Laurel Bend is a family-friendly property on the Licking River ideal for large groups of all ages. Our property consists of 27 acres with several buildings perfect for your stay!
This listing is to allow our groups of 30-60 that need a larger space to book together at a discount without additional fees. We have hosted hundreds of youth and church groups touring the Answers in Genesis properties - Ark Encounter and Creation Museum - and set up our property with your use in mind.
The space
Laurel Bend is a former nearly 100 yr old Christian campground our family purchased in 2020 to provide work programs for developmentally disabled adults. We have been constantly improving the property since it was purchased. Currently, we have a fiber farm (7 alpacas, 60+ angora goats and a giant angora rabbit looking for love) plus several friendly (contained) dogs and free-range chickens and cats. We sometimes have eggs and produce available.
This listing offers the unique opportunity to book both Bunkhouse Cabins C and D, seamlessly connected by French doors that can be opened for communal gatherings or closed and locked for added privacy. With keyless entry from the outside, your group can come together or enjoy separate spaces as desired, whether for gender separation, family reunion arrangements, or special events.
Spanning a generous 3600 square feet, this rental comprises two bunkhouse cabins, each dating back to the 1940s and exuding nostalgic charm with concrete block construction, open ceilings, and concrete floors. While equipped with mini-split heating and air conditioning units and a natural gas stove for additional warmth, please note that these spaces offer a cozy, rustic ambiance rather than hotel-like climate control, perfect for restful nights and memorable gatherings. That said, we use these spaces for receptions and have had weddings with 150 people in the summer and still had a great time.
Sleeping:
There are a mix of bunk beds (23), a few single beds and a few futons (see photos). Guests are kindly asked to bring their own sleeping bags or sheets, pillows, and towels.
Kitchen/Food Prep:
Each has its own coffee maker, dorm fridge with freezer and microwave and a small convection oven. For additional cooking, we have 18-quart Oster electric Dutch ovens and small electric skillets available upon request. Outside, there are several charcoal grills and fire pits.
Water is potable and available in the bathrooms. Our sinks are made from rustic dish tubs so that there is room to wash dishes. There is a spigot with hose attached under the bathroom sinks for easy cleaning, filling up large water containers, etc.
Seating:
There are several tables with chairs and booths in the center of the spaces. Bunkhouse Cabin D also has a large sectional sofa and ping pong table.
Bathrooms/Showers:
Our separate men’s and women’s restrooms each contain 5 toilets, 5 showers and 4 large sinks, as well as a baby changing area. There are handicapped bathroom and shower stalls in each as well. Showers have doors with barrel bolt locks from the inside. See floorplan and photos for location.
Recreation:
Outside, there is a basketball court, playground and several open acres to run and play far from any traffic. We have 27 acres in total, so there is always a place to go (see map in photos), walk and enjoy your stay. We are located on the Licking River, so there are places to hike down to the river if you wish, but unless the water is very low and slow, swimming is not possible.
If you want to take your group swimming, there is a pool at Kincaid Lake open Memorial through Labor Day, as well as boat rentals (no swimming in the lake), putt-putt golf, a full golf course and other activities.
Guest access
Almost every guest we host is visiting the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, staying with us to enjoy the peaceful property and surroundings. You have access to the exterior property - walking the land, the basketball courts, playground and greenspace - and the space you rented, as well as the bathrooms and pavilions.
Other things to note
Our main purpose is to a create a safe and enjoyable, family-friendly venue for weddings, reunions and other retreats while providing work and job training for adults with developmental disabilities. Part of our program involves fiber animals, which are grazing within fenced areas.
Please note that camelids (alpacas, llamas) are used to guard other animals. While they are great with our human guests, they are known to brutally stomp coyotes and other canines they find threatening. Please do not bring any dogs on our property, do not try to sneak a dog, we have had our own dogs trampled by alpacas and it is a horrible and unforgettable experience. Don't try to pass off your beloved animal as a service dog - IT COULD COST THEM THEIR LIFE.
