Your lakeside outdoor party venue with indoor space in Northeast Ohio
Celebrate in style at Nature Valley Lodge
If you're looking for party venues with outdoor spaces or farm venues for birthdays and family reunions, you've come to the right place.
30 to 350 guests • 5-Hour minimum • private venue hire starting at $1,500
From milestone birthdays and family reunions to baby and bridal showers and graduation parties, Nature Valley Lodge gives you a one-of-a-kind setting with indoor and outdoor spaces, flexible venue hire packages, and on-site accommodations. Set on our family farm in North Lawrence, Ohio, we are an easy trip from Akron, Canton and the Cleveland area, with lakeside views and a handcrafted lodge that make planning simple and fun.
A perfect venue for birthdays, showers, and reunions
If you are searching for an outdoor venue for a party, you will love the lake, the terraces, and the lawns. Prefer an indoor party venue for comfort or winter dates? The lodge brings warm lighting, timber beams, and easy flow between spaces.
What’s included:
Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces: lodge, upper and lower terraces, and lawn access
AV and event essentials: remote indoor microphone & speaker system; tables, chairs, bar stations, and dishware
Professional catering kitchen for licensed caterers
Event setup and standard cleaning
Ample on-site parking; valet service available for an upcharge
Fully climate-controlled with central AC, heated floors, and a full-power backup generator for year-round comfort.
High-end rustic aesthetics
* Outside alcohol is not permitted; all alcohol/beverages must be purchased through our venue drink packages. Professional catering only (no potluck, drop-off catering, or homemade food).
Extend the celebration with our optional on-site lodging, perfect for out-of-town guests or relaxed weekend getaways.
How your event could run
Welcome drinks on the lower terrace, photos by the lake, dinner inside the lodge, and a relaxed after-party with your closest people on the upper terrace.
Birthday party or anniversary
Set a beautiful tablescape on the upper terrace with lakeside views, then walk down the lawn for photos and cake by the lake.
Baby and bridal showers
Enjoy appetizers and drinks on the lawn with beautiful photo opportunities, then move inside for dinner and dancing.
Graduation celebrations
Plan lawn games by the lake or take a stroll in nature, followed by a buffet lunch on the upper terrace. Spend time together with lake views, then enjoy a cozy evening together inside the lodge. Keep everyone close with on-site accommodations.
Family reunions
Our venue is also perfect for holiday parties, retirements, send-offs, fundraisers and community events.
Tell us what you’ll be celebrating and your estimated guest count, and we’ll talk you through layout options.
The venue is yours exclusively, so you can use it in a way that suits you best.
We’re the perfect venue for:
Hosts who want one place for welcome drinks, dinner, and the party without travel or timeline stress.
Families who need indoor and outdoor options so the weather never forces a compromise.
Groups seeking a farm venue for birthday parties with lakeside backdrops and private grounds.
Friends planning bridal showers near Akron or gatherings close to Canton with easy parking.
Organisers who value clear pricing, simple setup, and vendor freedom with a professional kitchen.
Families planning multi-day family reunions in Ohio who want on-site accommodations.
Booking & Logistics
Capacity: Up to 350 guests
Standard rental: 5 hours (1 hour setup, 3-hour event, 1 hour clean up)
Pricing: from $300/hour with a 5-hour minimum ($1,500 flat fee)
Timings: Custom start and end times; additional time may be added at an hourly fee of $300.
Security: Events with 100+ guests and alcohol require on-site security
Scheduling:
Weekend dates (Friday to Sunday): you may book your event within 5 months of the event date.
Weekday dates (Monday to Thursday): you may book as early as you like.
Drinks: All drinks are provided by the venue. Choose from 4 hosted bar packages available, with bar staff, setup and glassware included in drink package pricing. See our bar packages here.
Extend the celebration with on-site lodging
Upgrade your event with optional overnight stays. Keep out-of-town guests on the property or turn the party into a relaxed weekend together. Our on-site accommodation can sleep 28 guests across three houses.
The Farmhouse
Sleeps 6, right next to the Lodge
Steps from the main lodge, this cozy 2-bedroom retreat sleeps up to 6 guests and offers a quiet place to get ready, wind down, or host an intimate after-party. Perfect for families or groups who want to stay close to the action while enjoying modern comforts in a charming, private space.
Smucker’s Country Cottage
Sleeps 10, with games and hot tub
This 4-bedroom home is packed with entertainment for all ages—think pickleball, bocce, pinball, and more. Sleeping up to 10 guests, it’s perfect for groups looking to make a full weekend out of their celebration. After the party, unwind in the hot tub or relax with games in the “fun house” atmosphere.
Sherwood Park Ranch
Sleeps 12, surrounded by nature
Nestled on a wooded lot with room for up to 12 guests, Sherwood is ideal for extended family or friend groups celebrating together. With spacious indoor gathering areas, a pavilion-style porch, and direct access to our private 23-acre nature reserve, this location offers privacy and peaceful forest views.
Private Events FAQs
Here are a few questions we hear most from our guests. If something’s missing, reach out and we’ll guide you.
-
We’re in North Lawrence, Wayne County, Ohio, just about 20 minutes from Akron and Canton, and an easy trip from Cleveland.
-
Weekend dates (Friday to Sunday) for social events can be booked within 5 months of the event. Monday to Thursday bookings are available at any time.
-
Yes. Additional time can be added with approval and an hourly fee when coordinated in advance with NVL (not the day of).
-
You’ll have an indoor layout ready in the lodge, with quick transitions from the terraces and lawn. We’ll agree on a weather call time based on the forecast.
-
Yes. A common flow is terrace welcome, lawn photos and appetizers, then dinner and toasts inside the lodge, with an easy move back outside for fresh-air breaks. But you can utilise the spaces however you'd like.
-
No. All alcohol/beverages must be purchased through our venue drink packages. Outside alcohol is not permitted. Bar staff, setup, and glassware are included with packages.
-
Yes! Cash bars are available upon request.
-
Yes. Our four bar tiers include zero-proof and low-ABV choices. Bar staff, setup, and glassware are included with packages.
-
All events must leave with their decor and personal belongings, and the venue must be left in an orderly state. However, Nature Valley Lodge takes on the responsibility of tearing down tables & chairs, and cleaning the venue. We are not responsible for tearing down tents or any items brought to the event by the guests.
-
Yes with prior approval. We’ll confirm placement to protect the grounds and keep service smooth. Food trucks must be licensed/insured and still provide a staffing for bussing tables/cleanup. Provide their own quiet generators, no outside hookups for them to access electricity.
Ready to Book or Tour the Space?
Host birthdays, showers, graduations, reunions, and holiday parties in a lakeside setting that feels easy and unforgettable. Let’s talk dates, details and custom options.