Glen Eyrie began as the estate of William Jackson Palmer, founder of several railroads and the city of Colorado Springs. It is now home to the camp and conference ministry of The Navigators, with a mission to inspire, build, and encourage those who shape lives through the journeys of life. The peaceful, beautiful grounds provide a place of rest, rejuvenation, and a reminder of the importance of stillness and prayer. Glen Eyrie Group offers Christ-centered adult and family conferences, historic Castle tours, English teas, and other events throughout the year.
Keywords: William Jackson Palmer, founder, Colorado Springs, camp, conferences, ministry, history, castle, tours, English tea, events
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
75 years
What is your primary product or service?
As a worldwide ministry, our primary business is spiritual development. Locally, we offer Christian conferences, retreats, and summer camps.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
The Navigators' founder, Dawson Trotman, was a lumberyard worker in California when he began teaching Christian study methods to young sailors in the early 1930s. His small group of sailors went on to teach other sailors, who passed on their knowledge to still others. The pattern of life-on-life mentoring eventually grew into a worldwide movement whose members named it The Navigators.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
The Navigators' ministry distinctive is our commitment to one-to-one, generational mentoring: not only teaching people, but training them to teach others what they have learned.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Multiple ministry locations within each of 105 countries worldwide. Within the United States, representatives on most major college campuses and military bases.
Provide detailed directions to your location
From I-25: Take the Garden of the Gods exit (#146) and head west for two miles to 30th street. Turn left and drive 1/2 mile. Turn right into The Navigators' entrance, then immediately turn left to visit Glen Eyrie Conference and Retreat Center. The road to Glen Eyrie curves to the right and goes through an iron gate to the Gatehouse. Overnight guests and those with reservations for a tea or tour should proceed to the Carriage House to check in. Hikers and drive-through visitors should check in at the Gatehouse.
What type of payments do you accept?
Checks, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover (credit card required for online purchases and advance reservations)
Which areas do you service?
Glen Eyrie includes a year-round bookstore and coffee shop for drive-through visitors. Historic Castle tours, English teas, and bed-and-breakfast retreats are available by reservation at 1-800-944-4536 or 719-634-0808. For information on wedding packages, call 800-944-4536. For a schedule of summer camps for kids and teens, go to www.eaglelake.org. For a schedule of upcoming conferences and marriage getaway retreats, go to www.gleneyrie.org/programs. For information on NavPress books and Bible studies, go to www.navpress.com.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
International ministry president is Mike Treneer. Executive Director of Glen Eyrie Group is Jack McQueeney. Executive Publisher of NavPress is Mike Miller.
What are your hours of operation?
Visitors without reservations may come onto the Glen Eyrie property Monday through Thursday, 9AM - 4PM (excluding holidays), to hike or take a drive-through tour. The Navigators' U.S. and International Headquarters buildings are open to visitors Monday through Friday, 8AM - 5PM, excluding holidays.