Venue Spotlight: Badger Farms

I’m really excited about planning events that celebrate our connections. I think one of the driving forces behind many celebrations is a deep seeded- hard wired desire to be connected in community. Two people getting married not only celebrate their connection to one another, but also traditionally host a large party to celebrate their union within their community! When we celebrate in a rural setting, we not only celebrate our connections with each other, but also our connections to nature and the Earth. Earlier this month I got to visit Dave and Betsy Muehl, Owners of Badger Farms in Cottage Grove. They were gracious and welcoming hosts.


From their Website: “Stroll through the double-door entryway into three levels of custom designed hardwood floors complemented by rustic log staircases and railings. Complete with Air Conditioning and in-floor radiant heating the Barn is ideal for any type of Wisconsin weather.”


“The newly refurbished 1920’s barn is tucked away in the serene Wisconsin Countryside.” It’s perfect for parties between 80 and 200 guests. It’s located in a quiet country setting just east of Cottage Grove.


As I was talking to Dave, he said that one of the neatest things about being the owner of Badger Farms is seeing it transform each weekend and hearing the guests’ reactions as they recognize what a fabulous venue it is!


Badger Farms has three distinct settings to offer for an event.


The Barn itself has a fun rustic feel. There are multiple levels of balconies for sitting spaces and a DJ balcony overlooking the dance floor. It’s a really cool multi level effect for a party. It’s a great venue for a ceremony or for dancing!


Outdoors they’ve got spectacular spaces with a backdrop of trees or of open spaces to hold a beautiful outdoor ceremony. Once they had a night time ceremony outdoors under their oak tree. Talk about enchantment! The space was decorated with beautiful lighted trellises.


The Shop is connected to the Barn. Despite it’s inelegant name, it’s a lovely-high
ceilinged banquet hall with lots of natural light, built in candle sconces and large doors that open to let in the scenery if the weather is gorgeous. The walls are white with sconces that provide perfect decorating opportunities. The state of the art lighting and sound system facilitate perfect ambience and accentuate your décor.


They only host one event per weekend. For a Saturday wedding, they’re happy to have clients set up on Friday and do a leisurely tear-down on Sunday. This means…no middle of the night clean up after the reception!


The final thing which I find refreshing is that they don’t have a list of caterers they require clients to use! You may use any licensed caterer!


So, here are some specs!


Location: 1682 County Road BB– just east of Madison, Wisconsin—within driving distance from Milwaukee, Chicago, or Minneapolis.
E-mail: dave@badgerfarms.com
Capacity: 80-200 is a good number for each of the spaces.
Price: Pricing is per person with a $750 minimum. See their website for a menu of specific details
Catering: You’re welcome to use any licensed caterer.
Bar: They work with a licensed Bar Tender who charges $25/hr for her services and sells the alcohol to the clients at cost. Cash Bars are NOT permitted.