assumption abbey

I'm a native North Dakotan who knows how tedious crossing my beloved state on the interstate can be.Do yourself a favor and take the Richardton exit. This church is beautiful, the views are breathtaking and as a Catholic starting a trip I find it wonderful to say a quick prayer for a safe journey. If your lucky you will start a conversation with a monk walking the grounds! I adore this place!!

If you're driving on I-94, you'll pass the tiny town of Richardton. From a distance you'll see the two imposing towers of this large Benedictine Monastery established in the 1890s, seeming to be so out of place in the flat countryside.This monastery is definitely worth a stop, on the edge of the village. When you drive up, the church is huge, and the monastery buildings fairly extensive. If arrangements are made in advance, there are affordable lodgings and meals provided by the monks, plus a great wine and gift shop. Monks sure like their wine! [Buy their home-made soap!]The church is the highlight: stained glass and murals in the upper parts of the interior detail scenes from the Scriptures and the life of St Benedict.It's worthwhile to walk to the right of the church [as you face it], around behind the monastic buildings to see lovely gardens, small outbuildings for the monks, the abbot's residence, an old gas pump, old farm implements and---best of all---a fantastic view north to the Killdeer Mountains.Even if you're not religious, stopping here is a refreshing experience. This place is quite a find in western North dakota.

Heard from a coworker that the abbey was open to individual retreaters. I'm not religious. I contacted the Abbey and indicated I was interested in a personal retreat. The Father contacted me telling me that he had reserved a room. Once there, I had a room (with adjoining bathroom) to myself - the monks made me feel super welcome at prayers and meals. I'm not Catholic, but went to some prayers and am glad I did. I had a couple meals with the monks and really enjoyed their company. Great guys - wish I could've stayed longer.

I've been a recipient of the monks hospitality on more than one occasion, the most recent being a 2 night stay when my group held a conference on the grounds. The dorm-type rooms are basic with congregate baths down the hall, but everything is exceedingly clean. Suggest packing a power strip for your room as outlets are few and far between. This is a serene, safe, and extremely economical lodging option in SW North Dakota. Of course, the church is very beautiful and the complex is rich in history. I have had 3 tours of the church and other parts of the complex and each tour guide offers a little different slant which makes it new each time. Joining the monks in one or more of their services is a great experience. Private retreats can be arranged for. If staying here and not just passing through and touring the church, you will have the opportunity to eat meals with with the monks. Much of their menu comes from the garden produce they grow themselves and preserve. If Brother Placid is available and willing to share, the museum areas are a special treat to see. A visit to the abbey's wine cellar is a must, and the gift shop has a variety of Assumption Abbey pottery, soaps, and foods as well as handcrafted and religious items from around the world.

All of my visits to Assumption Abbey are times to rejuvenate the spirit and to allow the mind and body to rest from the rigor of life. Join the monks for prayers in the prayer stalls. --the monks are glad to have company to pray and dine with them. Always a good place to pray!

I love seeing historical churches while traveling so while taking the Old Red Old Ten trail, decided to take a look at this very large church. I was not disappointed. The Abbey has an interesting history. It is amazing that this is located in the small town of Richardton. We did not stay long, but did go inside to the gift shop which is small but slightly interesting. I did not think to visit the church interior, something I usually like to do. One reason for the stop was that I had read the monks have wine for sale here and I thought it would be fun to bring back some wine from North Dakota to family. We found out though, that the wine is purchased from a winery in California and not made locally. This would make sense, as I did not see any vineyards while traveling through this part of North Dakota. Since we are from California and are near a number of wine regions, did not make sense to buy wine from California in North Dakota!

We bring groups of college students to lodge in Schnell Hall when engaged in public service work in the region, and we find it a rewarding experience, on arrival, to take the students to vespers with the monks. It is, of course, a new experience for the students, but it also is a centering experience for them and us both. Benedictine hospitality is a fine thing.

Very beautiful church with a nice alter and stained glass windows. Just a great place to stop at if you're going through. Looks beautiful from the outside too.

The history surrounding the Abbey and the tour. Also the unique items for sale.

this is a very interesting tour...its differant from anything else in the area

Technically, I did not visit the actual church itself--except for the downstairs. Our group stayed at the former dormitories where you can stay for the weekend, I think only as groups though. They have really nice accomodations, and wonderful, comfortable beds! Showers are only for each floor, but that didn't matter much to me.No wireless, but again, doesn't matter to me. Got to visit the monks' little winery in the basement gift shop, they sell excellent wine!The town is really cute, I was impressed. I would definitely visit again...

Whenever my husband and I come home (Dickinson), I stop at Assumption Abbey. My uncle, Fr. Paul Kolling, resided there and this church has a special place in my heart because of him. The renovation to this historic church is breathtaking and I would love to be able to attend daily mass in this holy church. My husband also buys his soaps from the gift shop and I always find something too (stones engraved with a cross) or some other sacramental.Audrey Kolling-Kelsey

The Bavarian Romanesque St. Mary's Church was built in 1906-1910 and renovated 2000-2005. The steeple design is called "Rhenish helm" featuring four diamond shapes. Thirty Benedictine monks reside at the Abbey. Guests can stay within the Abbey. The suggested daily donation is $25 and meals are a few dollars extra. I highly recommend scheduling a Sunday stay including the evening vespers which is particularly beautiful. The refectory has a stunning view of the prairie with its cattle. Meals are taken with the monks who are convivial hosts. Don't let the town of Richardton scare you off. The Abbey is in the Mountain time zone about 90 minutes from Bismark which is in the Central time zone.

The Abbey, or St. Mary's Church, was built in the early 1900's. It is a North Dakota landmark that is visible for hundreds of miles. In 2001, the church was completely rebuilt on the inside with all new electrical wiring, lighting, flooring, painting and stenciling. The stainglass windows are incredibly beautiful. Get off I-94 and visit this cute little town. The Abbey is well worth the stop in Richardton. You can arrange for tours of the monastery. Be sure to have a taste of wine. And sample the bread that is made by the monks. They also make handmade soaps: no animal products.