Exploration Acres
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About
Exploration Acres offers couples a barn-style wedding venue to host their special day in Lafayette, Indiana. Owned by the brother-and-sister team of Tim Fitzgerald and Mary Bransetter, the farm was established by their grandparents in the early 1920s. In 2006, renovations began to restore and preserve the buildings that had sustained their family for a century, and the farm was opened to the public in 2008. In addition to supplying a rustic barn setting for events in spring and summer, the property has a corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall, as well as fire pits and an activity space.
Facilities and Capacity
The 4,000-square-foot barn at Exploration Acres can accommodate up to 250 guests with tables and chairs. Built in 1928, the barn offers a warm setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions from April through mid-August. Couples are welcome to rent the entire barn, or choose sectioned areas that fit their group size, such as the lower level, north loft, south loft, or west addition. There is plenty of parking on-site for guests, as well as climate controlled restrooms that are wheelchair accessible.
Services Offered
Events taking place at Exploration Acres are welcome to bring their own outside vendors onto the property to fulfill their wedding day needs. Folding chairs and tables are include in barn rental packages. Couples can also choose to add-on an outdoor wedding in the woods and country store with a warming kitchen. Other rental items are available for decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
Which of the following are included in starting site fee?
What is the maximum capacity of your venue?
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
Describe your venue:
What kind of settings are available?
Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?
What event services do you offer?
What event items are available?
What transportation and access is available?
What months are included in your peak season?
What months are included in your off-peak season?
10 Reviews
Write a review58 User photos
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Abigail Married on 04/27/2019The Ideal Rustic Venue
If you're looking for a rustic wedding with charm, look no further than Exploration Acres. We had our wedding here in April of 2019, and even though it rained, we were able to have a stellar, beautiful barn wedding for 250+ guests. The 1930's gambrel barn was complete with a loft that fit our live band, food service was able to set up in one of the side additions, and the bathroom facilities were modern and clean (and climate controlled, thank goodness!) Since we were unable to have our wedding in the woods, we moved the ceremony inside the barn, and flipped it for the reception afterwards. Thankfully, they had white chairs to rent and we were able to switch up our plans to accommodate for the weather. We wouldn't have had our wedding anywhere else!-
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Dawn Married on 05/05/2018I absolutely loved this venue for my wedding and reception!! From day 1 Dennis was super helpful and quick to respond to all my questions. Tim and Dennis were available through text and email and were always there to help in any way possible. We were able to set up on Friday the day before the wedding and tear down on Sunday the day after the wedding. I was able to create the vision of how I wanted things to be. The guests loved the hayrides and the firepits that the venue offered and the room for outdoor games allowed those who didn't want to dance other options. Tim was available the entire day of the wedding on site in case we needed anything. The barn allows so much room to comfortably seat a large amount of guests and it holds a rustic but charming touch. Our photographer said the venue was a true photographers dream place both inside and out. Our DJ also loved the tucked away area created by the venue just for him. The new bathrooms were a nice touch to the outdoor event. I couldn't have asked for a better experience or a better day. Thank you Exploration Acres for making the day a truly memorable day and experience!!
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Tori Married on 07/15/2017They gave us the best experience for our big day. Everyone was so flexible and allowed us to make the ceremony and reception exactly what we visioned. They were all so helpful and were only a phone call away if help was needed during the process. The barn provides so much space for guests as well. our wedding was 200+ guests and everyone fit comfortably. Could not have asked for a better experience!
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Awards
Real Weddings
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![The wedding of Becky and Kyle]()
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Becky & Kyle26 photos · 08/17/2019
Map
Exploration Acres frequently asked questions
What items and services are included in the starting site fee at Exploration Acres?
- Chairs
- Parking
- Tables
What are the most important characteristics of Exploration Acres in terms of venue type, style and location?
- Barn
- Farm/Ranch
What kind of indoor/outdoor options are available at Exploration Acres for wedding events?
- Indoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
- Scenic Views
What kind of wedding events does Exploration Acres offer?
- Ceremony
- Reception
What services does Exploration Acres offer for wedding events?
- Outside Vendors
What furniture and decorations does Exploration Acres have available for wedding events?
- Chairs
- Tables
What percentage of users recommend Exploration Acres and which are the most valued aspects of their wedding services?