If you've been following my reviews for any length of time, then you likely know by now that I…read morefancy myself to be a devotee of labyrinths. I seldom, if ever, skip a chance to visit a new one and that's what led me to discover Rochester, Indiana's labyrinth at the Geneva Center.
The Geneva Center is a year-round retreat, camp, and conference center. It's a non-profit, faith-based center with Presbyterian roots. I discovered it during a recent trip north with a friend and very nearly stayed here before I ended up with donated accommodations elsewhere. However, I still got the chance to visit the conference center, which I'd been told offered a surprising amount of accessibility, and the labyrinth.
While it may seem like a 3-star rating is kind of rough for a labyrinth, I must confess that despite Geneva's facility accessibility, the labyrinth itself is a bit of a rough go for wheelchairs (at least without help). The ground around the labyrinth is definitely at a slant and the labyrinth itself is far more rustic and natural than one often gets with a labyrinth. It's beautiful to look at and is likely amazing for those without mobility issues. For folks like me, however, it's definitely more challenging.
The Geneva Center Labyrinth offers a sand path with a border of stones. It's got an 11-circuit path modeled after the ancient labyrinth in the floor of France's Chartres Cathedral. It's a model commonly used and it's used quite effectively here.
That's the thing for me. I actually like this labyrinth. It's just not super practical for those with mobility issues. The path itself isn't really wide enough for a chair (not unusual) and even accessing the labyrinth involves both slanted ground and addressing the stone border. Yes, there's no doubt some of the stones could be moved for a wheelchair user - and the Geneva folks are known for being accommodating - however, it would definitely involve an accommodation being made.
The entire Geneva Center is a beautiful setting and nearly every facility here has been made as accessible as possible. I give major kudos. However, as is often true of rustic settings there's quite a few inclines, declines, and uneven spaces. I do know, however, that Geneva has hosted camps for those with disabilities and they've done so successfully. Heck, even the cabins here offer accessibility.
I was thrilled to get to experience this labyrinth, though it certainly won't be a destination labyrinth for me. That said, if I ever return to the area there's no doubt this will be the first place I'll look for an accommodation. And, yes, I'll likely give the labyrinth a try - especially if there are some folks around to make sure I can do so safely. For those who are really looking for a sacred experience with a labyrinth, however, this is a great place to visit and the natural setting is stunning in its beauty in a community already known for Lake Manitou and lots of surrounding nature.
