
Host your next special event at Prairie Woods.
- Nonprofit board retreats
- Corporate meetings
- Regional conferences
- Family reunions, weddings, receptions, groom's dinners
- Holiday gatherings
- Graduations
Call 1-320-354-5894 for availability.
Facilities for Meetings & Gatherings
A get-away for local companies or a central location for state-wide organizations, Prairie Woods ELC offers meeting spaces to accommodate a variety of group sizes up to 300. The Earl B. Olson West Addition, Westby Observatory, Linder Treehouse, and Red Barn are all beautiful settings for productive meetings. Spice up your gathering with activities like sporting clays, challenge course programs, team-building games, canoeing, archery or other adventure activities customized for the interests, abilities and objectives of your group.
Planning for a large conference or meeting?
For assistance with arranging meeting and lodging facilities in beautiful Kandiyohi County, contact the friendly folks
at Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitor Bureau. Kandiyohi County and the Willmar Lakes Area have a wonderful array of lodging, dining and recreational opportunities to make your event enjoyable and productive.
Westby Observatory
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With a stunning view and field stone fireplace, the Westby Observatory is the perfect place for a gathering.
A small service area is available with sink and coffee maker. Prairie Woods staff can provide a list of catering options.
Building has air conditioning and a large pull-down projector screen.
The Westby Observatory will seat up to 70 people for dining, and up to 100 people on folding chairs for weddings or presentations. .
Tables (6' & 8' rectangular) and chairs provided for indoor use. Picnic tables available on the patio. |
Prairie Woods Pavilion

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The newest facility at Prairie Woods is located in the Farmsite across from the Barn. Our spacious 4800 sq.ft Pavilion can seat 280 guests comfortably at round tables. The six large panel sliding doors can be fully opened for an outdoor feel. Canvas curtains can be closed under the porch for "indoor" seating in the case of inclement weather.
3 season facility
A stand alone building with 4 composting toilet stalls sits about 25 ft. from the Pavilion.
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Earl B. Olson Addition
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Located in the Education Building, the Earl B Olson Addition provides a flexible space that can be used as a large conference room or three smaller break-out rooms. The West Addition features a service counter and sink, and a spacious deck. Seating in chairs for up to 180 for weddings and presentations or 135 at dining tables. Tables may be set up in adjoining spaces (Exhibit Hall & Tree House) for larger events up to 260. |
Linder Treehouse
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The Treehouse reaches from the Education Building into the canopy of surrounding trees. Enjoy your meeting or gathering in this sunny, pleasant environment. Sliding glass doors open up to a deck and give a screen porch feel in warm weather. A pellet stove and in-floor heat make the Tree House a cozy place on chilly days.
Seating for 50 at chairs or 30 at tables. |
Weddings & Anniversary Receptions

(Picture from Earl B. Olson Addition) |
Do you dream of having your special event in a peaceful, scenic setting with a modern facility?
Schedule your event at Prairie Woods.
The Olson Additon and Strand Rooms open up into one large room which can seat 135 guests at tables.
Adjoining spaces (Exhibit Hall and Tree House) can seat 100 people at tables.
The Olson addition seats 180 people, depending on chair arrangement for weddings or presentations.
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The Barn
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The Prairie Woods' Barn is a character-rich, yet convenient, location for any get-together. The barn accommodates seating for up to 100 or dining for up to 70.
The barn has a rustic feel with wood heat and a pellet stove for four season use.
Ceiling fans and windows provide ventilation.
No air conditioning.
Enjoy a spacious deck in the shade of the big oak tree and the nearby Bill Johnson Memorial picnic and fire ring area.
The farm site is also a popular place for setting up large party tents for weddings, receptions & special events. |
Birthday Parties
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A special birthday deserves a special get-together. Let Prairie Woods host your next birthday party. Choose from one of our three main birthday themes:
Indoor Climbing Wall
Nature Birthday
Pioneer Cabin
For a 2 hour event, staff provides 1 1/2 hours of programming with the final 1/2 hour for you to open presents and/or eat. Costs start at $115 for up to 12 children.
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Catering & Lodging Options |
Prairie Woods does not provide food service or lodging on site (except for the Yurt). You are welcome to use the caterer of your choosing.
These businesses have catered events at Prairie Woods in the past:
For area lodging please see the link to the Willmar Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Green Lake Luthernan Ministries, Grandstay Hotel & Events Center, Hampton Inn Spicer Green Lake, Northern Inn Hotel in Spicer, Dickerson's Lake Florida Resort |
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