麻豆视频

Receptions, Meetings, Events, and Weddings

The Melva Lind Interpretive Center and adjacent grounds are available for reservations and rental for family gatherings, meetings, weddings, or other private events.

There is no cost for student organizations, faculty, and campus groups.

Melva Lind Interpretive Center

The Interpretive Center features 20-foot high ceilings with exposed beams. Its wood paneled walls add charm to this warm, intimate setting. Patio doors provide an airy atmosphere on spring and summer days and a yellow-tiled wood-burning fireplace lends ambiance during the cooler Minnesota months. Enjoy the birds and flowers just outside the windows and the formal gardens that circle the building. 

Melva Lind Interpretive Center (floor plan) 

See below for guidelines for use of Interpretive Center.

 

Arboretum Grounds/Gardens

The Arboretum grounds are beautiful year-round. Choose your own unique backdrop for your special day - whether it is beautifully-manicured lawns and gardens, bright spring blooms, or colorful fall foliage. Your guests will love the diverse features of the Arboretum 鈥 ponds, prairies, woodlands, vintage cabin, labyrinth, formal gardens, orchard, and more. Reservations come with the use of the Interpretive Center for facilities access.

Additional Information

Outdoor events:

The Arboretum does not provide chairs, tables, tents, etc. for outdoor events. Please contact a rental company for availability. A grounds fee of $100 may apply for tents.

Food and Catering:

Catering is allowed at the discretion of 麻豆视频 Dining Service. Dining Service can provide an array of catering services ranging from snacks to bag lunches to elegantly served dinners or receptions. The building is equipped with a small kitchenette. Any alcohol must be provided by Dining Services, which includes beer and wine options. For more information, contact Margi Willmert with 麻豆视频 Catering at (507) 933-6245 or mwillmer [at] gustavus.edu.

笔补谤办颈苍驳:听

Parking for the Melva Lind Interpretive Center is conveniently located near the main entrance in lots M and N. An easy walk to the building, the sidewalk passes under a wooden arbor to a plaza adjacent to the Johnson Waterfall and outdoor shelter. The Center has no steps, making it accessible to everyone.

Photography Policy:

If you are a Commercial Photographer, please see our Commercial Photography Policy.听Photographers working at a paid rental event do not need to register or pay the daily fee.听

Dog Policy:

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Arboretum in accordance with College rules. Please see our Dog Policy for more information.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation requested more than four weeks prior to event: Full refund of fee minus $100 cancellation charge. Cancellation requested less than four weeks prior to event: No refund of fees.听

Pull-down screen, LCD projector with sound and video/DVD player hook-up. Guests have access to the campus wireless internet. The space is equipped with tables and chairs that can be arranged to suit your needs. Typical arrangement is nine tables with four chairs for 36 seats with up to twelve tables with six chairs for 72 seats maximum. There are two single-person restrooms as well as a small kitchenette with sink and refrigerator. The Interpretive Center also houses an indoor fireplace. 

The Arboretum does not provide chairs, tables, tents, etc. for outdoor events. Please contact a rental company for availability. A grounds fee of $100 may apply for tents.

Catering is allowed at the discretion of 麻豆视频 Dining Service. Dining Service can provide an array of catering services ranging from snacks to bag lunches to elegantly served dinners or receptions. The building is equipped with a small kitchenette. Any alcohol must be provided by Dining Services, which includes beer and wine options. For more information, contact the 麻豆视频 Dining Service (507) 933-6245.

Parking for the Melva Lind Interpretive Center is conveniently located near the main entrance in lots M and N. An easy walk to the building, the sidewalk passes under a wooden arbor to a plaza adjacent to the Johnson Waterfall and outdoor shelter. The Center has no steps, making it accessible to everyone.

Cancellation requested more than four weeks prior to event: Full refund of fee minus $100 cancellation charge. Cancellation requested less than four weeks prior to event: No refund of fees. 

Wedding Rentals

With a wide variety of natural landscapes and backgrounds, the Arboretum is the ideal location for large or small weddings and/or receptions. Located on the edge of 麻豆视频 in St. Peter, MN and just a 15 minute drive from Mankato, the Arboretum gives your wedding all the advantages of being located near the big city coupled with the private feel of a natural setting.

All wedding rentals include the use of the Interpretive Center and Arboretum grounds. The Interpretive Center is air-conditioned, equipped with two single-use restrooms and provides a comfortable gathering and preparation space for the wedding party. It comfortably seats up to 60 guests for intimate receptions and dinners. Two sets of double doors lead out to the patio and shelter. There is a small kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and sink. The award-winning 麻豆视频 Dining Service is also available to provide catering for your event. Guidelines for Use of Interpretive Center. 

All wedding rentals require a separate $300 deposit at the time of booking.

Ceremony Only
Part Day
8 a.m. - 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
$650

Full Day
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
$950
 

Ceremony and Reception
Full Day
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
$1,300

The renter must provide a Certificate of Insurance and agree to not hold the College responsible for any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses relating to any death, injury or damage occurring in connection with the event. 麻豆视频 must be named as an 鈥淎dditional insured鈥 on the policy, and there must be at least $1 million in homeowner鈥檚 liability coverage. The Certificate is issued against your homeowner鈥檚 insurance. Renter is encouraged to contact their insurance provider for more information. The College's insurer offers coverage for events. Please visit their for more details. 

 

Arboretum Policies

We hope you enjoy the Arboretum鈥檚 beautiful places. While you are here, please respect the following regulations. Policies apply to 麻豆视频 employees and students, community members, and visitors. They are designed to protect visitors, plants, and wildlife鈥攕ome of them endangered鈥攁s well ongoing research and land care.

While you are here, please respect the following regulations. They are designed to protect visitors, plants, and wildlife鈥攕ome of them endangered鈥攁s well ongoing research and land care.

  1. We love dogs too, but not in the Arboretum! Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Arboretum in accordance with College rules. Please see our Dog Policy below for more information.
  2. Please stay on trails, lawn areas, or the paved road at all times. Off-trail use damages plants, animal homes, restorations, and research.
  3. Bike on the paved drives and dirt trails only. Bicycles are not allowed in the gardens.
  4. Ski and snowshoe only on designated trails.
  5. No hunting, trapping, or disturbing animals. No target practice.
  6. No campfires or open flames. Permission for campfires must be approved by the Arboretum Office.
  7. The use of drones is prohibited in accordance with College rules.
  8. The use of alcohol or drugs is prohibited on the grounds of the Arboretum in accordance with College rules.
  9. Collecting and removing plants and other natural materials is prohibited. Researchers may apply for a collection permit.
  10. Please be respectful and conscientious of others enjoying the Arboretum. 

The Arboretum is a beautiful place to take pictures year-round and we encourage visitors to take photos for their own personal use or sharing on social media. 

That being said, professional photographers providing services for wedding parties, engagement photos, prom photos, graduation photos, family portraits, etc. are asked to purchase a daily professional photographer permit. 

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS 鈥 All Professional (Commercial) photographers should pay the daily use fee by noon the day before the scheduled session. Failure to register may result in the photographer and client(s) being asked to leave the premises by 麻豆视频 Campus Security. The purpose of registration is to avoid conflicts between photographers and renters, visitors, and users of the Arboretum. The Arboretum is funded in large part by the generous donations of our members. Your payment helps the Arboretum continue to be a beautiful place for future guests and users.


Pay the $50 daily use fee here

If you are a photographer for a group that has reserved the Arboretum Interpretive Center, you are not required to register or pay the fee. 

Photography Etiquette

  • With a permit, photographers have access to take photos on the Arboretum property, but they must be respectful and not intrude on events or guests that are visiting that day.
  • Do not obstruct paths or prevent the movement of other visitors. Please encourage others to walk by between photos.
  • Please receive prior permission to use external power and equipment that requires cords.
  • Stay near pathways and mowed lawn areas as much as possible.
  • Do not pick or disturb plants in gardens or habitat areas.
  • Do not step in, or place equipment in, planted garden beds.
We love dogs too, but not in the Arb!
Here's why:
  • We strive to protect plant and wildlife biodiversity:
    • The lingering scent of dogs alters native wildlife patterns
    • Dog waste, especially urine, is extremely harmful to plants
  • We want to keep your pets safe from the various poisonous and thorny plants throughout the Arboretum
  • We are complying with the

Many of us have probably never considered the impact our furry friends are having on the wildlife and plant communities/ecosystems in our favorite dog-walking locations. It is important to be aware of some of the consequences, especially if that area is a protected park or arboretum, dedicated to preserving, growing, studying, and sharing various often endangered or native species.

Bringing our pets, particularly our dogs, into these areas can have devastating short- and long-term effects on the plant life and wildlife, and their habitats, protected by these areas, even if pets are on a leash! The lingering scent of dogs, both bodily and from urine/feces, alters the natural patterns and interactions for many species, including foraging habits, nest or burrow location, and range of habitat. 

For more information, please check out some of the following resources:

 

Decorations and modifications

  • Please do not use nails, staples, spray paint, or 3M Command hooks on the ceiling or ANY drywall area.
  • Please be respectful of the facilities and wildlife, we do not promote glitter or confetti in the Interpretive Center or on the grounds.
  • All decorations must be taken down and/or removed after the event.听

If you are unsure whether your decorations are acceptable in the Interpretive Center, please contact us at 507-933-6181 or arboretum [at] gustavus.edu (arboretum[at]gustavus[dot]edu) and always use discretion.

Cleaning

Keeping the Interpretive Center clean and orderly is imperative. Please do your best to keep the area clean.

  • Please clean the tabletops (cleaner and cloths can be found in the kitchenette).
  • Sweep/Swiffer mop, if necessary (see kitchenette for supplies).
  • Unless provided by the Arboretum, please take extra materials/food after the event is complete.
  • Collect all garbage and place the garbage bags out back (behind the kitchen) to the trash cans. (We want to ensure we do not attract mice.)
Best practice, please leave the place cleaner than you found it.听

Organization

  • Put tables and chairs back into their original placement. Rearrange any furniture that was put out of place. Keep podium to the right of the fireplace.
  • If used, please turn off the sound system and put technology cords back in the wood box neatly. If you used the screen, please use the toggle button to retract the screen.
  • If up, please pull down the wood kitchen divider in the kitchen window.
  • Turn lights off when you leave the space (located in the hallway by the restrooms).

Projector and Sound System

  • 听The 鈥渦p and down鈥 toggle button for the screen can be found on the east wall and (ultimately) behind the screen.
  • To turn on the projector, refer to the technology panel below the display case (to the far right of the fireplace).
  • Directions for your laptop are located on the wood ledge.
  • When finished, please retract the screen to the ceiling.
  • Please turn off the sound system and neatly place technology cords back in the wood box.

Fireplace

If you are renting out the space, you are approved to use the fireplace. Please be aware that the person who starts the fire is responsible for the safety and well-being of guests and property for the duration of the fire. Please follow these guidelines:

  • Be sure the damper is open by positioning the lever all the way to the right.
  • Begin with a hot fire to draw smoke up (a small, cold fire can result in a smoke-filled room!).
  • Prepare before lighting: Use lots of crumpled paper, some kindling on top of that, and split logs on top.
  • Once fire is burning well, close glass doors to prevent smoke rollout.
  • Do not leave fire unattended.
  • Leave only after fire has died down to coals. Be sure the mesh screen is closed!
  • Leave damper open even after the fire dies down.
  • For assistance with the fireplace, call 933-8888 for 麻豆视频 Campus Safety.

No Alcohol or Drugs

Alcohol is not permitted unless verified by the Arboretum. Drugs are not permitted on the Arboretum grounds in accordance with College rules.

No smoking

麻豆视频 is a 100% tobacco-free campus. All forms of tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, bidis, smokeless/spit tobacco, hookahs, blunts, pipes, e-cigarettes and snuff are prohibited. This applies to all campus grounds including parking lots, athletics facilities, event venues, classrooms and common areas. Read more about the policy here.听

Arboretum staff contact

If you have any questions about the guidelines or policies, please contact the 麻豆视频 Arboretum Office at 507-933-6181 or arboretum [at] gustavus.edu.听

If the Interpretive Center is found in disarray and directives were not followed, student organizations/guests could be subject to fines and/or banned from future use.听