HOST AN EVENT
With 134 acres of rolling glacial esker, towering maple groves and native grassland prairie, Fenner Nature Center is a beautiful setting for your next gathering.
Fenner Nature Center offers hourly rentals for private events, birthday parties, corporate meetings and retreats, as well as full day rentals for wedding ceremonies and receptions. With four different rental sites to choose from, you can select the venue that fits your vision for your event.
THE DAVIS NATURE PAVILION
The Susan and Jack Davis Nature Pavilion is a four-season, accessible building situated along our Central Pond Loop, overlooking the prairie. The building features 270 degree views, five sets of french doors, a patio, covered porch and high vaulted ceilings, giving it a natural, open and airy feel. The building is also equipped with plumbed restrooms, central heating and air to a provide comfortable setting for your event year round.
Rate: $100 per hour
The building’s maximum indoor capacity is 100 people. Use of our tables and chairs set up to your specifications, as well as an extra 30 minutes before and after your event for your own setup and takedown, is included in both the hourly rental and the full day rental.
MAPLE GROVE PAVILION
The Maple Grove Pavilion is a covered picnic area in our sugar maple grove, situated along our paved Maple Grove Loop. This pavilion features four picnic tables and optional mosquito netting sides that you can request to have lowered or raised for your rental. The Maple Grove Pavilion is a short walk from the Visitor Center, for restroom access. There is no electricity or restrooms at this site.
Rate: $75 per day
The covered space’s capacity is 30 people. Uncovered space is available adjacent to the pavilion to accommodate larger groups. Use of the space from 8 a.m. to dusk is included in the full day rental.
GROUP CAMPGROUND
The Group Campground is an open field located in the northeast corner of the park. The site features a covered pavilion, picnic tables, pit toilet, fire pit and potable water. It also has four cabins used for Fenner Nature Day Camp. While you wouldn’t have access to the inside of the cabins, you are welcome to use their covered porches. The site is accessible from a private entrance off Mount Hope Avenue and a small gravel parking lot. There is no electricity at this site.
Rate: $15 per hour | Scouting Rate: $45 for 24 hours
The field can accommodate upwards of 100 people depending on event. The parking lot can hold approximately 25 cars. An extra 30 minutes before and after your event for your own setup and takedown is included in the hourly rental.
WEDDING RENTALS
Fenner is the site for many celebrations, including weddings. We offer a basic an all-inclusive package to plan your dream wedding. The Davis Nature Pavilion, ceremony space, Maple Grove area, and even our shortgrass prairie offer a wide selection of space for your special day. Click here for more information on our Wedding Rentals.
RENTAL POLICIES
- To book a tour or to reserve a site, please contact our Event Manager at events@mynaturecenter.org or 517-483-4035. All rental reservations must be approved by the Event Manager.
- To reserve your date, both a payment of 50% of the rental fee and a signed rental agreement are required.
- Fenner Conservancy reserves the right to charge for any damages incurred.
VISITOR CENTER LOWER LEVEL
Step into Fenner Nature Center’s Visitor Center lower level, an educational space full of opportunities for discovery and engagement! This adaptable facility is ideal for groups of up to 50 curious minds and provides an avenue for discovery and learning. While our naturalists hold exciting birthday parties and educational programs here, the space is also available for rent, allowing you to tailor it to your own purposes. Whether it’s a school group, scout troop, or community gathering, the lower level provides a classroom setting for everyone to use.
Click here to learn more about birthday parties at Fenner.