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Lussier Family Heritage Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the rental?

In addition to the space itself:

  • Heritage Room rental includes all tables, chairs, reception area with a stone fireplace and a walk-out deck overlooking prairies and with a view of the Madison skyline
  • Lobby & Fireplace
  • Open Air Shelter, beautiful covered, solar powered shelter overlooking our serene prairie
  • Prairie Trails, Barn (exterior), and 290 year-old Historic Oak Tree 
  • Other items and services such as linens, av, white chair rental are also available for rent

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate storing personal items. As we host a variety of events and guests, you are responsible for putting up decorations and taking them down in the time allotted on your contract. 

We have a top of the line audiovisual system that includes surround sound, a dropdown screen, ceiling mounted projector and cordless microphones. This system is available for rent for $200/ wedding. Most DJ's do not need to utilize our systems as they bring their own equipment in.  

We do not require you to use specific vendors. With that being said, we are happy to provide you with a list of vendors we work very closely with that provide us with exceptional service each and every time.

We share a recommended vendor list with our clients; however, you may use any caterer of your choice after they are approved by the center manager. We do not allow nesco/crockpot potlucks.

You are welcome to bring your own appetizers (cheese, sausage, finger foods). 

Alcohol policy: You are required to file a permit with The Lussier Family Heritage Center and pay a fee if you choose to serve alcohol to your guests. Wedding parties may not charge their guests for alcoholic beverages.

We would love for you to host your ceremony with us! We have some beautiful areas, both inside and outside to recommend for your party. 

Any tables and/ or chairs that are indoors will be setup prior to your arrival for your event. If you choose to have a ceremony outdoors or at our covered solar shelter, we will leave the chairs on rolling carts for you to setup the day of (usually this takes about 20-30 minutes). We do not allow our chairs to be left outside overnight. 

Both our black and/ or white chairs can be taken outdoors (they must be brought in before the end of each night). Our portable bar is allowed outside and often is moved outdoors for drinks and brought back inside for dinner (rolled up the paved path). None of our tables (banquet or round) are allowed outdoors, we do have picnic tables available for use or you are welcome to rent/ bring your own tables for outside.  

A photography permit is included with the cost of the facility for the duration of your event. You do not need a separate photography permit, unless you will be taking photos at a separate time from your event. 

 

See our Photography Policy page for more information. 

Yes. We will provide you with a list of nearby hotels. Camping is also available at Lake Farm Park seasonally. 

Per our local fire code, fireworks and sparklers are not allowed inside or outside.

The Heritage Room can accommodate up to 160 guests, while still leaving the dance floor open. 

It’s very popular! Bring your own local firewood, or let us know in advance and we will arrange to have firewood all ready for you. This will be added to your wedding contract at $5.00 per bundle.

You may begin setting up for your event at the arrival time listed on your contract. Quiet hours start at 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and 10pm all other nights (Sunday - Thursday). 

Visit our Pricing webpage for rental rates.  

We have on-site parking for 100 vehicles, seven of which are designated for ADA patrons. Please view our Overview Map for more details. Vehicles staying in the parking lot overnight will need a parking permit from the manager.

We have a set of restrooms on our main and lower floor. We do not have a specific changing area beyond our restroom facilities.  

We allow tents and/ or bounce houses with prior approval. You are responsible for calling diggers hotline. A $30 fee is required for each structure. 

In the case that Dane County Government closes due to a severe weather event, a health pandemic, or other major catastrophe, all private rentals and other events at the Lussier Family Heritage Center will be cancelled. 

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are allowed on an 8' static leash outside on the trails. Only service dogs are allowed inside the Lussier Family Heritage Center building. 

You do not need a Wisconsin State Park sticker to visit the park areas surrounding the Lussier Family Heritage Center. You need a state trail permit to bike on the Capital City Trail. 

You are welcome to come visit the park & trails at any time. Currently, our building does not have public hours, but we welcome you to stop by and ask us questions if we are open.

You do not need a photography permit if you are taking photos of wildlife or during your nature hike. You do need a photography permit if you are taking family photos, or other posed photos. 

 

See our Photography Policy page for more information. 

We have many public programs available, for a full list checkout our Upcoming Events Calendar

 

The Lussier Family Heritage Center is surrounded by miles of hiking and biking trails. For information on what you can do in the park visit the Capital Springs Recreation Area webpage.

Dane County Parks grooms the cross country ski trails located around the Lussier Family Heritage Center. For current conditions check out the trail webpage

Absolutely! We would be happy to work out a program or volunteer activity for your scout group that meets the badge or goal requirements of your troop. Contact us for more information.  

Absolutely! We are part of nature net and encourage you and your family to stop inside, ask us questions and get your passport stamped. For more information on the passport program visit the Nature Net website

In the case that Dane County Government closes due to a severe weather event, a health pandemic, or other major catastrophe, all private rentals and other events at the Lussier Family Heritage Center will be cancelled.