Oakland County, Michigan/Oakland County Parks/Parks & Trails/Springfield Oaks/Ellis Barn

Ellis Barn

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Open Barn Door Tours

 

The Historic Ellis Barn at Springfield Oaks County Park is the picture-perfect backdrop for any size wedding. The rental season is May through mid-October since the barn is not heated.

The barn is a 'DIY' venue. The bride and groom envision their wedding and bring in their vendors of choice. This includes caterers, DJs and tables/chairs.  

Since the barn does not have a fire suppression system, no heating elements are allowed inside. Food can be prepared offsite or in a location near the barn. A heated and air-conditioned restroom trailer is located next to the barn and an accessible restroom facility is in the park. Transportation to this facility is provided by park staff.

Open tours of the barn are from mid-May through September on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. (no tours in July).  For more information or to schedule a private tour, call 248-303-7736. Pictures from weddings at the barn can be seen searching #MyEllisBarnWedding on Instagram.

The Ellis Barn is located at 12451 Andersonville Road in Davisburg, MI.

​Barn Capacity

The Ellis Barn has two levels with an interior stairwell connecting them.  There is space for a dance floor and bar area. A vertical lift provides access between floors for those with limited mobility. The lift is for people needing assistance only and is not to be used for transporting materials/supplies/etc. between levels. The second floor can be accessed from the exterior by steep ramps; individuals in wheelchairs will need additional assistance in using them.

  • Lower level reception using round tables; maximum 150 capacity
  • Lower level reception using rectangle tables; maximum 130 capacity
  • Lower level ceremony using chairs; maximum 284 capacity
  • Upper level reception using round or rectangle tables; maximum 240 capacity
  • Upper level ceremony using chairs; maximum 350 capacity

2021 Rental Rate of $4,500 Includes:

  • Access to the site on Friday (Noon-midnight/12 a.m.) for set-up/rehearsal
  • Access all day Saturday (8 a.m.-midnight)
  • Access to the site Sunday (8 a.m.-noon) for clean-up
  • Note: Friday weddings can be accommodated where there is availability; the rate is the same.
  • The $500 security deposit, which is in addition to the $4,500 rental rate, will be returned post event assuming there is no damage to the barn or property during the rental period.
  • Both rental fee and security deposit are due at time of rental – no holds. Check or credit card only

Accolades

  • Michigan Week Community Award, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Parks & Recreation Facility Award, National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials
  • Michigan Barn Preservation Network Barn of the Year award for 2003
​History
The Ellis Barn represents a significant period of Michigan's agricultural and transportation history and provides unique educational opportunities. Constructed in 1884, the barn features a true gambrel roof. 

This grand barn, previously located on Dixie Highway in Clarkston, was part of the 78-acre Ingomar Stock Farm owned by Norman J. Ellis. The Ellis Barn is the only Michigan barn referenced in the nationally renowned book, The American Barn. Ingomar Stock Farm was recognized by the Michigan Historical Commission as a Michigan Centennial Farm. This designation is given when land has been in the same family for 100 years or more. The barn was also named Barn of the Year in 2003 by the Michigan Barn Preservation Network.

At its dedication in 2005, Dorothy Ellis, granddaughter-in-law of Norman J. Ellis, who commissioned construction of the barn, recalled how six generations of the Ellis Family loved and valued the local landmark.

"The neighbors teased [Norman] that his barn was so much bigger than his home. He remembered a barn he had seen in Maine on his travels. All the lumber was cut in Maine and shipped to Michigan by railroad. A crew of 18 lived with the family while they built the barn in 30 days," she said. "The capital for the barn came from stud fees for Ingomar for which the farm was named." Ellis also said that Ingomar, a black Percheron stallion, was purchased for $2,000 in 1882, which translates into $250,000 by today's standards.

The 14,000-square-foot barn includes an indoor riding arena, 11 box stalls, tack rooms, an office, horse exercise room, mechanical exercise ring and a cavernous second floor for hay and straw. 

RBI 33 LLC, a real estate investment company owned by former major league baseball players Kirk Gibson and Tim Birtsas, purchased the land in 2001. Realizing the historic significance of the barn and related buildings, the duo donated them to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission along with a $75,000 donation to assist with barn relocation and rehabilitation.

The joint Oakland County Parks/Road Commission of Oakland County project utilized a $600,000 Transportation Enhancement Grant through the Michigan Department of Transportation, to hire an ex-amish barnwright from Indiana to inventory, dismantle and reconstruct the barn - board by board - from its birthplace to Springfield Oaks County Park.