Mill Creek Barn a celebratory community space
An elegant barn in the scenic hills of St. Rosa for celebrating special moments
By Sara Eisinger
STAFF WRITER
ST. ROSA — Celebrating special times to generate everlasting memories was at the center of Jim and Lisa Herdering’s hearts when they opened the rustic doors to MillCreek Barn in St. Rosa in 2020.
It was there where their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Andrew Buness, celebrated their wedding reception on Sept. 12, 2020. This date furthermore commemorates MillCreek Barn’s first-ever party.
“It is an open-concept barn in the countryside that is built to host your special event of up to 50 people,” Lisa Herdering said. “At MillCreek, we believe in the power of community and the joy of shared experiences. That’s why we host a range of events throughout the year, from yoga retreats to family-friendly dinners under the lights. Our goal is to cultivate a sense of belonging and unity, where individuals can come together.”
Outside is a wooded area with a grain bin bar and fire table. Lisa said the setting is perfect for graduation parties, bridal showers, grooms’ dinners, anniversaries, baby showers and small weddings.
“I am totally open to many things being hosted in here,” she said.
MillCreek is a venue where local talent can show off their skills, network and sell products.
“In February, we had Galentine’s Night, so I had 12 vendors in here that people could come and buy from,” Lisa said. “They sold crafts, soaps, essential oils, flowers, beautifully decorated cookies, clothing, honey, candles, sourdough bread, fire rings and more. I enjoy watching young entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.”
MillCreek Barn hosted a Mother’s Day weekend event, serving approximately 65 people.
“We had honey and scones made by local vendors,” Lisa said. “We had sandwiches and dessert from D’lish (D’lish Coffee and Catering) in Freeport.”
People have even hosted employee meetings and quilting groups at MillCreek Barn and often have their events catered.
“For small corporate events, this has worked out really well,” Jim Herdering said. “They have set up cornhole outside, here, and some other games.”
MillCreek Barn is centered around community.
“Belonging to a community, especially in a small town, is a great gift,” Lisa said. “At MillCreek, we believe in the power of community and the joy of shared experiences.”
MillCreek Barn is also centered in the couple’s 55-acre plot. The inspiration behind the rustic red barn venue was found online years ago. It was designed to resemble a little wine shop in Virginia. Lisa said the concept just stuck with her.
The location of MillCreek Barn was that of an old barn on the property.
“That got knocked down in 2010,” Lisa said. “We had nothing here and I wanted a cute little barn.”
Friend, Dean Lange owns Stoney Ridge Lighthouse and Stoney Ridge Treehouse in Burtrum. He helped construct the new barn. It was finished in the spring of 2020.
Its inner walls consist of red oak. Its beams are white pine.
“The red oak was from around this area,” Jim said.
When their daughter saw the barn, she asked if they could have their wedding reception in it. That was how parties at MillCreek Barn got started. It turned out to be the perfect venue.
“I started renting it out last spring,” Lisa said. “We sold our welding business, so I had a little more time to do that. Then, we had our other daughter’s wedding reception here this past fall.”
Brianna (Herdering) Hayes got married on Oct. 7, 2023.
Emily Herdering, the couple’s third daughter, has helped prepare many events.
The property originally belonged to Jim’s uncle, Ambrose and Bertha Herdering, until 1996. He farmed and manufactured machine parts on the land.
“I grew up about a mile-and-half down the road,” Jim said.
After purchasing the property, Jim and Lisa started their own business in 1996. It was called Millwood Metalworks. In 2006, they built a shop in Freeport and moved the business. They sold it two years ago.
“It takes hard work and dedication to run a small business and raise a family,” Lisa said. “There were many hard times and also many rewards that we are each very grateful for. “
The barn was not built with a plan but rather a dream involving community and a cute little barn.
“I have come to realize that you don’t always have to have a plan because the ‘plan’ might be in the works before you realize it,” Lisa said. “We have met many wonderful people who adore the barn’s warmth and the glow of the lights at night as much as we do; we are excited to continue to meet so many more.”
By Sara Eisinger
STAFF WRITER
ST. ROSA — Celebrating special times to generate everlasting memories was at the center of Jim and Lisa Herdering’s hearts when they opened the rustic doors to MillCreek Barn in St. Rosa in 2020.
It was there where their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Andrew Buness, celebrated their wedding reception on Sept. 12, 2020. This date furthermore commemorates MillCreek Barn’s first-ever party.
“It is an open-concept barn in the countryside that is built to host your special event of up to 50 people,” Lisa Herdering said. “At MillCreek, we believe in the power of community and the joy of shared experiences. That’s why we host a range of events throughout the year, from yoga retreats to family-friendly dinners under the lights. Our goal is to cultivate a sense of belonging and unity, where individuals can come together.”
Outside is a wooded area with a grain bin bar and fire table. Lisa said the setting is perfect for graduation parties, bridal showers, grooms’ dinners, anniversaries, baby showers and small weddings.
“I am totally open to many things being hosted in here,” she said.
MillCreek is a venue where local talent can show off their skills, network and sell products.
“In February, we had Galentine’s Night, so I had 12 vendors in here that people could come and buy from,” Lisa said. “They sold crafts, soaps, essential oils, flowers, beautifully decorated cookies, clothing, honey, candles, sourdough bread, fire rings and more. I enjoy watching young entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.”
MillCreek Barn hosted a Mother’s Day weekend event, serving approximately 65 people.
“We had honey and scones made by local vendors,” Lisa said. “We had sandwiches and dessert from D’lish (D’lish Coffee and Catering) in Freeport.”
People have even hosted employee meetings and quilting groups at MillCreek Barn and often have their events catered.
“For small corporate events, this has worked out really well,” Jim Herdering said. “They have set up cornhole outside, here, and some other games.”
MillCreek Barn is centered around community.
“Belonging to a community, especially in a small town, is a great gift,” Lisa said. “At MillCreek, we believe in the power of community and the joy of shared experiences.”
MillCreek Barn is also centered in the couple’s 55-acre plot. The inspiration behind the rustic red barn venue was found online years ago. It was designed to resemble a little wine shop in Virginia. Lisa said the concept just stuck with her.
The location of MillCreek Barn was that of an old barn on the property.
“That got knocked down in 2010,” Lisa said. “We had nothing here and I wanted a cute little barn.”
Friend, Dean Lange owns Stoney Ridge Lighthouse and Stoney Ridge Treehouse in Burtrum. He helped construct the new barn. It was finished in the spring of 2020.
Its inner walls consist of red oak. Its beams are white pine.
“The red oak was from around this area,” Jim said.
When their daughter saw the barn, she asked if they could have their wedding reception in it. That was how parties at MillCreek Barn got started. It turned out to be the perfect venue.
“I started renting it out last spring,” Lisa said. “We sold our welding business, so I had a little more time to do that. Then, we had our other daughter’s wedding reception here this past fall.”
Brianna (Herdering) Hayes got married on Oct. 7, 2023.
Emily Herdering, the couple’s third daughter, has helped prepare many events.
The property originally belonged to Jim’s uncle, Ambrose and Bertha Herdering, until 1996. He farmed and manufactured machine parts on the land.
“I grew up about a mile-and-half down the road,” Jim said.
After purchasing the property, Jim and Lisa started their own business in 1996. It was called Millwood Metalworks. In 2006, they built a shop in Freeport and moved the business. They sold it two years ago.
“It takes hard work and dedication to run a small business and raise a family,” Lisa said. “There were many hard times and also many rewards that we are each very grateful for. “
The barn was not built with a plan but rather a dream involving community and a cute little barn.
“I have come to realize that you don’t always have to have a plan because the ‘plan’ might be in the works before you realize it,” Lisa said. “We have met many wonderful people who adore the barn’s warmth and the glow of the lights at night as much as we do; we are excited to continue to meet so many more.”
