tennis shoes, water & a snack
• Meeting Location: Cedar Lake

Matt’s Segway Skills Session

Join us for a “wheel” good time!

Matt’s Segway Skills Session is perfect for teens, adults, families, corporate retreats, birthday parties, and more. Yes, this tour can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. The only real controls to operate a Segway come from the intentions of the driver. No throttle to speed up, and no brakes to slow down. Gliding on a Segway is pure fun and you can enjoy some of our Minnesota scenery while you ride!

Now is your chance to learn how to operate a Segway—or brush up on your Segway-riding skills—under the tutelage of Erik’s Retreat!

Please note that all participants must be at least ninety pounds and a minimum of eleven years old. Call 612-401-3080 to book!

• $200.00 per group (price is for group regardless of size, open to parties of 2-20)
• Length: 2 hours
• Days offered: Wednesday
• Start time: 6:30 p.m.
• Available May to October
• A minimum of two guests, maximum of twenty
• What is provided: Segways, Helmets
• Guests should bring: Tennis shoes, water & a snack
• Location: Erik’s Retreat, 3420 Heritage Drive, Edina MN
• To inquire about alternate days, start times, or locations, call us at 612-401-3080

Luxurious Penthouse Tour

Are you an art aficionado?

Not many can boast that they’ve seen the private collection right here at Erik’s Retreat! The original builder, Wayne Field, was a great lover of history and beauty. He sought to obtain and preserve as many pieces, artifacts, and remnants as possible. Nearly everything you will see in our building has a story. Even the chairs!

So sip on some wine and join us for a tour of this rarely-seen, eclectic art. Our members would love the opportunity to meet you and show off something beautiful.

• $25.00 per person
• Length: 1 hour
• Days offered: Wednesday-Friday
• Start time: 5:30 p.m. 
• Available all year round
• A minimum of two guests, maximum of ten
• What is provided: Wine & light snacks
• Location: Erik’s Retreat, 3420 Heritage Drive, Edina MN

Behind-the-Scenes Canterbury Park Tour

Have you ever wondered about the life of a jockey and their racehorse? Well, now is your chance to find out! Erik’s Ranch & Retreats proudly offers a Behind-the-Scenes Canterbury Park Tour.

Maddy grew up on a ranch in Colorado and has spent much of her life around horses, where she learned to ride, groom, train, and care for a variety of breeds. She will be your guide for a behind-the-scenes Canterbury Park tour, which starts with taking you inside the paddock, where she’ll explain how to size up the horses for betting. Next, you’ll watch a race from the Winner’s Circle and even get to be in the photo with the winning horse. You’ll also meet some horses up close while enjoying live music!

After the excitement of the second race, you’ll be taken upstairs to view the Hall of Fame and watch as Paul Allen (voice of the Minnesota Vikings) calls the fourth race. You’ll even be able to ask him some questions. Finally, watch two more races while enjoying a complimentary hot dog and pop.

After the sixth race, we will head back to Erik’s Retreat in Edina.

The best part is that, by booking this tour, you’ll be supporting Maddy’s dream job of sharing her love for horses. It’s a win-win!

Please note that the minimum age requirement for this tour is 18.

2020 schedule coming soon.

• $38.00 per person
• Length: 4 hours
• Days offered: Select Fridays
• Start time: 5 p.m.
• Available May to August
• A minimum of four guests, maximum of six
• What is provided: Hot dog & pop, event tickets, and limo transportation
• Guests should bring: Photo ID, camera (optional), money (optional)
• Meeting Location: Erik’s Retreat, 3420 Heritage Drive, Edina MN