When Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller moved to Arkansas and built his model cattle farm atop Petit Jean Mountain in 1953, he saw his role in the state as more than a businessman or politician. He was a philanthropist, an innovator and a catalyst for new ideas that sparked advancements in business, society, the arts and more. That trademark productive energy that defined Gov. Rockefeller lives on through the conference center that bears his name. The halls and meeting spaces used by our conference guests today are the same spaces where he regularly entertained dignitaries, business leaders, community volunteers and heads of state with a mind toward spurring positive change. Due to the serene retreat atmosphere atop beautiful Petit Jean Mountain, the WRI conference center is conducive to clear thinking, creativity and synergy among groups. Our top-notch facilities and grounds and service-oriented professional conference staff make the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute the right choice for your next conference, meeting or retreat. We hope you ll find this informational guide useful in selecting the services that best meet the needs of your group. Should you have any questions, our conference staff will be happy to assist you. We hope to see you soon, Marta M. Loyd, Ed.D. Executive Director Winthrop Rockefeller Institute
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE perched atop beautiful petit jean mountain, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is the perfect location for your next retreat, conference or meeting. Our top-notch facilities and tranquil setting provide the ideal environment for spurring creativity, problem-solving and learning. Our history dates to 1953, when Winthrop Rockefeller built his innovative cattle farm on the grounds we now occupy. Many of our current facilities were built by Rockefeller and have been renovated to provide a modern feel while maintaining a sense of history. Rockefeller used his farm as a place to convene thought leaders of his day, and we carry on that legacy today through our conference and meeting services. LOCATION petit jean mountain The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute sits atop beautiful Petit Jean Mountain, about an hour s drive from Little Rock, Ark. There are many attractions on Petit Jean for those wishing to enjoy Arkansas natural beauty, including hiking trails, scenic overlooks, natural rock formations, Cedar Falls and Arkansas first state park, Petit Jean State Park. address 1 Rockefeller Drive, Morrilton, AR 72110 CONFERENCE FACILITIES Each of our meeting spaces come with several seatingarrangement options. Audio/visual support is also available for each space. The largest of our meeting rooms is the Show Barn Hall, which is adjacent to the Flagstone Foyer. Next largest is the Governor s Room, followed by our two classroom-style meeting rooms, Petit Jean I and Petit Jean II. Also available is a meeting room in the Stables and the Rock Theater, which features stadium seating and multimedia display. ACCOMMODATIONS the president s lodge Built in 2006, the President s Lodge is the newest lodging facility at the institute. It features 30 guestrooms and a Great Room that is perfect for receptions and parties. the meadows Renovated in 2012, the Meadows comprises 25 lodging rooms, each with a queen-size bed. Two of the rooms are suites and include a living room and kitchen. other lodging The institute has additional guestrooms in the Orchard, apartments in the Grove and houses just off campus in the Pines. The total lodging capacity for the institute is 100. DINING Our conference dining staff is well-versed in serving the needs of groups of all sizes. We believe having great food is a key part of having a great conference. ACTIVITIES wri attractions Legacy Gallery Legacy Theater Gift Shop River Rock water feature Walking/jogging trails Scenic overlook from the Studio boathouse* Fishing Disc golf course Horseshoe pits Indoor basketball courts Indoor tennis courts Playground Volleyball court fitness center State-of-the-art workout equipment Aerobics studio Basketball court Dry sauna Men s & women s locker facilities Squash court other activities Board games Bicycles Fire pit Karaoke A golf course at the Chamberlyne Country Club is just a short drive away from Petit Jean Mountain. SERVICES Serviced by UPS, FedEx and USPS Daily state newspaper Access to nearby landing strip Complimentary Wi-Fi access Audio/visual support available *On occasion the Boathouse will be closed for private events.
conference services We have a variety of meeting spaces with a wide array of options for setup to meet your specific needs. Each room has unique advantages and can serve groups of varying sizes in different ways. Ask one of our conference service representatives about setup options.
COMPLETE MEETING PACKAGE The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is Arkansas only member of the International Association of Conference Centers. This group of more than 300 member conference centers throughout the world is solely dedicated to making your meeting and conference experience the best it can be. Stringent criteria sets our IACC conference center apart from other hospitality venues. At the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, we set the standard when it comes to conference center events and team-building activities. We focus on your needs by specializing in small- to medium-sized meetings, conferences and retreats. When you choose our deluxe conference center, you will experience a uniquely designed setting with superior services and support, plus a dedicated professional staff to give you maximum meeting results. Combine this with the serene surrounding of Petit Jean Mountain, and you will agree that the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is the ideal venue for your next conference. meeting facilities and meeting planner services: More than 17,000 square feet of meeting space Food service Seven primary meeting and breakout rooms Professionally trained on-site meeting managers Audio/visual equipment High-speed wired and wireless Internet Network capabilities Business services (copy, fax, etc.) Team-building culinary experience available for additional cost rates: Food, lodging and conference services can be charged on either an individual or all-inclusive basis. Contact us for assistance with pricing for your event. Details for the Studio available upon request. DAY PACKAGE Our day package (conference services for a day meeting without overnight accommodations) is $50 per person and includes the following: Morning beverage station with snacks Lunch Afternoon beverage station with snacks Conference service charges, which include the cost of the meeting room(s), A/V support, etc.
SHOW BARN HALL 80 x 40 ; 3,280 square feet; seats up to 250 (theater style) ROCK THEATER 40 x 35 ; 1,400 square feet; seats up to 80
PETIT JEAN I 30 x 29 ; 870 square feet; seats up to 66 (theater style) PETIT JEAN II 30 x 30 ; 900 square feet; seats up to 84 (theater style)
GOVERNOR S CONFERENCE ROOM 50 x 38 ; 2,040 square feet; seats up to 116 (theater style) STABLES 40 x 30 ; 1,200 square feet; seats up to 88 (theater style)
accommodations The President s Lodge is our newest lodging facility, comprising 30 guestrooms and the President s Lodge Great Room. The Meadows includes 25 lodging rooms, two of which are suites. Between the President s Lodge and the Meadows, we offer four Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant rooms. Other lodging options include guestrooms with a common living area in the Orchard, apartments in the Grove and houses in the Pines.
PRESIDENT S LODGE Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a four-cup coffee pot, shampoo, soap, hair dryer, iron, mini-fridge, 32-inch flat-screen TV and microwave MEADOWS Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a four-cup coffee pot, shampoo, soap, hair dryer, iron, mini-fridge and 32-inch flat-screen TV Information about other lodging options can be obtained by asking your conference service representative. Information about other lodging options can be obtained by asking your conference service representative.
the arkansas rockefeller Winthrop Rockefeller moved to Arkansas and began a new phase of his life in 1953. Here he found the freedom to carve out a personal space to address the issues of what was once the poorest state in the Union. In the 20 years he lived on Petit Jean Mountain, Gov. Rockefeller hosted more than 200 conferences and meetings. These conclaves addressed an astonishing range of concerns from educational needs and rural economic development, to how to clean up Arkansas political system and harmonize the races. Many of these conferences, attended by state and national leaders, hammered out solutions for Arkansas most difficult crises. Rockefeller addressed issues such as water quality, rural economic development and education. He explored how to build Arkansas and improve race relations. He also held training for farmers. Rockefeller s conferences provided a necessary spark to improve public and private sector policymaking. The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute s 188-acre campus located on Petit Jean was once part of the home and cattle farm of Gov. Rockefeller, giving it a remarkably distinguished heritage on which to build. Rockefeller s legacy continues to shape events at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.
DIRECTIONS FROM LITTLE ROCK From Interstate 40, take exit 108 at Morrilton and head south. Bear left/go straight at the light onto Highway 9 Bypass and continue south toward Oppelo. Turn right onto Highway 154 and travel 7.3 miles to the top of Petit Jean Mountain. At the top, turn right at Winrock Drive and continue four miles. When you come to a closed gate, turn left onto Montgomery Trace and go one mile. Take a right onto Rockefeller Drive at the rock sign and continue one mile until you reach another rock sign. Yield to the right and travel straight until you arrive at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. The main lobby/check-in is located between the historic grain silos. FROM NORTHWEST If traveling east on Interstate 40 from western Arkansas, take exit 81 toward Russellville. Merge onto Highway 7/27 and continue for 7 miles. Turn left onto Highway 7 N/155 and continue for 2.9 miles. Turn left onto Highway 155 and continue for 7.5 miles. Turn left onto Highway 154 and continue for 11.7 miles. Turn left onto Red Bluff Drive and continue for 0.2 miles. Turn sharp right onto Montgomery Trace and continue for 0.5 miles. Take the second left onto Rockefeller Drive (look for the large stone Winthrop Rockefeller Institute sign). Continue for 1 mile; the Institute will be on the right.