The Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary is the perfect location for your next meeting, retreat, or event! With over 700 acres, 2 indoor meeting spaces, a primitive campground, and outdoor shelters, your group will enjoy our location near Connersville, Indiana.
The Markle Barn, Brooks Hall, and the surrounding grounds are all available for your special event. The Sanctuary offers a beautiful, natural setting for celebrations like no other!
Brooks Hall
Brooks Hall is the main building at the property, named after Dr. Earl Brooks (1883-1968) who was an ardent supporter of the IAS and worked tirelessly to develop the then newly acquired Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary. It was constructed in 1958 from timbers harvested from the property. Its cherry and sycamore paneling frames a meeting space warmed by a large flagstone fireplace that serves as a gathering space on cool days and nights. Restrooms are available with an additional handicapped restroom added in 1993.
This space will accommodate a maximum of 125 people, and a selection of tables and chairs are available for various functions. Blackout blinds provide darkening for daytime presentations and an LCD projector is available for presentations. The hall is heated, has modern restrooms, electric, and can accommodate large or small meetings and receptions.
Markle Barn
The Markle Barn is named to honor Millard S. Markle who was a dedicated educator and supporter of the Indiana Audubon Society. As a professor of biology at Earlham College for forty years, he was instrumental in the development of the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary in its early years.
Markle Barn provides rustic meeting space with limited kitchen facilities, and is divided into a separate upstairs and downstairs with a stairway providing direct access between the two. Located down a gentle hill from the main parking area, diners have a beautiful view over the MGBS ponds just outside the windows, bringing nature inside. There is adequate room for 60 guests to be seated at tables. Appliances include industrial size refrigerator, a separate full size freezer, convection double oven, and microwave oven. The kitchen was updated in recent years with ample cabinet and cooking space. Please note that availability may be restricted in winter months from October through April. The barn is a perfect family reunion destination!
Large Shelter
The large shelter is a secure and rain-free space with picnic tables available for your family event. The concrete pad keeps everything secure and dry, even in rain.
Daily Rental Rates
Rental hours run from 8:00am ET to 11:00pm ET, and include signed rental agreement. Mention your Indiana Audubon membership for a special 50% off discount!
- $50: Large Shelter
- $100.00: Markle Barn Upstairs Only (including immediate area)
- $100.00: Markle Barn Downstairs Only (including immediate area)
- $150.00: Markle Barn Complete
- $100.00: Brooks Hall
For rental information and wedding rates, please submit a contact inquiry or email [email protected].
We’re seeking a wedding event facilitator! If you’re interested in contracting for wedding facilitations services, contact us!
Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary Facilities
Northern Saw-whet Owl Research at the Sanctuary The banding of Northern Saw-whet Owls (NSWOs) is continuing at Indiana Audubon...
