Skip to main content
Weddings

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, their grandparents established the farm 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, 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 mid-April through July. 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

Exploration Acres welcomes guests to use outside vendors on the property to fulfill their wedding day needs. Folding chairs and tables are included in barn rental packages. Couples can also add an outdoor wedding in the woods and country store with a warming kitchen. Other rental items are available for decoration.

What You'll Love About Exploration Acres

In addition to hosting a picture-perfect wedding, you and your guests can stroll through the Country Store and purchase a selection of specialty treats. The shop offers tasty snacks like soft pretzels, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin roll slices, and seasonal cookies. You can also enjoy a selection of hot and cold beverages, such as apple cider, soda, coffee, and hot chocolate. The options are truly endless!

illustration popular

Venues you may like

See other venues that are popular with couples right now

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$1,800

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
Parking
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

3

Describe your venue:

Barn
Farm/Ranch

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception

What event services do you offer?

Outside Vendors

What event items are available?

Chairs
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July

What months are included in your off-peak season?

April
May
June
July

Reviews of Exploration Acres

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
11 reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
Destiney
Destiney J. Sent on 08/24/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Venue!

We had our wedding here in April 2022 and it was beautiful! They were great to work with and helped us in any way they could. The barn was amazing and the beautiful scenery was perfect for pictures.
Abigail
Abigail Sent on 06/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

The 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!
D
Dawn Sent on 05/17/2018
5 out of 5 rating
I 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!!

Map

Exploration Acres frequently asked questions

Exploration Acres includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • Parking
  • Tables
The space offered by Exploration Acres for wedding events is known for:
  • Barn
  • Farm/Ranch
Exploration Acres offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Exploration Acres offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
Exploration Acres offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Outside Vendors
Exploration Acres offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Tables
Exploration Acres is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.

Other vendors in Indianapolis for your wedding

Wedding Venues