Bohemian Grove is a private retreat and campground located in Monte Rio, California, owned by the Bohemian Club, an exclusive organization founded in San Francisco in 1872. The club was originally created by journalists, artists, and musicians, though its membership later expanded to include prominent business leaders, politicians, and other influential figures. Each summer, members and invited guests gather for a two-week encampment featuring speeches, theatrical performances, music, and social events held among the redwood forests along the Russian River. The Grove has become widely known because of the high-profile individuals who have attended over the decades, including U.S. presidents, cabinet officials, CEOs, and military leaders.

The retreat emphasizes tradition, privacy, and ceremonial pageantry. One of its most famous events is the “Cremation of Care,” an elaborate opening ceremony in which participants symbolically burn away worldly concerns before the gathering begins. The ceremony takes place before a large owl statue, which has become one of the Grove’s defining symbols. Supporters describe the event as theatrical and satirical, reflecting the club’s origins in the arts community. Activities during the encampment also include informal networking, lakeside recreation, concerts, and talks by invited speakers on political, economic, and scientific topics.

Bohemian Grove has long attracted public curiosity and criticism because of its secrecy and elite membership. Critics argue that the presence of powerful political and corporate figures raises concerns about informal influence and backroom discussions outside public accountability. The Grove has also been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, many of which lack credible evidence and exaggerate the nature of its activities. Journalists and researchers generally characterize the retreat as a private social gathering for influential men rather than a hidden governing body, though its exclusivity and secrecy continue to fuel speculation and public fascination.