About the Venue

In 1907, Big Lake was synonymous with hospitality: the Big Lake Amusement Park entertained thousands of visitors. Narcisse Brown and his daughters Jessie and Mae made folks welcome at the nearby Brown Hotel. A crystal clear lake and sandy bathing beach drew visitors from miles around.

Today, the Carousell Works Historic Event Center carries on this tradition. Located in the historic brick schoolhouse in the heart of Big Lake, within easy distance of Elk River, Monitcello, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities, the Carousell Works is the perfect place for your gathering: a charming, vintage setting at an affordable price.

One of the largest wedding and event venues in central Minnesota, the Carousell Works has a seating capacity of up to 320. Flexible room arrangements offer infinite possiblities for your party, event, or tradeshow. Vintage brick and polished maple floors (dating to the 1930s) offer a sophisticated beginning for your wedding or event decorating scheme.

Smaller spaces at the Carousell Works are well suited for business retreats, meetings or more intimate parties, such as groom's dinners, anniversary parties and birthday parties.

Top notch, exclusive catering from A Catered Event will make your wedding, event, meeting or party unforgettable.

Schedule a viewing today and experience the Carousell Works for yourself. We treat each event as though it were our only event.

Top: Old schoolhouse, ca. 1907.
Middle: People gathered at Big Lake Park for the 4th of July, 1915 (Photo by Andrew Selg, courtesy Sherburne County Historical Society).
Bottom: Lake Street, looking south, 4th of July decorations, 1915 (Photo by Andrew Selg, courtesy Sherburne County Historical Society).