Briarwood encompasses 70.25 acres of heavily wooded land, much of which is unspoiled, virgin growth. It can comfortably serve 160 guests in a wide variety of housing units. The developed areas of the center include two large activity fields, several miles of hiking trails and 27 buildings.
In the Area
Briarwood is located about 20 minutes north of the busy D/FW International Airport, but you’ll think you’re in the middle of the country when you arrive at the 70 heavily wooded acres after your drive along FM 407. You’ll enjoy the easy access to all the amenities of a major urban area without the noise or hassle.
Much of the wooded areas are original growth with hiking trails woven throughout to quiet, off-the-beaten path places. Pause and enjoy the outdoors and reflect on the beauty of the area.
Our History
Through the commitment and vision of many faithful church leaders, Briarwood Retreat Center was purchased from the Presbyterian church in 1995. After purchasing the retreat center, about $250,000 was invested to upgrade and remodel the facility to make it one of the best in town.
In 1998, Briarwood became independent of its former agency, Lutheran Outdoor and Retreat Ministries of the Southwest (LORMS), affording more local ownership and control over its programming and facilities use.
Business has been booming! Weekends are booked many months ahead and week days are also filling up far in advance. Once you visit Briarwood, you’ll see why.
The best is yet to come!
Our Future
Briarwood Lutheran Ministries is beginning the process for long range planning. We will take a comprehensive look at our facilities and our programming and set goals for where we plan to be in five years. The goal is to upgrade current facilities and provide additional staffing and facilities to serve the men, women, and children in Texas and Louisiana into the 21st Century.
Getting to Briarwood
From I35 W or I35 E travel to FM 407. Briarwood is located about half way between the two freeways, off FM 407. Turn North on Copper Canyon Rd. Travel 1 mile to the retreat center entrance.
Call 800-441-0016 for more information.
Our Setting
Briarwood offers a first-rate motel style retreat facility as well as cabins and lodges -- all set among mature oaks on a 70 acre, park-like site off a quiet country road.
Trails weave throughout the wooded areas to provide recreation and renewal in the outdoors. Several shaded areas give places to stop and rest. Comfortable meeting rooms provide relaxing environments for study, group activities, or meetings. The large comfortable dining facility is a great place to relax with friends.
Our Facilities
Briarwood offers a wide range of retreat facilities suitable for individuals and small groups or a large groups of up to 175 people. All facilities are air-conditioned and heated. Some include full kitchen facilities with meeting areas. Guests are invited to enjoy a dip in our beautiful pool May through September.
Linen service is available in all facilities. Facilities also include meeting areas located near the sleeping areas.
Briarwood provides many sites for worshipping God in the outdoors. From our large outdoor chapel to creekside benches, Briarwood has a worship space perfectly suited for you or your group.
Consider letting us host your next day time meeting in our dining hall or one of our other indoor or outdoor areas.
Quail Run: Up to 96 guests can enjoy a retreat in this air-conditioned motel style facility. Quail Run’s 24 private rooms, each with 2 double beds and private bathrooms, are located by a lodge that can easily handle up to 100 people. Two fireplaces, coffee bar, ice machine, soft drink machine, and rest-rooms make this a popular meeting area.
Oak Grove and Trail’s End: These are cabin facilities, with 8 single beds to a cabin for a total of 32 beds per unit. Each cabin has a full bathroom in the cabin and includes linen service. Both units include adjacent meeting facilities with fireplace, lounge area, restrooms, and coffee bar.
Meadows: This dorm style facility has two large rooms with 8 bunk beds (16 beds/room), full bathrooms, meeting area, and full kitchen facilities. Linens are available.
Shalom Center: The dining hall comfortably seats over 150 guests, with meals served cafeteria style. Guests eat at round tables. Before and after meals guests often enjoy lounging in the adjacent Fireside Room with a coffee bar and restroom. The Center includes full bathrooms to accommodate day guests who wish to use the nearby pool.
Picnic Pavilion: Seating 100 guests, the pavilion is a popular spot for church picnics, congregational outdoor worship and evening campfires.
Our Program
Individuals or groups are welcome at Briarwood. Plan your own retreat or let our retreat staff help you put together an event that’s just right for your group. We can help with:
- Meals. Delicious meals are a regular part of the Briarwood experience. Every effort is made to cater to the special dietary needs of your group.
- Worship. We can help you plan devotions or worship services or we can provide such opportunities for you in indoor or outdoor settings.
- Recreation. Retreats should be fun! Let us help you plan the games and special activities that will make your stay at Briarwood rewarding.
- Programs. Our staff can assist you in planning your own event or lead retreats for you on a variety of topics: Parenting, Marriage Enrichment, Care giving, Personal growth, Leadership Development, and Transition issues.