Frequently Asked Questions

Green Acres Event Center

previously named the Goodrich-Ramus barn

Which is the oldest standing barn in Eden Prairie and an important part of Minnesota history. In 2009, Hennepin County developed construction plans to widen Pioneer Trail and considered demolishing the barn, but the City of Eden Prairie and the Historical Society stepped in to save it. An article in the Star Tribune about its demise brought Steven Schussler, well-known as the creator of the Rainforest Café chain of restaurants, to purchase and restore it.

The local community sent thank you letters to Mr. Schussler for saving this historic barn. Then a multitude of requests followed for weddings, parties, graduations, and community events to be held at the barn, which persuaded Steven Schussler to make it into an event center for the public to enjoy. In March 2013, Green Acres became the first and only event center in the city of Eden Prairie.

Green Acres can accommodate groups of up to 299 for events utilizing both levels and up to 225 for seated dinners on the upper-level Great Room Loft.

Yes! There are two beautiful ceremony spaces that include the upper-level Great Room Loft with gorgeous chandeliers highlighting the dramatic Gothic Arch roof of aged timbers and a lovely outdoor spot underneath a canopy of trees with Staring Lake Park as a backdrop. The outdoor ceremony can easily be moved indoors in the event of poor weather circumstances.

Yes, there are multiple outdoor areas that include a custom built brick fireplace that is warmly lit for all events (weather permitting) with rustic and comfortable seating, a charming cowboys cauldron for delicious s’mores treats (available at additional cost), pavers for games, tractors, and lovely planters provide wonderful outdoor experiences.

Yes! The Green Acres inventory of tables and Chiavari chairs are included with the rental.

Yes! Green Acres has all the modern amenities that includes central heating and air conditioning, giant fans made from airplane aluminum to circulate the air, and high-velocity exhaust fans to bring in fresh air.

Green Acres is conveniently located in Eden Prairie, just 15 minutes southwest of Minneapolis on Pioneer Trail, across the street from the Flying Cloud Airport. We are located close to major highways, great restaurants, shops, hotels, parks, and many more attractions.

Green Acres has an onsite well-lit parking lot that accommodates up to 60 vehicles. Events with more than 60 vehicles and/or 120 guests will require a valet and/or a shuttle service at the client’s expense. Overflow parking is available through a valet or shuttle service at Elliot Aviation and Hummingbird Aviation. Please note that no overnight parking is allowed and violators will be towed at the vehicle owner’s expense. A preferred vendor list is available for your convenience.

Yes, there are several hotels nearby. A vendor list is available on our website here.

Yes, we have a handicap-accessible elevator, ramp entrance, and bathrooms.

We are partnered with award-winning catering companies: Green Mill Catering, Sterling Catering, Kafe 421 Catering, and Deco Catering. All beverages and alcohol will be exclusively provided by our catering partners. Catering food and service not provided by our partners is subject to a third-party catering fee of $2,000. The catering food and beverage minimum varies based on the day and times of the event and ranges from no minimum to $5,000.

All beverages and alcohol are provided by our catering partners as they carry the required liquor liability insurance and provide licensed and trained bartenders. Wine can be brought in with a corkage fee. Outside alcohol is not permitted and will result in a penalty/fee.

Of course! Customized non-alcoholic beverage packages are available.

Yes! We have trusted partners for all your vendor needs. Check them out here.

Clients and vendors have access during the rental time period reserved by the client.

The main point of contact is the Venue Manager who will hold your finalization meeting and will usually be on-site the day of the event. A Day of Coordinator or “DOC” is highly recommended to be the “choreographer” to the Green Acres Management staff, caterer, vendors, and guests. This person is invaluable when the inevitable unexpected happens. A good friend or relative can fill this role. We can also provide recommendations.

Rehearsals are provided based on availability and are not guaranteed. One-hour rehearsals can be scheduled at the time of the final walkthrough. Please check with the Venue Manager prior to inviting guests.

Please give us a call at 952-942-5220 or send us an email at [email protected] You can also submit a request for additional information through our website.

Most tours are available Tuesday-Saturday between 10am – 7pm based on the events held at Green Acres. Please contact us to schedule a tour.

A signed Green Acres Rental Contract Agreement along with a deposit for one-half of the rental fee will reserve the date for you. The remaining balance is due no later than 90 days prior to the event.

Your event date, estimated guest count, and approximate start and end times are needed to approve your contract. You can determine other details later. The Venue Manager will be available to you by phone or email to answer any questions throughout your planning process. You can request to schedule a time to discuss additional details and plan various elements of your event at any time. We will schedule a formal planning meeting 4-6 weeks before your event to go over timelines, catering details, bar selections, and floor plans.

A signed cancellation agreement is required and please note, all deposits and balances paid are non-refundable.

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