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The Wagon Box

The Wagon Box grounds

The Campus

What a campus
ought to be.

A place for thoughtful conversation, solitary study, lecture, exploration and camaraderie.

Old and new

Institutional education
is crumbling.

The last few decades have seen the campus degenerate into a gated environment that stifles honest discussion. At the same time it has failed to adapt to a decentralized educational landscape of independent scholars, podcasts, Substack and online lectures.

But online communities and lone academics are missing the vibrancy of in-person conversation, the solace of a beautiful place for contemplation, and the gift of a community rooted in a real place.

Our mission is to pioneer the campus as a holistic environment: rigorous academic engagement, hands-on learning, and an immersive experience in nature and community. That is true campus life.

The property

Nature is a vital part of life here.

  • Cabins, tipis & wall tents
  • Restaurant, coffee house & tavern
  • Library & study space
  • Pristine fishing streams
  • Cold plunge in the creek
  • Sauna
  • Bow & gun range
  • On-site horse corral
  • Scenic hiking trails

Events & conferences

Leading writers,
thinkers, founders.

Gatherings designed to spark discussion, inspire ideas, and create a community of thinkers and doers.

Past guests & gatherings

  • Paul Kingsnorth
  • Walter Kirn · County Highway
  • Other Life
  • Passage Publishing
  • Doomer Optimism
  • Writing retreats
  • Homesteading symposia

Wagon Box University

A Residential Apprenticeship.

Now accepting applications, beginning with a BA in Humanities (Great Books), the study of Great Texts alongside hands-on work with the property owner.

For creatives & remote workersResidencies.

Work in quiet, natural surroundings by day; music, conversation and shared meals by evening. Residents get discounted lodging in cottages, wall tents, tipis and lodge rooms.

Beneath the Bighorns

Come and see the place.

Stay a few nights and sit in on whatever is happening.