DeKoven Center

Set on 11 acres of gardens, wooded grounds, and Lake Michigan bluffs in Racine, Wisconsin, the DeKoven Center traces its roots to 1852, when the campus was founded as Racine College by the Episcopal Church. Under Rev. Dr. James DeKoven, who arrived as Warden in 1859, the grounds were reshaped in the style of an English college quadrangle, and the community's original dining Refectory became what is now known as the Great Hall. The campus later served as a retreat center under the Community of St. Mary for fifty years before the DeKoven Foundation took over its stewardship in 1999. Today the historic campus hosts weddings, receptions, and private events across several spaces: the Great Hall seats up to 225 guests, Assembly Hall up to 125, and St. John's Chapel up to 202 for ceremonies, with outdoor courtyard ceremonies available from May through October. Rentals include banquet tables and chairs, table linens, and a dedicated event liaison, bartender, and security staff. The grounds are also home to the Circle of Peace Labyrinth, and the DeKoven Center offers gymnasium rentals and two Gatehouse apartments for overnight stays.