Outdoor activities: hiking through nature trails, fishing, canoeing, swimming, playgrounds, basketball half court, pickleball court, frisbee course, zip line. The Retreat at Artesian Lakes is a family-owned and operated resort and conference center located 70 miles northeast of downtown Houston. The conference center offers complete meeting packages, facilitation services, and one of the most complete challenge courses in the state to corporations and non-profit organizations. The property is also home to Hilltop Restaurant and Herb Garden, a popular venue for weddings and special events. Weekend stays in the log cabins include horsedrawn carriage ride to complimentary breakfast on Saturday morning.