CURRENT HOURS: Programs by reservation only from November through April

Rental Facilities

Welcome to Living History Farms! Many sites across our 500 acres can serve as the ideal setting for your event, whether it’s business or pleasure. Basic information about our venues is below. To communicate with our staff in more detail, please fill out a Rental Interest Form, email us at rentals@lhf.org, or call (515)278-5286 ext. 155. We will be happy to meet with you and show you the many options at Living History Farms. Please note: Museum touring hours and programs will limit the availability of some sites.


exterior, interior of church

CHURCH OF THE LAND

Capacity: 130 seated, 152 total
Availability: Year-round
Cost: Minimum $1,000 for 4 hours, $200 each additional hour

Dressing room, piano, modern restrooms, sound system, paved parking (overflow parking at Visitor Center)

The nondenominational church in our 1876 town of Walnut Hill is available for weddings, recitals, memorials, and more. Built in 1984, it is constructed in Prairie Gothic style, with narrow points topping windows, pews, and pulpit. The stained-glass window is based on a quilt that commemorated Pope John Paul II’s visit. Outlets and switches are concealed behind wood paneling to preserve the historic feel.


exterior and interior of barn

FLYNN BARN

Capacity: 160 seated at tables, 280 chairs only or standing
Availability: May–October
Cost: Minimum $900 for 4 hours, $200 each additional hour

Banquet tables, round tables, chairs, string lights and lanterns, small stage

The Flynn Barn was built on this site in 1871 and is listed on the National Historic Register. It is a rustic venue for dinners, receptions, and parties. Exposed beams frame the open expanse above the oak floor. A new roof installed in 2022 guarantees shelter from rain. Because the barn is not climate-controlled, it is available May–October. Modern restrooms are a short walk away. Paved parking is nearby at the Visitor Center.


collage of interior and exterior visitor center photosVISITOR CENTER

~ NOT AVAILABLE AFTER SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 ~

Capacity: 156 seated at tables, 330 chairs only or standing
Availability: Year-round
Cost: Minimum $1,200 for 4 hours, $250 each additional hour

Banquet tables, round tables, chairs, kitchen, modern restrooms, wifi, paved parking

A thoroughly modern building that evokes the feel of a vintage barn, the Visitor Center is perfect for receptions, meetings, and parties. The spacious Great Hall features exposed beams, skylights, and windows facing the 1876 town of Walnut Hill. French doors open to a patio for an indoor-outdoor event in nice weather. The adjoining Celebration Room is ideal for a buffet, a get-ready room, or a breakout room.


exterior and interior of murray conference center

MURRAY CONFERENCE CENTER

Capacity: 55 seated at tables, 115 theater-style, 118 standing
Availability: January–April and September–December
Cost: Minimum: $450 for 4 hours, $100 each additional hour

Banquet tables, chairs, kitchen, modern restroom, parking on dirt lot or grass, wifi

The Murray Conference Center is a unique, partially in-ground facility for classes, meetings, and parties. The meeting room features a high domed ceiling and a wall of southern windows with a balcony overlooking a pond. The space also includes a lobby/registration area, restroom, and kitchen. Please note: The Murray Center is accessible from our gate on Douglas, west of the interstate, not from our Visitor Center entrance.


gazebo with and without people

GAZEBO

Capacity: 180 seated
Availability: May–October
Cost: $300 for 2 hours

Electricity, chairs

In 1876, the Walnut Hill gazebo might have been the spot for public debates or band concerts. Today, it’s the perfect spot for a wedding or other special event. The structure is fully open-air with built-in benches on all sides. Modern restrooms are close by.


flynn porch with and without people

FLYNN MANSION PORCH/LAWN

Capacity: 180 seated
Availability: May–October
Cost: $350 for 2 hours

Electricity, chairs

This beautiful Italianate mansion, built here in 1870, is on the National Historic Register. The sheltered porch and front lawn are both available for events. Modern restrooms are close by, electricity can be run from inside the home, and paved parking is available at the nearby Visitor Center. We’re sorry, the interior of the home is not available for rentals.


empty pavlion

PICNIC PAVILION

Capacity: 88
Availability: May–October
Cost: Minimum $500 for 4 hours, $100 each additional hour

Picnic tables, banquet tables, round tables, chairs, electricity, firepit, paved parking, modern restrooms nearby

Our newest space, the pavilion was completed in late 2024. On its own or in combination with another venue, it’s a scenic open-air spot for a gathering with a view of the quaint 1876 town of Walnut Hill.


photo of grass and trees on museum front lawn

FRONT LAWN

Availability: May–October
Cost: Minimum $500 for 4 hours, $100 each additional hour

Paved parking, overflow parking on grass, you provide electricity and restrooms

Our front lawn offers nearly 7 acres of land easily accessible from Hickman Road. This space is perfect for an outdoor festival—plenty of room to set up tents or other temporary structures.


GENERAL INFORMATION

  • A nonrefundable 50% deposit is due with your signed rental contract. Your deposit will be applied toward your total bill.
  • A Living History Farms staff member will be on duty during your event.
  • Rental fees include the set-up and tear-down of our tables and chairs, as well as trash removal.
  • Interested in a rental venue not listed here? Other sites, including property-wide rentals, are sometimes available by special request.

DISCOUNTS

  • 10% off for Living History Farms members
  • 10% off for nonprofit organizations

FOOD & BEVERAGE INFO

  • If you wish to serve food at your event, we suggest you choose from our list of preferred caterers below. You may use another caterer, but they will need to provide a certificate of liability insurance.
  • Consuming alcohol on Living History Farms’ property during our regular operating hours (9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, May-October) is prohibited. Outside those hours, you may offer bar service through a professional caterer with a liquor license and liability insurance.

PREFERRED CATERERS


CONTACT US

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