Event Rentals
We like to have a lot of fun the farm. During Wessels' events you can be sure there are activities for the whole family surrounding the featured activities of the event. Occasionally we hold an adults-only event during evening hours. Event listings are updated here, on our FB page and often found in Nebraska Life & Nebraska Traveler magazines, York Chamber Chats, YCDC Community Calendar and local news sources.
You might be surprised just how much there is to do at Wessels during our family-friendly events. Bring the family and tell your friends! Proceeds from all events go towards maintaining our living history displays, educational program, animal care and facilities.
Create your own event! Wessels Farm is a great place for family reunions, birthday parties, bridal showers, team get-aways and more. We do allow weddings on the farm but we do not close the farm for an event held during our regular open hours as we are a living history farm first, venue as a bonus! Contact us to begin planning your event today!
Host your event somewhere they’ll never forget!
At Wessels Living History Farm, your celebration becomes part of something timeless. From weddings and family reunions to graduation parties and birthdays, our historic 1920s farmstead offers a setting that feels both nostalgic and welcoming.
Celebrate under open Nebraska skies, gather on our spacious lawn, and enjoy modern amenities, including wheelchair accessibility, while surrounded by authentic historic charm.
We’re conveniently located just minutes from hotels, restaurants, and campgrounds, making it easy for guests traveling near or far.
Create memories rooted in tradition, history, and community.
Please Note: The elevator in the church is currently out of service. The church basement is not wheelchair accessible at this time.
Parking & Accessibility
Our spacious parking lot is primarily gravel, with paved spaces available along the sidewalk. There is ample room for RVs, buses, trucks with trailers, and larger vehicles.
For larger events, the grassy area east of the lot may also be used for overflow parking.
Located directly off Highway 81, Wessels is easy for out-of-town guests to find. Our wide gravel driveway accommodates everything from farm equipment to modern vehicles.
For your convenience, vehicles may access:
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The west door of the church
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The east or north doors of the barn
for easy loading and unloading.
During large events, parking attendants may be available to help direct traffic and ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Buildings & Accessibility
When you book an event at Wessels Living History Farm, you’ll have access to many of the historic buildings on the property. Most events commonly utilize the church, barn, farmhouse, and restroom building, while additional structures may be available for guest exploration or photography.
Some building access is seasonal, so we encourage you to discuss your specific needs during the planning process.
Accessibility
We are proud to offer wide sidewalks connecting many of our primary buildings, including:
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Schoolhouse
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Church
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Equipment buildings
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Office & Gift Shop
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Restroom building
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Barn
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Farmhouse
Most of these spaces are wheelchair accessible.
Guests using wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers are typically able to access additional structures such as the granary, Model T garage, tank house and windmill, poultry house, outhouse, and cob house. These buildings are located along the gravel driveway and barnyard, which are generally level and clear of major obstacles.
Please let us know if you have specific accessibility needs so we can help ensure a comfortable experience for all your guests.
Please note: The elevator in the church is currently out of service. The church basement is not wheelchair accessible at this time.
Restrooms
Modern restroom facilities are available in the church, farmhouse, and dedicated restroom building.
The Post And Beam Barn
Originally built on a farm near Surprise, Nebraska, our historic barn serves as the heart of many celebrations at Wessels Living History Farm.
Layout & Use
The barn offers flexible space for a variety of event setups:
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East Side (14’ x 39’): Most stall walls remain intact. This area is often used for a bar, photo booth, gift table, or storage.
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West Side: Stall walls have been removed, making this space ideal for buffet lines and/or additional seating.
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Main Room (23’ x 29’): Commonly used for guest seating, a dance floor, games, or gathering space. Four support posts run down the center of this room.
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Concrete Pad (18’ x 30’): A large barn door opens the main room onto a concrete pad on the south side—perfect for additional seating, or mingling.
Tents may be rented and placed on the lawn surrounding the barn.
Important Details
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The loft may be decorated and viewed from the main level but is not available for public access.
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Historic tools, tack, and artifacts are displayed throughout the barn, including the loft and rafters.
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Electrical outlets are accessible throughout the barn.
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The flooring is concrete.
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There is no HVAC system. With multiple large doors that can be opened, the barn remains comfortably cool during summer months.
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The barn is not available during winter.
From April through October, our miniature barn animals may be located in the corral west of the barn—adding a charming farm touch to your event.
Outdoor ceremonies are commonly held on the north side of the barn.
1905 Church
Formerly Zion Lutheran Church of Thayer, Nebraska, this historic sanctuary offers a beautiful and traditional setting for ceremonies and special gatherings.
The sanctuary comfortably seats up to 120 guests and is fully heated and air conditioned for year-round comfort.
Features
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Original 1914 George Kilgen tracker organ available for use
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Piano available
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PA system with microphone capability (compatible with CDs and personal music devices)
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Electrical outlets accessible throughout the building
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Coat hanging area located in the entrance just outside the sanctuary
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Restroom located just inside the main entrance
The balcony is not available for public seating. However, access may be granted to an organist or photographer/videographer as needed.
A wheelchair ramp provides accessible entry to the main entrance.
Wi-Fi service in the church is currently being updated.
Renovation Update
The sanctuary renovations are complete, and the space is fully restored and ready to host ceremonies and gatherings once again.
Please note: the elevator is currently not operational, and the basement level is not handicap accessible at this time. The main sanctuary level remains accessible via the exterior wheelchair ramp.
We are actively working toward resolving the elevator issue and appreciate your understanding.
The Farmhouse
Originally located in York, Nebraska, “Dave’s House” is restored and furnished as a 1925 farmhouse, offering a warm and intimate setting for photos, small gatherings, and private moments during your event.
The home is fully heated and air conditioned for comfort.
Accessibility & Layout
A wheelchair ramp provides access to the front porch and main level.
Please note:
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The second floor is not wheelchair accessible.
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The basement is not open to the public.
The upper balcony is not available for guest access but may be used by your photographer or videographer.
Features
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Fully furnished historic interior
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Main-level restroom with changing table
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Kitchen access (sink, wood stove, small table, and select kitchenware)
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Limited refrigerator space available (located in the basement; staff assistance required)
Photos are frequently taken throughout the home, and the space is ideal for getting-ready moments, first looks, and quiet gathering areas.
Outdoor Use
The front porch is a popular setting for outdoor ceremonies, with guests seated on the lawn. It also serves as a welcoming gathering place for small groups during events.
Outdoor Spaces
The open spaces at Wessels Living History Farm allow for endless creativity.
Ceremonies and gatherings have been held:
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Outside the barn
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On the farmhouse porch and lawn
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In the hay field
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And throughout the grounds
If you see a spot you love, chances are it can be part of your event.
We offer wooden benches that work beautifully for outdoor ceremonies, or we offer white ceremony chairs. From straw bales and quilts to picnic tables and wooden spools, there are countless ways to create a setting that feels rustic, elegant, or somewhere in between.
Restroom Building
The dedicated restroom building is located just south of the barn and is connected by sidewalk access. It is fully heated and air conditioned, with automatic lighting.
Men’s Restroom
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One stall
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Two urinals
Women’s Restroom
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Three stalls
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Small dresser (may be used as a changing table or to provide guest amenities)
There is also a third private room featuring a long countertop and mirror. This space is often used by bridal parties for touch-ups, event storage, or by parents with young children.
Please Tell Us About Your Event Needs!
We will contact you to confirm availability and details!
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