Make a Reservation at 577

Meeting Reservations

577 offers two historic spaces, the Cottage and Virginia’s House, to community organizations, schools, governmental organizations, and community-minded corporations for strategic planning, trainings, and retreats. 

Because these spaces are shared for educational and community benefit, they are not available to be used for personal social gatherings like parties, showers, reunions, or weddings. These spaces are not to be used for sales, commercial, or promotional purposes including fundraising events.

Reservations are not transferable; i.e., the space reserved is only for the individual or group making the reservation.

School & Youth Group Field Trips

Educational programming stands as the cornerstone of 577’s mission, fostering understanding and appreciation for science, art, craft, history, culture, ecology, and the environment. We sincerely thank you for standing with us in this mission. 

577 offers several options for youth field trips and tour: self-guided, guided, and a guided tour with an add-on activity or craft. 

Reserve your trip today – CLICK HERE

Self-Guided Youth Field Trips: 

• There is no cost for a self-guided youth field trip.
• Groups are welcomed year-round for self-guided tours of the buildings (Log Home, Bee Room, Geodesic Biodome) and the gardens and grounds.
• Reservations are available between 9am to 3pm and are subject to availability. We recommend 60 to 90 minutes to tour the space.
• Group size should be limited to 25 to 40 individuals (including kids, adults, chaperons, etc.).
• An activity worksheet is available for groups to use as they tour the grounds.

Guided Youth Field Trips

• Groups are welcomed from late March through early November for a unique experience at 577. Led by a staff member and/or volunteer docent, groups will enjoy a fun, educational tour of the gardens, grounds, and historical buildings with an age-appropriate activity.
• Tours are approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on group size.
• We work with each group to tailor tours to fit your group’s needs, interests, and age or grade level.
• Groups may stay past the guided tour portion and continue with a self-guided tour, snack, lunch, etc. Groups may bring a snack or lunch to enjoy. Please note that we have limited picnic tables. The tables are first come, first served and may not be reserved. We recommend large groups bring blankets and enjoy a picnic.
• Reservations for Guided Youth Field Trips must be made at least two weeks in advance. A request does not guarantee a reservation. A confirmation email will be sent. Reservations are available between 10am to 3pm and are subject to availability. Guided Field Trips on weekends and after 5pm may be available, pending approval.
• Group size: Minimum of 8 and a maximum of 40 individuals/kids. Adults, chaperons, and bus drivers are excluded from the group total. There is a small group fee for guided tours based on size. Payment must be made three business days in advance.
  • Group Size: 6 to 12: $30
  • Group Size: 13 to 17: $45
  • Group Size: 18 to 24: $60
  • Group Size: 25 to 30: $75
  • Group Size: 31 to 35: $90
  • Group Size: 36 to 40: $105

Guided Youth Field Trip with Nature Craft

This exciting option blends the best of a guided field trip tour with a mini private class experience, offering a unique and engaging way to learn. Designed to inspire a love for nature and foster creativity in young, and young-at-heart minds, your group will enjoy a walk around 577 and then we will come together to create a craft/complete an activity dependent on the group size and age(s). We will follow up with you regarding potential crafts and activities for this field trip option.

• Approximately 75 to 90 minutes.
• Maximum number of students we can accommodate in our classroom space would be 20 children.
• Cost is $10 to $15 per child (includes activity and tour)

Reserve your trip today – CLICK HERE

Have Questions? Please contact us at hello@577foundation.org or give us a call at 419-874-4174,

Group Tours

Garden clubs, social groups, and organizations are welcomed year-round for self-guided tours of the buildings and grounds.

Group size is limited to 30 people. For groups larger than 8, we ask that you make a reservation to get on the calendar by contacting us at 419-874-4174 or at hello@577foundation.org

Guided tours led by 577 Horticulture staff are available for a small fee. Availability is extremely limited, if interested in learning more, please complete this Contact Us Form

Photography Sessions

The 577 Foundation is a unique and beautiful location for photography. We are delighted that you are considering the gardens and grounds as the backdrop for your memories. Our Photography and Videography Guidelines are designed to ensure all visitors ~ those who are taking photos and those who are not ~ have a positive experience during their visit.

Photographs captured “in-the-moment” are some of our favorites and are always encouraged. We hope folks find those special moments during their visits.

We also recognize that there are pivotal events in life that folks want to mark, such as prom, weddings, graduation, maternity, family portraits, and more. 577 has special meaning to them and/or they want a beautiful backdrop for these special events. These Life Event photography sessions will be available during the day and in the evening, subject to availability.

A permit/reservation is required for all Life Event, Portrait, or Session photography. This is a requirement even if your photographer is NOT a professional. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DETAILS 

All photographers are expected to uphold all photography guidelines so 577 can provide this service. 577 is not a public park; it is a privately funded nonprofit with limited means and a small staff.

Have additional questions or would like to be notified when sessions open for reservations? Contact us by email at dmarino@577foundation, or by phone at 419-874-4174.