The Ballard Nature Center has facilities available for rental, including both indoor and outdoor rental spaces.
With its picturesque surroundings, the center has become a popular location for a variety of events, including workshops, family reunions, conferences, and even weddings. Groups wishing to hold an event at the Ballard Nature Center are advised to call the center for available dates, with rentals booked on a first come, first serve basis.
Indoor Rental
The lower level facility holds up to 80 people and can be rented for $200 a day. The facility includes direct access to restrooms and a small kitchen facility. No indoor rentals May through July.
Outdoor Rental
Two outdoor pavilions are available for rent, with the small pavilion costing $50 a day and the large pavilion $75 a day. Outdoor restrooms are available when the visitor center is closed.
Large Pavilion: Picnic tables seat approx. 55 people. Plus there are child size picnic tables that seat approx. 18 children. There are also benches.
Small Pavilion: Picnic tables seat approx. 30 people. Plus a child size picnic table that seats approx. 6 children. There are also benches.
Weddings
The fishing pier and a few other locations on the grounds are available to reserve for wedding ceremonies for a $200 fee. Weddings are limited to small groups, no more than 125 guests.
Ballard Nature Center does not provide any chair, table, or tent rentals.
For more information, contact the center at (618) 483-6856 or by email.
Policies
- See individual rental forms for comprehensive rental rules.
- Renting the basement facility does not entitle renter to the entire nature center. The Visitor Center and the Ballard Nature Center grounds will be open to the general public during normal hours of operation.
- No food or beverages are allowed on the main level of the Visitor Center.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the Visitor Center or on the grounds of the Nature Center.
- All nature trails are opened daily, from dawn until dusk, unless otherwise marked.
- All the animals and plants are protected – NO collecting or digging.
- There are no horse, ATV, or bicycle trails at the nature center.
- All pets must be leashed, at all times.
- Please clean up after pets.
- No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the grounds.
- Picnics are allowed in designated areas.
- Vehicles are restricted to the designated roads and parking areas.
- Entrance to the Center is only at designated areas.
- Firearms and all other weapons are prohibited.
- Groups of 15 or more people are requested to register at the visitor center or telephone ahead for arrangements.
- Please respect the private property adjoining the Ballard Nature Center. Do not enter without prior permission.
- Please respect others that are visiting the Ballard Nature Center!
Please, report all accidents! In case of an emergency, call 911.
Photography Policy
Ballard Nature Center, a private non-profit organization, provides a beautiful backdrop for photography. We welcome the opportunity to host photographers and their clients on the grounds. We invest funding and effort to ensure the grounds, bridges, and buildings are maintained. Those who wish to use Ballard Nature Center as a backdrop for their commercial photography business sessions are asked to make an annual donation of $50-$100. We also ask that you do not block the entrance lane, do not move benches, and stay on the trails and open areas. Any props used must be entirely removed after the session. Be respectful of the property and other visitors.