eXplore Brown County

What is the capacity of The Gallery? - The capacity of the Gallery is based on the seating arrangement that you design. - There are tables and chairs inside the gallery for a total of 165 guests with additional options for seating on the porch outside. - Four picnic tables add an additional 32 seats. - Inside and out, the gallery can seat up to 200 guests. - You are welcome to bring additional tables and/or chairs into the gallery to expand seating. Is the kitchen facility included in the price? - The prep kitchen is included in the price upon request and includes a stove, refrigerator, 12’ prep table, dishwasher, 2 microwaves, and a 3-sink system. Do you decorate The Gallery? - No, you are allowed to decorate the gallery to fit your wedding theme. - You are responsible for setting up, cleaning, and disposal of all trash. - We are a facility that recycles and recycling is a requirement for the facility. - No glitter or small confetti is allowed, and tape and push pins are not allowed to be used on the hall walls. - You may use push pins on the wood beams only. Is alcohol permitted? - Alcohol is permitted inside the Gallery; the renter must assume all liability and responsibility and maintain the alcohol in a private setting, not exposed to the general public. - If you are selling alcohol to your guests, the person selling will need a liquor license in accordance with Indiana state law. - Indiana state laws relating to the distribution and consumption of alcohol must be strictly followed. - eXplore Brown County at Valley Branch Retreat Inc. is not authorized by the State of Indiana to handle alcoholic beverages. What is included in the cost of The Gallery? - The gallery has many amenities for your group. In addition to provided tables and chairs, there is a bar area and an upstairs loft overlooking the main Hall. - The upstairs also includes our Grooms Room: a gaming area with darts, checkers, and foosball, and our Bridal Suite: an area that can be used for the bridal party to get ready (both areas are included in the Gold & Platinum packages). - There is also a prep kitchen and internet access. - Many extras can be rented for additional nominal fee(s). What additional items can we rent? i.e. Sound system, Tablecloths, etc.....? - There are many extras that you can rent in the hall, we can provide a list upon request. - Some items of note are table linens, ice, coolers, beer taps, etc. We can also provide a list of local vendors to help supply anything that we cannot. Do you provide catering? - Yes! We are partnered with the Nashville House/Ferguson House. - We will provide their catering menu soon. - You are allowed to use another caterer but there will be a $500 fee. Is there a deposit for The Gallery? - Yes, there is a non-refundable rental fee to be paid in full upon booking. - Bookings are not guaranteed unless they are paid in full at the time of the reservation. How far in advance do I need to rent The Gallery for my event? - The gallery is booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier the better. - We suggest that you reserve at least 6 months prior to your event, it is possible to reserve the gallery within 3 months of your event if we have availability. - During - September and October weekends, we suggest trying to reserve at least a year in advance. Do you have the electrical capacity for a DJ, lights, and dance floor? - Yes, we have plug-ins in the gallery for lighting at the stage area, and an area for a DJ to meet their needs. Are there dressing areas for the bride and groom? - Yes, we have separate rooms that would be available for the bride-to-be and her bridesmaids as well as the groom and his groomsmen to get ready for her big day. - Our cabins are also available to rent for preparation purposes. Are there restrooms inside The Gallery? - Yes, there are restrooms inside the gallery. Are there discounts for paintball, zipping, etc. for the wedding party? - Yes, there are group discounts for groups of 10 or more for most activities. - There is a guaranteed discount with the Platinum Package. Is there internet access in The Gallery? - Yes, there is internet available in the gallery, and outside on the front porch area. - There is also internet available on the front porches of most of the cabins. Where is the parking area for The Gallery events? - Parking is available around the hall in addition to 2 large fields that can be utilized for parking. Outdoor Venue FAQ's - What is the capacity for the Outdoor Stage/Lakeside area? - Outdoor Stage: 30 guests. - Stage Viewing Area: 500 guests. - Lakeside Dock: 75 guests. Do you decorate the outdoor venues? - No, however, you are allowed to decorate any venue to fit your wedding/event's theme. You are responsible for setting up, cleaning, and disposal of all trash. - We are a facility that recycles and recycling is a requirement for the facility. - No glitter or small confetti is allowed. Also, no rice is allowed to be thrown. - You can use birdseed, however. How long can I rent the outdoor venues for? Can I rent it for 24 hours, etc.? - Outdoor Stage: you have access to the stage for 24 hours starting at 9 am (note that there may be campers in the sites included with your rental until their checkout at 11 am). - Lake: you have access to the dock at the lake for 24 hours starting at 9 am (note that there may be campers in the sites included with your rental until their checkout at 11 am). Can we rent cabins and campsites for a discounted price? - Sometimes.. we can add on cabins and campsite rentals to any reservation for an additional cost. - Discounts are based on availability, days rented, time of year, number of cabins or campsites, etc. What is included in the cost of the Outdoor Stage/Lakeside/Paintball Tent? - Outdoor Stage: Sites G-18, P-29, P-34, & GP-36. Fire rings and picnic tables at campsites. - The trailer restroom is located within walking distance. - Lakeside Dock: Sites P-30, P-31, P-32, & P-33. Fire rings and picnic tables at campsites. - The trailer restroom is located within walking distance. - Not included is firewood (which you must purchase from us) or outside seating. Can you provide a service that provides outdoor seating? Yes, we have a list of companies that we can provide to you. Is there a deposit for outdoor venues? - Yes, there is a non-refundable rental fee to be paid in full upon booking. - Bookings are not guaranteed unless they are paid in full at the time of the reservation. How far in advance do I need to rent outdoor venues for my event? - All venues are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier the better. - We suggest that you reserve at least 6 months prior to your event. - During July, September, and October weekends, we suggest trying to reserve at least a year in advance. Do you have the electrical capacity for a DJ, lights, etc.? - Yes, all venues have electrical outlets that can be used. Be prepared to bring extension cords. Are there discounts for paintball, zipping, etc. for guests? - Yes, there are group discounts for groups of 10 or more for most activities. Is there Wi-Fi access at the outdoor venues? - You should not expect to have access to Wi-Fi at our outdoor venues. - Where is the parking area for events at the outdoor venues? - Parking is available in the campsites including the stage and lake rentals. - There is additional parking in 2 large fields close to the entrance to the facility. Is there a clean-up fee? - You are responsible for clean-up of the venue which includes recycling all recyclable products and trash removal to the dumpster. - If these conditions are not met you will be charged a clean-up fee according to what we deem is necessary. Directions - Directions from Bloomington, IN: Take State Road 46 East | IN-135 out of Bloomington heading east towards Nashville. - When you get to the traffic light in Nashville, make a right and stay on State Road 46 heading east approximately 5.5 miles. Make a right on Mount Liberty Road and go approximately .04 miles to the Y; follow the Y to the right which is Valley Branch Road. Stay straight for approximately 2 miles, eXplore Brown County will be on your right. Approximately 30 minutes travel time. - Directions from Columbus, IN: Take State Rd. 46 West out of Columbus towards Nashville 10.7 miles; turn left on Mount Liberty Rd. and go approximately .04 miles to the Y; follow the Y to the right which is Valley Branch Road. Stay straight for approximately 2 miles, eXplore Brown County will be on your right. Approximately 20 minutes travel time. - Directions from Indianapolis, IN: Get onto I-65 and head south towards Louisville. Take exit 68 and merge onto IN-46 W toward Nashville/Bloomington. Head west 10.7 miles, turn left on Mount Liberty Road, and go approximately .04 miles to the Y in the road, veering right on Valley Branch Road. Stay straight on Valley Branch Road for 2 miles, eXplore Brown County will be on your right. Approximately 1 hour travel time. - Directions from Louisville, KY: Get onto I-65 and head north towards Indianapolis. Take exit 68 and merge onto IN-46 W toward Nashville/Bloomington. Head west 10.7 miles, turn left on Mount Liberty Road, and go approximately .04 miles to the Y in the road, veering right on Valley Branch Road. Stay straight on Valley Branch Road for 2 miles, eXplore Brown County will be on your right. Approximately 1 1/2 hour travel time. - Directions from Cincinnati, OH: Get onto I-74 W and head west towards Indianapolis. Merge onto IN-3 S via exit 134A toward Greensburg. IN-3 S becomes IN-46 W. Turn left onto IN-9/IN-46 and continue to follow IN-46. Turn right onto State St./IN-46/IN-7 and continue to follow IN-46 W. After passing under I-65, continue to head west on IN-46 for 10.7 miles, turn left on Mount Liberty Road and go approximately .04 miles to the Y in the road, veering right on Valley Branch Road. Stay straight on Valley Branch Road for 2 miles, eXplore Brown County will be on your right. Approximately 2 hours travel time. - Directions from Chicago, IL: Take I-90 E via exit 59A towards Indiana Toll Road. Merge onto I-65 S via exit 17 toward Indianapolis. Keep left to take I-65 S toward I-465 S., keep left to take I-65 S toward Downtown Indianapolis, and head south on I-65. Merge on IN-46 W via exit 68 toward Nashville/Bloomington. Head west 10.7 miles, turn left on Mount Liberty Road, and go approximately .04 miles to the Y in the road, veering right on Valley Branch Road. Stay straight on Valley Branch Road for 2 miles, eXplore Brown County will be on your right. Approximately 4 hours travel time. - Please remember there is a time zone change when visiting us! Warning - Under Indiana law, an agritourism provider is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in agritourism activities at this location if the death or injury results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death, or for other participants to act in a manner that may cause you injury or cause your death. - You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity. As added by P.L.3-2011, SEC.1. The property used by Valley Branch Retreat Inc. dba eXplore Brown County dba Paintball Valley is a Classified Forest/Tree Farm and an Indiana Agritourism provider.