@peatwoodsphoto
Q: What is the rental fee and what's included in the price?
The Lodge at Hickory Hills is only available for event rentals from April 1 - October 31.
Rental fees for Hickory Hills Lodge are as follow:
Monday - Thursday - $1,500
Friday or Saturday - $3,500
*Sunday - $2,500
**If you require additional days around the event day for set-up or tear-down time, it's an additional $1,000 per day.
*If Sunday falls on a holiday weekend, then the cost is $3,500.
The rental fee includes both the indoor and outdoor venue space, existing furniture, restrooms, prep kitchen space, and a moveable, wooden wedding arbor. The outside space also features two firepits with available wood. There is no additional charge for the ceremony.
**Set-up and tear-down fees apply to any event-related activites including but not limited to food/beverage/tent/equipment drop-off or pick-up, decorating, equipment set-up, etc. Set-up and tear-down days must be adjacent to the event day. If applicant pays the $1,000 set-up fee, any set-up activities that require access to the Lodge indoor space are limited to 4 hours, from 4 pm - 8 pm. If applicant does not pay for any additional set-up or tear-down days, set-up activities may commence on the day of the event beginning as early as 8 a.m. while tear-down must be complete no later than 11:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
Q: How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable?
The first installment and nonrefundable deposit consists of 50% of the rental rate, a $500 security fee, and 50% of any set-up and/or tear down fees, if any. The contract will not be approved until the deposit is received.
Q: How many people can the Lodge accommodate?
The Lodge can accommodate up to 138 people for an indoor event, and 325 people for an outdoor event.
Q: What are the dimensions of the Lodge spaces?
The main indoor space is 50 ft. long by 40 ft. wide. The area available to be tented in the outdoor space is 100 ft. long by 40 ft. wide.
Q: How many hours does the rental fee include?
You and any vendors may access the space as early as 8 am on the day of the event. All events must conclude on or before 10 pm that same day. At 10 pm or upon the conclusion of the event, ninety (90) additional minutes will be allotted for tear-down and clean-up purposes.
If you've paid the $1,000 set-up fee, any set-up activities that require access to the Lodge indoor space are limited to 4 hours, from 4 pm - 8 pm. Additionally, if you've paid the $1,000 set-up fee, vendors may drop off items to the outdoor space any time during the set-up day provided that you, the applicant, are present to accept all rental deliveries, including but not limited to the following vendor items: tents, trailers, tables, chairs, etc. While the Hickory Hills Manager will indicate where equipment may be placed, it's not the responsibility of Hickory Hills employees to be present to accept vendor drop-offs. Therefore, applicants should coordinate with their vendors for drop-off and pick-up timelines.
Note: The Lodge at Hickory Hills is closed on weekends (and holiday weekends) during the event rental season. Unless the day in question has been paid for as an event day or a set-up and/or tear-down day, vendor and applicant items within the Lodge will not be available for pick-up until the following Monday during normal business hours. Items left outdoors may be picked up when it's convenient for applicants and/or vendors.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Reservation cancellations should be made as early as possible to enable the use of Hickory Hills by others. All rental fees, with exception of the $500 Damage Deposit, are nonrefundable.
Q: What form of payment do you accept?
All payments can be paid by check or credit cards; other types of payment will not be accepted.
Q: Can I have a ceremony here, too? Is there an additional cost?
You may have your ceremony here, and there is no additional cost. A moveable, wooden wedding arbor is also available for your use.
Q: Will other events be happening at the venue on the day?
You will have exclusive use of the Lodge indoor space as well as any outdoor tented space. However, Hickory Hills is a city park, and others may be walking, hiking, or playing disc golf in the outlying areas of the park.
Because Hickory Hills operates as a ski hill during the winter months, the Lodge is only available for rentals from April 1 through October 31.
@peatwoodsphoto
Q: Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers, or do I need to provide my own?
We do not have an in-house caterer. You are welcome to choose from our preferred vendors list, or you may bring in a caterer of your choice.
Q: If I hire my own caterer, is there a kitchen available for them?
A commercial kitchen is available; however, caterers must pre-cook all meals offsite but are allowed to use the kitchen for prep.
Q: Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them?
The existing tables and benches in the Lodge are included with the venue but are not for outdoor use. You or your caterer must provide linens, plates, silverware, glassware, etc. or any outdoor tents, tables, or chairs.
Q: Can we bring our own wine, beer, or champagne? What about hard liquor?
You may bring in your own alcoholic beverages; however, you must provide your own licensed server. The City of Traverse City is not a provider of any alcoholic beverages on behalf of Hickory Hills.
@peatwoodsphoto
Q: Are we allowed to bring in our own decorations?
Yes, you may bring in your own decorations; however, you may not use the following: uncontained candles, helium balloons, or confetti. Also, no nails, pins, tacks, staples, glue or tape on the walls, floors, windows, or the ceiling.
Q: Do you have any inventory or decorations we can borrow?
Other than the moveable, wooden wedding arbor, Hickory Hills has no other inventory available.
Q: Can I move things around or do I have to leave everything as is?
Indoor tables and benches may be arranged to your liking; however, no indoor tables or benches can be moved outdoors.
No. You must rent your own outdoor tent.
No uncontained candles, confetti, sparklers, or fireworks. Please be aware that Garfield Township has a noise ordinance.
The only signage we provide indicates that a private party is taking place.
We do not provide heaters or umbrellas but we do have a covered patio area outdoors.
You may hire vendors of your choice. We also provide a preferred vendors list.
No; however, a City staff member will be onsite for emergency purposes.
Yes; however, it's up to your DJ or live band to adhere to the Garfield Township noise ordinance, whether inside or outside.
We do not have a permanent dance floor; however, you may rent one from a reputable source.
Vendors may access the site starting at 10 am on the day of the event.
Hickory Hills does not provide a sound system or microphone.
The Lodge parking lot can accommodate 182 vehicles.
There are three restrooms available.
The Lodge at Hickory Hills is located just 2 miles from downtown Traverse City. A variety of accommodation types can be found close to Hickory Hills.
The Lodge and restrooms are ADA accessible.
Smoking inside the Hickory Hills Lodge or anywhere on the park property is strictly prohibited.
You're responsible for securing your own valuables.
The Lodge offers plenty of picturesque areas for staging photographs both indoors and outside on the park grounds.
Only certified aid animals or service animals are allowed in the Lodge indoor space. Leashed pets are allowed in the outdoor space. You are responsible for picking up after your pets.
The use of the indoor fireplace is prohibited. However, you may use one or both of the outdoor firepits. Wood is provided.
The Lodge is home to the Hickory Hills Ski Area. During the winter, the great outdoors is taken over by thousands of skiers as they come to experience a total of 16 runs of various skill levels, including a terrain park and beginner slope that utilizes a conveyor lift. Over the years, Hickory Hills has incorporated trails for cross country enthusiasts and disc golf courses. Hickory Hills has 5+ kilometers of beginner to advanced cross country ski trails as well as a 1k lighted loop for night skiing. The resort is home to two eighteen-hole disc golf course layouts, with several running along the slopes.
