A barn is where hard work happens. It is where good times and bad happen. It is where families come together. To work. To play. To connect. To grow. And to make memories. It weathers storms, the elements and anything else you can possibly throw at it. Can you think of a better metaphor for marriage? Can you think of a better place to start one? We can’t either. That’s why we put so much heart into The Barn here at Allen Acres. To create a place where someone’s there to bring the vision of your day to life. Why we fought for it. Why we worked ourselves into the ground for it. Spent money we didn’t have on it. And put every ounce of energy into the four walls you’ll see before you. Labor of love? It was an undying test of our wills, our bank accounts and our sanity. But that’s what you do for something and someone you’re passionate about. It’s how you start your dream. It’s how we started ours. And how we’d like to start yours.

In 1976, Hugh and Jody Deery had established themselves as greats in Midwest short track race promoting. With their large plot of land in Loves Park, just miles north of Rockford already housing Rockford Speedway, they asked themselves what's missing? The answer was affordable quality banquet space! Thus the idea for the Forest Hills Banquet was born. Construction began in 1977 and was completed in 1978. The annual Rockford Speedway Banquet was one of the first events held in the newly constructed "Lodge" and we are proud to have played a part in many wonderful celebrations in the years which have followed.

At the Barn at Brophy Creek, we are a family run business on a fourth generation farm. Running along the edge of Brophy Creek, the farm was purchased in the 1950's by my grandfather who immigrated from Germany and worked the farm as a hired man when he was 18 years old. The next generation took over and my dad began farming the land. My husband and I moved into the farmhouse where we raised our 4 beautiful children. I’ve stayed on this acreage my entire life. It is my history. Eventually, my dad retired and the buildings began to deteriorate. I knew we had to save these historic buildings and share them with the community, so we got creative and dreamed up the wedding and event venue that Brophy Creek is today. Luckily, my husband is able to take the dreams and visions I have in my head and make them reality. In 2015 we began dreaming it up, tearing it apart, and rebuilding - we've put our lives into this space.

The Ellwood House Museum is an historic estate that offers three unique rental spaces on ten acres of gardens and grounds. These include the first floor and terraces of elegant Ellcourt, an historic Tudar Revival house built in 1899. It is available from March through mid-November and is our only venue where alcohol service is permissible. Ellcourt has an hourly rate of $350. The grounds also offer a choice of three garden spaces for wedding ceremonies. Garden rentals are available mid-May to mid-October and include an inclement weather backup location in the Hearthside Room of the Visitor Center. The rental rate is a flat fee of $500. The third venue is our more casual space, the Hearthside Room, which includes access to the galleries. It is available March through mid-November, and the rental rate is $75 per hour. All venues are limited to 80 people, and both indoor venues have full kitchens.

The Funderburg House is a unique and historic venue that allows you to completely immersive. This 3-story, 1906 mansion is sure to keep your guests talking. It is a romantic spot that is perfect for any happy couple to celebrate their big day!

The Grand Gallery sits next to the Museum’s exhibitions for easy access to our historical spaces. The Gallery holds up to 100 seated guests! It provides a presentation center, surround sound, and a bar space. It is a great location for anyone looking for a unique space to hold their special event.