Welcome to Our story

 We are the 5th generation of this historic 150-year-old, 3,100 sq. ft. rustic barn, with massive beams along with antique displays of items used by past generations while living and working on the farm. The barn is nestled on 210 acres, which includes 40 wooded acres. 

There are many areas around the grounds to capture those everlasting memories. Our west garden has an antique iron bench, wagon wheels and old milk cans to take the most breathtaking sunset photos. We rescued a 50+ year old horse drawn spreader hidden within brush near the pond. We brought It back to life and gave it a new home on the property by incorporating it into the lofts entrance. 

Off in the distance, through the ceremonial pasture with a grand wooden arch,  you will find the spring-fed pond where wildlife tends to frequent. Below the deck lies the firepit and garden, where guests can warm up by the firepit area for those cooler evenings (or if your guests would like to capture the essence of the farm). There are plenty of beautiful areas for those special photo opportunities throughout the property. 

A barn is the center of a farm where hard work happens, through good times and bad. It is where families come together. A shelter where true priorities like love, life, relaxation, learning, playing, connecting, growing and making memories happen. Neil and Mel saw a vision to share this beauty with not just our family and friends but wanted to share with others.  

So, Family Ties was born. 

There has been a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, tears, heart and soul, put into this space to make it what it is today. This couldn’t have been possible without the help of family, neighbors and close friends. Even though we are finishing up the final touches to the barn loft, we see the vision of how this space can/will bring unforgettable memories to so many. Plans of renovating the Silo into restrooms, a bridal suite and groomsman suite in the lower area of the barn, are to soon to come.

About the Krauses'

Neil and Mel have been married for 15 years and will spend any available time at ‘The Farm’ (our second home), which is nearly every weekend. We enjoy working around the farm, spending time with our 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and friends. UTVing, snowmobiling, hunting and spending time outdoors is where we feel the most at peace. 

Mel has over 35+ years in customer service, administrative management, sales and marketing, event designing and planning, along with a degree in marketing and interior design. If you are looking for that special look, she can assist you and help bring vision to your day. Mel keeps up the grounds, gardens, the barn and every special event happening at Family Ties Event Barn. 

Neil and his brother Allan are 5th generation to this beautiful property. In between running their excavating business for 40+ years, they work hard to keep the tradition of the farm in working order, with cash cropping corn and soybeans and maintenance of all the equipment. We all love and enjoy our slice of heaven. We hope you will too.