Jeff & Anne Lucas with sons Slate and Graham
If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, burn out will happen. The old saying is correct, “if you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
– Anne Lucas
Nestled amidst the serene landscape in rural Bloomington, Indiana lies a hidden gem that promises to transform your special event into a timeless celebration. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Whippoorwill Hill is an enchanting venue that captivates with its rustic charm and picturesque beauty, offering an idyllic setting to create cherished memories that last a lifetime. Owned and operated by Jeff and Anne Lucas, Whippoorwill Hill has been a labor of love for the Lucas family for several years.
Jeff and Anne bought the historic farm that is now Whippoorwill Hill in 2015. At the time, they were unmarried, but shortly after they closed on the land, Jeff proposed. As wedding planning began and venues were toured, they realized nothing compared to the beauty of their farm. That’s when the idea to build a wedding venue came to life.
They were lucky enough to find a beautiful c1892 barn in Manilla, Indiana and moved it to the farm before their wedding in 2016. Jeff and Anne got married in a bit of a construction zone. At the time of their wedding, the barn didn’t have a roof, and there was more mud than grass, but Anne recalls that the wedding was magical. Whippoorwill Hill officially opened to the public in 2017 and has since hosted many weddings, birthdays, graduation parties, celebrations of life, and more. Whippoorwill Hill has become a cornerstone for some of life’s most important gatherings.
Jeff grew up in the agricultural community, and agriculture is where his heart is. He was born and raised on a farm in Jackson County, then later majored in Farm Management at Purdue University. Jeff now farms about 400 acres, raises approximately 30 head of cattle, and works full-time at Premier Ag. Anne is from Bloomington and went to the United States Military Academy at West Point after high school. She spent 9 years in the military before returning to Indiana where she now works full-time for Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane. Anne has a Master’s Degree in Transportation and Logistics Management and a Project Management Professional Certification (PMP). Together, Jeff and Anne tag-team the management and maintenance of Whippoorwill Hill, and their skill sets are incredibly complimentary for running an event venue as partners.
Jeff and Anne say their biggest success with Whippoorwill Hill has been the diversity of events they’ve been able to accommodate. Among the myriad of events they have hosted, they’ve also been able to donate their space for use by many different organizations. Whippoorwill Hill has been a force for good in their community, and they are proud to call it home. In 2021 they built their forever home on the property, making the 156-acre farm not only their business, but their home and place of solace. Anne says, “Whippoorwill Hill is so much more than our business. It’s our home and a major part of our ‘why’.”
Each year Jeff and Anne do a project on the farm to continue to develop and preserve the property. They note that Crane Credit Union has been a fantastic partner in financing to allow them to continue to grow—and they are certainly growing! This hidden gem in rural Indiana stands as a beacon of hope and possibility, offering a sanctuary where love blooms and memories are made. With its rustic charm, scenic beauty, and unparalleled hospitality, this enchanting venue is one you do not want to overlook.
Check out Whippoorwill Hill online or on social media at the links below.
FUN FACT: Most people know that the wedding barn was moved from another town. However, what most people don’t know is that when the barn was reconstructed in Bloomington, it didn’t fit on the footers that were poured for it. It was hanging off the pillars by about 7″. The timber frame had to be beaten into place with hammers so that it would fit properly on the footers.
