Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Enhances Offerings for Individuals, Groups With New Lodge, Restaurant, Programs

Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

MORRILTON – Previously open only to groups, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton has opened a new lodge, expanded its dining facility, and enhanced its programs for individuals and families.

The late Winthrop Rockefeller was a two-term governor of Arkansas and generous philanthropist to the state. His legacy is one of innovation and public policy with an emphasis in arts and education. His vision can be seen today on the land he once farmed atop Petit Jean Mountain.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, in partnership with the University of Arkansas System, functions primarily as an educational conference center, but also offers a range of programs and activities for participants of diverse backgrounds, interests and perspectives. It is a place for study, a place for policy initiative, a place for continuing education, and a place for recreation and relaxation.

"It’s a place of beauty to go whether tackling a difficult public policy issue or making soup," explained Executive Director David Davies.

The Capital Project

New facilities at the Institute are now open as most of the $20 million renovation and expansion project has been completed. An outdoor water feature and lobby now welcome guests. Thirty thousand square feet of office space has been renovated into new classrooms, expanded food service and kitchen space, theaters, a historical gallery, gift shop and library.

"We went from 8,500 square feet of meeting room space to 17,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes 16 breakout rooms," Kathy Edgerton, director of marketing and communications, said. Additionally, three distinct open-air venues overlooking lakes or the valley are available.

The new Winthrop Rockefeller Historical Gallery contains pictures and text that tell the former governor’s life story and contribution to Arkansas history. "It’s a pictorial gallery that is self-guided," explained Edgerton. There is also a 1957 film made by Rockefeller for public viewing in the 25-seat theater. An 80-person theater for presentations with larger groups will be completed by spring.

The newly constructed 30-room lodge provides upscale rooms and contains three suites. In addition to the lodge, the Institute already boasts eight houses that compare to state park cabins, 12 apartment suites with full living amenities, and about 90 units similar to hotel accommodations. Room rates range from $69 for a standard room to $129 for a king suite. Apartments range from $89 to $109. Houses run from $129 for a two bedroom to $149 for a three bedroom.

The Institute’s River Rock Grill is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. The menu includes dishes such as crab cakes, Oysters Rockefeller, salads, sandwiches, steaks and chef specials on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Edgerton said the restaurant will be open to the public for lunch come spring when the final portion of the kitchen renovation is complete. Diners can enjoy wine with their dinner or have a drink in the bar.

The Institute has also renovated the studio, main dining hall, boathouse and original lobby; constructed an indoor/outdoor barn for horticultural, cattle management, archeological and arts programs; created butterfly gardens, water features and pedestrian walkways; updated guestrooms; and constructed a new infrastructure including self-contained wastewater treatment plant, a new entrance road and new environmentally friendly parking areas.

The Demonstration Garden includes orchards and a heritage garden of indigenous plants. "The demonstration gardens are tied to what the mountain was like in 1953 when Mr. Rockefeller got here," said Davies. Edgerton added, "Our chef is able to use them in his cooking. He also has a culinary garden with herbs used specifically for classes."

The Teaching Barn has a "dirty classroom" that can be washed down after use by art groups working on paint or pottery projects or after archeology projects. The Arkansas Archeology Survey Station has moved from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville to the Institute.

The final portions of the renovation project are expected to be completed by early next year. The Institute plans to hold a grand opening in the spring when the capital project is complete. But, weekend fall getaways and romance packages are now available.

The Institute

"About one-third of our business is from colleges and universities holding topical workshops or planning retreats," Davies said. "There are some family reunions that are held here on the weekends.'

The center is available to any group, though most are of an educational nature. For example, a bankers group may meet there for educational courses. "One of the things we offer is sort of the immersion experience," Davies explained. "I think our remoteness works to give focus and intensity."

Or, the Institute may provide the program. "We have the resources of the U of A available to us," Davies said. "What’s really nice is that nobody has to be persuaded to get involved. We hope to have some visiting professors in the future."

The new function of the center for individuals and families involves an educational component as well, whether visitors are exploring the historical gallery, learning to cook cuisine, or taking an art class.

Programs

"Our culinary classes are oriented to the public," Davies said. "Our chef is outstanding and trained at the culinary institute in New York." Upcoming classes in the Basic Training: Second Saturday Chef Series will focus on sauces, pasta, fish, Cajun cooking, custard, dough, sushi, cucumber and herbs. The classes are kept to a maximum of 24 and are held in a new classroom designed specifically for culinary arts. "You get to actually make the recipes and take some home," explained Edgerton. A Taste of Teamwork program offers a team building exercise for groups.

"We want to be a culinary destination," Edgerton said.

The Institute also provides language programs such as survival Spanish for specific career people such as emergency responders, police enforcement officers and bank tellers. "That’s not something a four-year university would normally jump into," Davies explained.

Much of the art program is aimed at kids, although there are programs for adults as well. The Institute also offers workshops and programs in landscape architecture, quail and habitat, archeology and gardening. During Youth Conservation Days, kids can learn about archery, basic fishing, wildlife and other outdoor recreation.

Amenities

Guests staying at the 188-acre Institute can fish at Lake Abby or use the paddleboats. Other amenities include: tennis courts, Frisbee golf, basketball half-courts, volleyball, horseshoes, playground, jogging and walking trails, pool table, bike rental, handball/racquetball court, sauna and fitness center.

The Institute will also provide shuttle service from the airport located at the state park.

History

Winthrop Rockefeller was born in 1912, the fourth son to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.

"The lifestyle of a New York Rockefeller apparently wasn’t fun to him," Davies said. "He decided to try to make a contribution and way of life that is different in every way possible from a New York Rockefeller."

He enlisted in the Army in 1941 and became friends with Frank Newell from Arkansas, who encouraged him to come to the state after World War II.

"Rockefeller got here in ’53 and laid this out to be a model ranch," Davies explained. He brought Santa Gertrudis cattle to the mountain. "He brought tons of topsoil for the pasture as only a Rockefeller can do," said Davies. He created several ponds, even pumped some water up from the river. He also had a hand in getting roads paved and electricity and gas up to the mountain.

"He significantly changed and modified the mountain," Davies said.

Rockefeller created Winrock Farms and Winrock Enterprises though his philanthropies occupied much of his time. He died in 1973. The farm eventually became headquarters for Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development. It contained offices for planners, programmers and executives, and a conference center. In 2004, when Winrock International decided to move its headquarters to Washington, D.C., it gave the land on Petit Jean Mountain back to the Rockefeller Charitable Trust. The University of Arkansas became interested in the facility if it could become an educational conference center, Davies said.

"[Rockefeller} mentioned in his will that this place could possibly be used by the U of A, so it seems to be fulfilling a function he thought of back then," Davies explained.

Today, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute provides a "sense of history, a sense of place, a sense of change."

"One of the things we’ve discovered is this is a place you have to experience to appreciate," said Edgerton. "There is not another place like this in Arkansas."

For more information and directions, phone 501-727-5435 or visit the Web site www.uawri.org.

In the Area

Petit Jean State Park is about half a mile away as the crow flies, but about three miles by road. The park contains camping sites, cabins, restaurant and lodge, gift shop, lakes for fishing and pedal boating, boathouse, airport, picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, recreation hall, swimming pool and lighted tennis courts. Hiking trails lead visitors along forests, canyons, streams, meadows, mountainsides and a 95-foot waterfall.

The natural beauty of Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas' state parks system when Petit Jean State Park was established in 1923. For more information, phone 800-264-2462 or 501-727-5431 and visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com.

Also on the mountain, The Museum of Automobiles has more than 50 cars on display, ranging in age from 1904 to 1967. The museum consists of 22,500 square feet of display space and a gift shop. Other auto-related collections on display are antique gas pumps and gasoline equipment and license plates.

Founded by the late Winthrop Rockefeller, The Museum of Automobiles was opened in 1964 with his collection of antique and classic cars. Following his death, the museum building and grounds were given to Arkansas State Parks. A non-profit organization was formed to reopen the Museum the following year. Several of Rockefeller’s personal cars are on exhibit. The museum also hosts two car shows and swap meets each year.

It is located at the eastern entrance of Petit Jean State Park on Ark. 154. For more information, phone (501) 727-5427 and visit www.museumofautos.com.

A half-mile from the museum on Jones Lane is Barnyard Friends. Kids of all ages can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, goat milking, bottle and hand feeding of animals and 50-minute horse trail rides.