Koinonia
The Koinonia Environmental and Retreat Center is owned and operated by Manchester University. Located between Pierceton and North Manchester just off State Road 13, the facility offers a tranquil setting for hikes, quiet reflection, or groups who want to learn or study.
Measuring around 100 acres, Koinonia is ecologically diverse, containing:
- Hardwood and pine forests
- A five-acre kettle lake
- A large wetland complex with a walkway and observation decks
- A restored prairie
The nature center, which houses labs and a museum with many hands-on exhibits, is located on the upper level of the two-story building. The retreat center is located on the lower level.
Koinonia also offers wetland programs, workshops, nature photography, and resources for science teachers and their students.
Contact Us
Koinonia Environmental and Retreat Center
6170 S 650 E
Pierceton, IN 46562-9784
Retreats and Reservations:
Paula Finton, Facilities Coordinator
Telephone: 260-982-5551
Email: pnfinton@manchester.edu
Location and Map
The Koinonia Environmental and Retreat Center’s 100-acre nature preserve is located between Pierceton and North Manchester, just off State Road 13 at 6147 S 650 E, Pierceton, Indiana.
Retreat Center
The Koinonia Environmental and Retreat Center is an ideal location for family reunions, church retreats, workshops or group meetings. To schedule your event, call Manchester University Conference Services at 260-982-5551.
Not-For-Profit groups receive a 25% discount on Koinonia rental fees.
Features of the facilities include:
- Two separate dormitory areas that sleep a total of 32 people
- Restrooms with showers
- A furnished kitchen area
- Living/dining room area with stone fireplace
- Seating in the living room for 30 people
- Small conference room with seating for 15 people
- Air-conditioning for summer months
- Wood-burning fireplace for cold months
- Large pavilion ideal for shaded picnics or meetings
- Fire pit and grill for cookouts
- Beautiful nature trails for exploring
Nature Center and Museum
Nature Center activities include:
- Learning labs
- Hands-on exhibits
- Activites presented by area historians
- Storytelling
- Historical re-enactments
The Nature Center is located in the top level of the two-story retreat center building.
Programs and Events
The Koinonia Environmental and Retreat Center is dedicated to the ideal of providing quality environmental education experiences for students. Youth are mentored by example and taught to respect and care for the environment, the creatures who live there, and the earth. Many programs and events take place at Koinonia throughout the year, including:
Manchester University education majors work with local elementary students as they visit Koinonia and learn from nature walks. Activities include fossil digs, hiking trails, the Nature Center, a bird feeding station, and the Talking Rocks and Mineral Resources Trail.