Skip to content

Lutherlyn

Lutheran camp and retreat center with family programs · Butler, PA

ELCA camp on 660 acres between Butler and Prospect with Saturday Safari hikes, blacksmithing classes and a free November quilt show.

🌱 What’s happening now

🗓️ Open year-roundUpdated October 17
✏️ Report outdated info

Make a day of it

Stops within about 40 miles of Lutherlyn. Collect a Lavender Passport stamp at each one.

🪻 Lavender farms

☕ Eat

🛏️ Stay

🗺️ Plan my day here

About Lutherlyn

Lutherlyn is a camp and retreat center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, spread over 660 acres off Route 422 between Butler and Prospect, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. It is accredited by the American Camp Association, and its year centers on summer camp, retreats and environmental education, with cabins, halls, picnic shelters, a high ropes course, a zipline and climbing programs on the grounds.

Families who aren't enrolled in camp can still come for scheduled programs. Saturday Safaris are guided outings for families and small groups; in 2026 they covered life skills of the Woodland tribes on September 12 and a geology hike to Chapel Rock on November 7, after winter sessions on animal tracks and maple syrup. Intro blacksmithing classes at the Woodland Forge run on set Saturdays, including October 17 and November 21, 2026, with materials supplied.

Fall and winter bring the Family Halloween Fun Day on October 25, 2026, with games, crafts, s'mores and trick-or-treating; the free Woodland Quilt Show on November 7 and 8; the Plunge fundraiser on December 5, where spectators warm up by the fire with hot chocolate; and an Advent family getaway weekend December 4 to 6. Most programs need registration, pets are not permitted on the grounds, and visitors use the main entrance on Dick Road and sign in at the office.

Provincial Pennsylvania Lavender Farm near Mars is about 25 minutes south. It sells its lavender mainly through its online shop, so check its website before combining the two.

What to do

  • Join a Saturday Safari hike to Chapel Rock (Nov. 7, 2026)
  • Take an intro blacksmithing class at the Woodland Forge
  • Bring kids to the Family Halloween Fun Day (Oct. 25, 2026)
  • See the free Woodland Quilt Show (Nov. 7–8, 2026)
  • Try the high ropes course and zipline through an adventure program

Season, hours and prices

Season
Programs year-round: winter and fall Saturday Safaris, summer camp, and family events October through December
Admission
Woodland Quilt Show and Camp Blast free; most other programs need registration (prices not published)

Good to know

Dogs
Not allowed
Reservations
Required

Tips for your visit

  • Register ahead for Saturday Safaris, blacksmithing classes and the Halloween Fun Day
  • Enter only by the main entrance on Dick Road and sign in at the office
  • Dress for the outdoors; safaris go out in most weather
  • Leave pets at home

Pair it with a lavender farm

Provincial Pennsylvania Lavender Farm · about 25 minutes away

Provincial Pennsylvania Lavender Farm near Mars is about 25 minutes south and sells mainly online, so check its website for open days.

Getting there

Questions

Can I visit Lutherlyn without signing up for camp?

Yes, for scheduled programs such as Saturday Safaris, blacksmithing classes and the free Woodland Quilt Show; most need registration.

Are dogs allowed?

No, pets are not permitted on the grounds.

Where is the entrance?

The main entrance is on Dick Road, about 1.5 miles off Route 422; sign in at the office when you arrive.

🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Mars & New Castle, Pennsylvania

Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free

You may also like
‹ Trade Desk