Ruby Rupner Auditorium
Large private room great for graduations, weddings, birthday parties, conferences, or memorials.
- $50/hour with $15/hour security fee.
- Seats 150
- Serving kitchen with dishware.
- Sound system, projector, and screen.
Gordon Lonning Room
Small conference room perfect for hosting a small meeting or conference.
- $25/hour with a $15/hour security fee.
- Seats 20 people around conference table.
- Three TVs with an integrated sound system and conference phone.
Classrooms
Rented out on a limited basis. Large space great for conferences or speakers.
- $40/hour per room (2 rooms) with a $15/hour security fee.
- Seats 60 each (120 total for both rooms).
- Serving kitchen with dishware.
- Sound system, projector, and screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a non-profit rate?
- Yes, please contact the Nature Center to inquire about prices. You will need to provide your 501-C-3 paperwork.
Can I decorate?
Yes but following these guidelines:
- All interior furnishings and decorations must remain in the rental rooms.
- Taxidermies and artwork are not to be taken down.
- No candles allowed (exceptions: birthday cake, wedding unity candle).
- No taping, tacking, or stapling to any surface.
Can I have alcohol at my rental?
- Alcohol is not permitted at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.
How long can my rental be?
- Your rental must be a minimum of 2 hours for all rental spaces and must be during Nature Center Grounds hours: 6am – 10pm. All parties including staff and renters must be off Nature Center Grounds by 10pm.
What am I responsible for with setup/clean up?
- As the renter, you are responsible for setting up tables and chairs before your event. You are responsible for vacuuming, cleaning off your tables, cleaning the kitchen, and sweeping the floors after your event. All other clean-up will be taken care of by your staff person.
I want to get married outside on the Nature Center grounds, do I really need to rent a space?
- Yes! If you are getting married, you must rent the Ruby Rupner auditorium. This is in case it rains as well as to ensure that you and your guests have all the space and facilities you need for your special day.
Can I cook my food at the facility?
- No. Food brought from home can be warmed in the microwave or in crockpots. Food may also be stored in the refrigerator as needed. You may also have food catered.
Can I take chairs, tables, etc. outside?
- No. All chairs, tables, and other equipment are to remain in Ruby.
Why do I need a staff person?
- This is to ensure that rental policies are followed and that your event runs as smoothly as possible and is not interrupted by random visitors.
Can I come in early to set up my rental beforehand?
- Your setup time is included in your rental time. For example, if your rental starts at 9am and you want to come in an hour early to set up then your rental contract would be from 8am to the time you finish cleaning up.
Why is a copy of the front page of my homeowner or renter’s insurance required?
- This is to hold you accountable on the chance that something were to get out of hand and our facility were damaged. While we hope that this does not happen, and so far has never been the case, this helps ensure that any such cases can be properly addressed.
Can I have my pet on the grounds?
- No, pets are not allowed in the buildings or on the grounds with the exception of ADA approved service animals. Emotional support animals are not recognized by the ADA.