Our Vision
For many years it has been a dream of mine to build a barn or renovate an old one to host weddings and events. When we were about to become empty nesters, we decided this might be the right time to start this new adventure. When we came across the barn in Chapeau Shores, we loved its history and location. We both remember attending wedding dances in this barn when it was the Sons of Norway.
The barn was built in the early 1900’s and has had many transformations over the years. Our vision is to bring the barn back to looking more like it did in past years by painting it red and adding windows and barn doors. The barn will be equipped with both heat and air conditioning. We plan to open the barn up inside to allow visitors to see the beautiful high ceilings, yet still offer a loft mezzanine level for extra seating. We will update the current restrooms and add a nice big handicap family restroom for guests. There will also be a setup area for the caterers to use.
One of my favorite things is the addition of the bride and groom suites that will be added to the East side of the barn. We will add a hallway leading from the suites into the barn for easy access to the restrooms. Also, if it starts to rain, the bridal party can enter the barn without having to go outside. In the bridal suite there will be a dressing area with a large mirror, a place to hang all the dresses, a relaxing area, and a vanity area for the ladies to do their hair and makeup. For the gentlemen they will have hooks for hanging up their tuxes and a mirror for getting ready, a game table, and a relaxing area.
Our plans are to add a large patio off the north side of the barn for more seating. We will be bringing in a rustic grain bin, and it will be located next to the patio. There will be several outdoor areas for a wedding and we will work with the bride and groom to find that perfect spot for their ceremony. Our acreage has many beautiful mature oak and pine trees. We will also be adding more trees, bushes and landscaping to the property in the spring.
This is our family business and we take pride in offering you a beautiful setting for your special event. We hope you love our barn as much as we do, and we feel honored that you have chosen The Barn of Chapeau Shores.
Thank you,
The Barn of Chapeau Shores
The barn spent many years being used on a farm before it was moved to 504 Lake Chapeau Drive in 1966. It was used as the recreation center for students of Lea College. In 1978 the barn was renovated and opened by the Sons of Norway Lodge. They had many gatherings at the barn which included weddings, dances, dinners and other lodge functions. Then in 2014, the lodge closed and the barn was purchased and used for many other group activities.
In October, 2017 the barn changed hands again and was purchased by my husband and I. We feel it is an ideal time to once again revitalize the barn and property to host weddings and special events.