In the mid 1950s, The Town Branch Guest Ranch was built by the Go Ye Mission Church as Camp Look-away.
The Camp is located where Tahlequah's Town Branch Creek joins the Scenic Illinois River and sits on 100 acres just Southeast of the Tahlequah city limits. The camp is comprised of seven cabins and a former mess hall that we refer to as the “Event Center” or “Cafe.” Each cabin has been refurbished and decorated in a rustic style with heat, air and kitchenette, and sleeps at least 4 people. One cabin, larger than the rest, has three queen size beds in one room and can be used for small groups. Most cabins have a large screen TV.
The camp was used by the Go Ye Mission Church since construction in the mid 1950s to around 1988, when it was no longer feasible for the church to continue it’s operation. Many locals have great childhood memories of spending summers at the camp. The camp is now owned and operated by Brian and Christina Berry. Brian and Christina purchased the property in the mid 1990s, changed the name to Town Branch Guest Ranch and began renovations, including adding water and kitchenettes to each cabin and turning the mess hall into the Event Center/Cafe.Since the completion of the renovations, the camp has become a local destination for weddings, family and class reunions, birthday parties, showers and other events, both large and small.We have listed the camp on Airbnb as an alternative to camping for the many guests who frequent the Tahlequah area to enjoy the lake and river. To view listings, visit www.airbnb.com and search for Town Branch Guest Ranch.
By water, the camp is located on the Illinois River about three miles below the Highway 62 Bridge, just East of
Tahlequah. The camp is the only commercial property on the river below the Highway 62 Bridge. Numerous river outfitters provide floating opportunities upriver, but the Town Branch Guest Ranch is the the only operation downriver, providing a semi-private getaway for you and your guests - a truly unique experience along the Illinois River that is still so close to town.