Campus Facilities
Welcome to Midsummer Musical Retreat! We’re excited to have you join us for an unforgettable music experience. Whitman College is located in Walla Walla, in the heart of Washington’s wine country. The Retreat will rehearse and perform across several academic buildings, including Cordiner Hall, the Hall of Music, and Chism Recital Hall. The campus is a beautifully landscaped, shaded, classic brick college with a stream running through it. Link to the campus map.
Navigating the Camp Experience
Our camp is an all-volunteer-run organization, and as such, we are unable to provide one-on-one support for campers.
- We ask that all campers be able to manage independently in the camp environment. This includes planning your travel to and from camp, managing personal needs, following camp routines and schedules, and participating in group activities.
- Whitman College ensures campus accessibility in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- This includes accessible buildings, walkways, restrooms, athletic facilities, and parking spaces.
- Campus transportation via golf cart is available for anyone who would benefit from assistance moving between locations. This service supports all community members, including those who experience mobility differences or physical conditions that affect movement and those who are transporting large instruments across campus.
If you require additional support, you may register a companion or aide as a non-participant to assist. This ensures that you can fully engage in all camp activities while receiving the support you need.
On-Campus Housing
On Campus housing in dormitories consists of single and double occupancy rooms. While all program activities take place in air-conditioned buildings, not all dormitories are equipped with air conditioning. There is a surcharge for all single occupancy rooms. Housing includes bedding, linens and towels. Whitman typically provides the following dormitories:
- Anderson Hall does not have air conditioning.
- College House utilizes evaporative cooling, but has no elevator, and features en suite restrooms.
- Douglas Hall does not have air conditioning, but is well shaded by large trees.
- Prentiss Hall has air conditioning.
On-Campus Housing will be assigned by the Registrar. Applicants must have completed their registration before housing will be assigned. If necessary, housing may be assigned by lottery.
Non-paying overnight guests can be accommodated in on-campus housing for an additional fee per night. If you expect a guest, please speak to the MMR Registrar about registering as a non-participant as required by our rental contract.
Personal Air Conditioners
Walla Walla can get very hot in the summer. Regardless of the dorm assignment, you will want to bring a fan to help keep you cool.
Participants may also choose to purchase and bring to camp an authorized evaporative cooler. Campers assume financial responsibility for the purchase of this device and any water damage the device may cause. The name and model number of evaporative coolers authorized for use by Whitman College are listed below.
- NewAir – Frigidaire 2-in-1 Evaporative Air Cooler and Fan, 350 sq. ft. with 4 Fan Speeds and Large Detachable 5 Gallon Water Tank – White
Model: EC300W-FA
SKU: 6419943 - HESSAIRE MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler – Color May Vary, 1300 CFM, Cools 500 Square Feet, White
See the Hessaire MC18 Portable Evaporative Cooler on Amazon.com.
On-Campus Meals
If you choose to purchase a meal plan, meals are provided by our caterer, Bon Appetit, and feature local produce and a wide variety of options. Meals are served cafeteria style in the Dining Hall, Cleveland Commons, and include vegetarian and other dietary needs options. There are different meal plan options: lunch only, lunch+dinner, and breakfast+lunch+dinner.
Off-Campus Housing
Many campers find off-campus housing in Walla Walla. Vacation housing is available through AirBnB, VRBO, and B&B’s.
Some hotels offer discounted rates for MMR campers for stays for the week of camp, including the Saturday and Sunday before camp starts.
The Finch
325 East Main Street, Walla Walla, WA
(509) 956-4994
Main Website or book directly with this link
- King or Double Queen rooms at (limited) MMR discounted rate
- Sunday – Thursday $119
- Friday / Saturday $199
- Wine Tasting Event Every Saturday Evening.
- 2 blocks walking distance to Whitman College campus.
- Free local coffee and danish in lobby.
- Mini fridge and Wi-Fi.
- Short walking distance to Whitman College campus.
- Booking link: Midsummer Musical Retreat or call (509) 956-4994 for reservation and ask for “Midsummer Musical Retreat” group rate.
- Limited number of discounted rooms available. Book now before all the discounted rooms are reserved!
Best Western Plus Motel
(509) 525-4700
7 E. Oak Street, Walla Walla, WA
Website
- All Rooms: $115 Sun-Thurs; $199 Fri/Sat
- Free breakfast.
- 3 minute drive to Whitman campus.
- Call (509) 525-4700 for reservation, ask for “Midsummer Musical Retreat” group rate.
- Deadline: June 28, 2025
- Cancellation without penalty within 30 days prior to reservation. Any cancellations made after the 30-day deadline of June 28, 2025 will result in a penalty fee which is a charge of at least a one night stay. Any reservations made after the 30-day deadline will be booked at regular room rate.
- Limited number of discounted rooms available. Book now before all the discounted rooms are reserved!
Surestay by Best Western
2315 Eastgate Street North, Walla Walla, WA
(509) 528-8800
Website
- MMR Rate – Single Queen $90/night.
- MMR Rate – Double Queen $100/night.
- Cancellation without penalty within 30 days prior to reservation. Any cancellations made after the 30-day deadline of June 28, 2025 will result in a penalty fee which is a charge of at least a one night stay. Any reservations made after the 30-day deadline will be booked at regular rack rate.
- Free breakfast 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
- Microwave, mini fridge, Wi-Fi.
- Pool open 6:00 am to 10 pm.
- 5 minute drive to Whitman campus.
- Call (509) 525-8800 for reservation, ask for “Midsummer Musical Retreat” group rate.
- Limited number of discounted rooms available. Book now before all the discounted rooms are reserved!
Travel
Use your favorite map app and search on 345 Boyer Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362 for driving directions.
Our friends at Alaska and Horizon Airlines offer a 5% off discount code for some flights to both Walla Walla airport and Tri-cities airport in Pasco, WA.
The Discount Code for MMR 2025 is ECMK977.
To use your Discount Code go online to www.alaskaair.com and input the Discount Code when searching for flights. The discount will be applied to any eligible flights. By clicking the “?” next to the discount code box after entering the code you may view a detailed description of the rules. You may also use the Discount Code by calling Alaska Airlines Group Desk; however, a $15.00 per person service fee will apply.
For travel policies and company baggage allowance information and fees, go to www.alaskaair.com prior to travel.
Should I Have Travel Insurance?
Many find that the additional cost involved with travel insurance is well worth the peace of mind provided. There are different types, so take time to consider what is most appropriate for you, especially if you or close family members have ongoing health concerns.
The website https://www.squaremouth.com/ allows you to compare different travel insurance options in one place. They are not affiliated with MMR.