Yes. There are more than 2,200 hotel rooms available for rent at more than a dozen West Chester hotels. Click for a hotel map and more information.
Can guests leave cars over night?
Yes. Please DO NOT use spaces directly in front of the main entrance if you plan to leave a vehicle. Guests leaving vehicles are asked to please include a note on the driver’s side dashboard with contact information in case of an emergency.
Can renters use the lawn space outside the barn?
Yes. Use of the outdoor Moerlein Gazebo at Beckett Park comes with rental of the barn. Please remember tables and chairs included with your reservation must stay under the barn roof and may NOT go outside.
Can we decorate the barn?
Yes - with some exceptions. Renters may not attach any fixtures, change, alter or make additions to the walls, doors, beams, windows, floors or ceilings of the rented facility. Most of the hand-hewn wooden beams are original to the 1881 barn and we’d like to keep them as nice as possible. Candles may be used if they are enclosed within a holder made of non-flammable materials.
Restricted items: No smoke effects, fog machines, explosives, sky lantern fire balloons, or pyrotechnics are allowed in or around the facility. Balloons, rice and confetti are prohibited; please use birdseed outside.
Can we have early access / stay late?
No. In order to access the facility early or stay late, renters must reserve an extra date (only available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for private events). No cleaning crew will enter the facility between your consecutive rental dates.
Can we host a rehearsal dinner or walk through prior to our event?
In order to have access to the facility early, renters must reserve an extra date (only available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). Events must be kept to the reserved date(s) and rental hours.
Can we put a date on hold?
Yes. Available dates may be placed on hold for up to 10 business days at no charge. There is no "wait list" for dates that are already booked. Please contact us for more information.
Can we tour the barn?
Yes. Barn showings are by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled on days when the barn is not already booked – typically Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
Consider visiting Muhlhauser Barn in the off season at one of our planned Open House dates (announced in late November) or during the West Chester Market winter season on select Saturdays.
No. All food to be used at the Muhlhauser Barn must be prepared off site with the exception of outside grilling in designated areas. The Muhlhauser Barn kitchenette is to be used for staging, plating and organization only. Hot water or ice should not be disposed of on lawn areas.
Grills are only permitted on the concrete circle at the top of drive. Grease drippings from grills must be collected and disposed of in a sealed container. Grills are not provided.
Do you offer hourly barn rentals?
No. Weekend renters have access starting at 10 a.m. and ending at midnight on the day of their reservation. All weekend reservations are considered “full day” rentals. No rental on weekdays (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Do you provide linens, tableware, etc.?
No. Renters should bring what they need to host their event except tables and chairs, which are provided for indoor use only. Renters may bring additional tables and chairs. All items brought into the facility must be removed by the renter by midnight of the final date of your reservation.
Does the barn have heating and air conditioning (A/C)?
No. The Muhlhauser Barn is neither heated nor air conditioned. West Chester Township cannot guarantee the temperature of the facility. Ceiling fans and the gas fireplace are intended for aesthetics only and should not be considered temperature control. Renters may use additional fans, portable air-conditioning units (not venting to the outdoors) or electric heaters.
Does the barn include audio/visual equipment?
No. Access to standard electricity is available. The Muhlhauser Barn does not have commercially rated electric service. Renters are provided with an electrical circuit diagram. Renters are responsible for managing the use of these outlets and “tripping” of fuses may result in added charges if West Chester Township personnel are required to make repair.
Does the barn include WiFi Internet access?
Yes. Reliability may vary.
How do I cancel my reservation and request a refund?
Refund requests must be made in writing. Email is acceptable; send to mdexter@westchesteroh.org. If mailing refund requests, the date of postmark indicates refund to be given.
Mail to:
West Chester Township
c/o Muhlhauser Barn
9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road
West Chester, OH 45069
Refunds are issued monthly and will be processed in the following manner:
$100 of deposit is non-refundable
90 days or more prior to event – Full refund of fees paid, minus $100
Less than 90 days prior to event – 50% refund of fees paid, minus $100
How many guests does the barn accommodate?
The barn can accommodate up to 220 guests.
Is smoking permitted?
All facilities are smoke free. Please, no smoking on the deck or within 50 feet of any entrance or exit door.
Is the barn limited to weddings and receptions?
No. The barn is available for events of all kinds with a few exceptions.
Games of chance may not be operated in the facility. Renters may not solicit funds for private gain. Renters are not permitted to solicit any individuals or groups using the facility other than members of their own party. Renters may not charge admission to activities except for the benefit of a charity and when prior written approval is received from the Township.
Is the barn staffed for events?
No. Renters pick up a barn key at the Administration Building, 9113 Cincinnati Dayton Road, on the business day before their event and must return the key the business day after. Access is available to renters between 8 a.m. and midnight on the agreed upon date(s) only. A cleaning crew arrives at midnight and works through the early morning hours to prepare the space for the next event.
West Chester Township staff will have access to any rented space during the rental period provided the activities of West Chester Township personnel do not unreasonably interfere with the authorized activities of the renters.
Is there a bridal suite or “get ready” space?
No. The barn includes men’s and women’s restrooms. Keep in mind there are no accessible electrical outlets in either restroom.
What appliances are available in the kitchenette?
The kitchenette includes a sink and refrigerator/freezer (no ice maker). There is also a pass through window to the main floor and plenty of counter space.
What are the Muhlhauser Barn reservation costs?
The rental fee is $2,000 per day for weekends/holidays, which are considered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (10:00 a.m. - midnight). No rental on weekdays (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Rental rates include a post event cleaning service.
What are we required to clean after use of the barn?
Renters must leave the facility clean and free of trash and hazardous materials. This includes trash, decorations, leftover food and drink, etc. A dumpster and recycling center is available on-site for your convenience. Please clean up any major messes created during your event.
Any area not left in proper order and repair will be cleaned and repaired by West Chester Township staff as necessary, and the renter agrees to be billed and shall be liable for any and all costs.
Renters DO NOT need to tear down tables and chairs, and by-and-large DO NOT need to mop, sweep, or wipe down surfaces. Renters may wish to bring a small kit of cleaning supplies in case a need arises.
Non-profit organizations should fill out a Community Event Application if interested in hosting an event at Muhlhauser Barn.
What do I need to provide to book the barn?
A payment of 50% of your rental fees is required to confirm reservation of your event date, of which $100 is non-refundable. The remaining balance of your payment is due 90 days prior to your event. A credit card number will be held as payment for potential damage suffered by the barn during your rental period or failure to meet the obligations for post-rental cleaning. Renters will be notified in advance of any resulting additional charges.
A completed Rental Use Agreement application and a 50% deposit are required at time of reservation. The reservation is considered binding when West Chester Township has issued a rental permit/agreement and the renter has paid a 50% deposit.
What is included inside the barn with my reservation?
Reservations include tables and chairs (indoor use only) for up to 220 guests. Trash cans, extra trash can liners, a small dust broom, and toiletries (soap, paper towels and toilet paper) are provided.
What is your alcohol policy?
The West Chester Township facilities are NOT licensed premises with the State of Ohio. Therefore, all alcoholic beverages sold on the premises must be purchased from a licensed catering service. Alcoholic beverages ARE RESTRICTED TO THE MUHLHAUSER BARN AND DECK. ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED ELSEWHERE IN THE PARK. It is the renter's responsibility to be informed and familiar with state laws (which can be found online) and to inform their guests of the rules and regulations. West Chester Township staff and West Chester Township Police Department reserve the right to control any and all alcohol consumption. All alcoholic beverage service will end 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.
When is the barn available to rent?
The Muhlhauser Barn and Moerlein Gazebo are available for rent on dates between April 1 and November 15 of each calendar year. Please check the Muhlhauser Barn calendar or contact us to check availability. The facility closes to renters in winter and water service is shut off because the barn is not heated.
Where do we park?
Plenty of parking is available on site at Beckett Park, on the east side of Beckett Road. A limited number of parking spaces, including handicap accessible parking, is available directly in front of the main entrance.
Who sets up the barn for events?
Renters are responsible for set up of tables and chairs before their event, but do not need to tear down tables and chairs at the conclusion of their reservation.
