Nature Valley Lodge Welcomes Weddings on Farm Near North Lawrence

A New Beginning on a Farm in Wayne County

Doug Waikem had always envisioned a peaceful retirement filled with the simple joys of nature. When he decided to sell his auto dealership business in 2022, he thought he would spend his golden years in the Bahamas, fishing for lunch and watching sunsets on a small sailboat. However, after just a week in the Caribbean, he realized that wasn’t the life he truly wanted. Instead, he turned to memories of his childhood on a Perry Township farm and created a new venture called Nature Valley Farm.

Located at 5521 Deerfield Ave. NW on 53 acres in eastern Wayne County, the property features farmland and a 22-foot-deep, spring-fed lake stocked with rainbow trout and walleye. For Doug, this was more than just a place to relax—it was a way to reconnect with the lifestyle he grew up with and introduce it to his children.

Diversifying the Farm Experience

Farming alone, however, wouldn’t be enough to sustain the business. To make it viable, Doug opened three short-term rentals last year. These include a restored farmhouse, a home in the old Sherwood Forest, and a family cottage that once belonged to the Smucker family. The Smucker cottage is equipped with pickleball, tennis, and bocce ball courts, making it a perfect spot for families and groups looking for a mix of relaxation and recreation.

The location has proven popular with visitors from nearby cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Pittsburgh. “It’s a combination of what everybody wants to kind of get away but not have to go too far,” Doug said.

Sherwood Forest, one of the properties, is home to trees that predate the Civil War. By removing non-native species and meeting specific requirements, the area was designated as a nature reserve. Additionally, Doug leased farmland back to original farmers at half the usual price to help them manage rising costs of fuel and fertilizers.

Building a Unique Event Venue

One of the main attractions at Nature Valley Farm is the Nature Valley Lodge, an event and wedding venue that held a private soft opening and staged photoshoot on July 17. It will begin hosting weddings and receptions in August.

Designed to resemble the National Park lodges Doug often visited during business trips, the lodge took about three years to build. Douglas fir trees from Oregon were cut, air-dried, and shipped to Holmes County for woodworking. The Hartville Barn Boys and Amish craftsmen constructed the lodge in just four days. The exterior uses durable Canadian hemlock, ensuring the structure can last for generations.

The lodge was built with the help of Fairlawn-based FMD Architects, known for projects like Gervasi Vineyard, and Sheetz Construction. Inside, the climate-controlled space includes a kitchen and rustic decorations such as tractor seat stools and bear traps on the walls. It can accommodate about 300 people indoors and up to 360 outdoors, where there is a dedicated ceremony area.

A Vision for the Future

Doug hopes that the lodge will stand the test of time and eventually be passed on to his four children. His daughter, Jordan Waikem, is already working as the accommodations and operations director at the venue. She manages the short-term rentals and ensures that guests experience the unique charm of the farm without the disruption of social events happening simultaneously.

Jordan also plans to organize community events, including drive-in or dive-in movies on the lake and wellness retreats. “The goal is to have other types of social events to give people the opportunity to exist outside of their regular life,” she said.

Deanna Townsend serves as the events director, handling bookings and coordination for weddings and other events at the lodge. She can be contacted at 330-737-1337 or info@naturevalleylodge.com.

Accommodations and Booking Details

The Farmhouse can sleep up to six guests, with nightly rates around $330, which include cleaning and service fees and vary based on dates. The forest home accommodates 12 people, with weekday rates in the $400 range and weekend rates about $100 higher. The Smucker cottage sleeps 10 guests, with nightly rates typically ranging from $400 to $650.

All rentals require a two-night minimum stay and allow pets. Guests interested in booking can reach out to Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.com.