Marshall and Sandy Meyer have worn many hats during their 40+ years of marriage.  As young dairy farmers, feeding, milking, and caring for cows were the big focus of their waking hours.  They were up before sunrise and in the barn again well after sunset 7 days a week, 365 days a year, tending to their 160+ dairy herd. Sandy and Marshall raised three children on this schedule, teaching them through hard work and example what it takes to build a life one can be proud of.  

Sandy’s passion for gardening led her to open a greenhouse business on the farm. It started out smallish but soon outgrew its space. In town, a corner lot was for sale. Soon, Country Care Greenhouse took shape at 702 Main, Hankinson, North Dakota.  

Because there were permanent structures already on the property, it didn’t take long for Sandy and Marshall’s entrepreneurial wings to spread. After a considerable makeover, the Hankinson Inn, with 7 individually themed rooms, was born. 

In 2010, during an auspicious drive around Lake Elsie, a For Sale sign on the Max Wipperman property caught Sandy’s eye, and an idea settled in her heart. Six months later, after extensive restoration as well as important updates, Lady on the Lake Bed and Breakfast opened her doors in time for the town of Hankinson’s 125 years, Celebration on July 1st.  

In the ensuing years, the Lady on the Lake Bed and Breakfast has housed guests from 4 continents, many countries, and all 50 states and some Canadian provinces. As Sandy Meyer has said many times, “Other people like to travel, that’s their thing, but we see the world through the relationships we build right here with our guests.”

Building relationships is what drives Marshall and Sandy Meyer. And this is the main reason they made their next big business move:  Lake Elsie Wedding Barn. Their 5-acre property, which was originally part of Colonel Hankinson’s vast holdings, includes a Gothic-arch barn, one of only a handful in the state of North Dakota. Its historic architecture and picturesque location, sandwiched between Lake Elsie to the south and Grass Lake to the north, make this property ideal for public gatherings.  

In 2015, after massive reconstruction of the lower level and restoration of the upper level’s hayloft, Lake Elsie Wedding Barn hosted its first wedding. Its timeless rural beauty has been drawing bridal couples and their loved ones ever since.

In 2021, Sandy and Marshall Meyer added an outdoor pavilion, which seats 300+. Now every wedding moment has its own special space, flowing effortlessly from one to the other. From a lakeside ceremony to the (first floor) barn’s social hour to the pavilion’s reception to the hayloft’s dance floor, bridal couples and guests alike feel well taken care of.  

“Making others happy is what we’re all about,” Sandy Meyer says. “It’s so rewarding to see all the smiles and playful interactions. Many of our couples continue to stay in touch with us long after their big day.” 

“My husband and I had a great time! Marshall and Sandy are great hostesses. Very friendly and ready to make the best experience. They have a beautiful location. Easy to get to. Only a few miles off of Interstate 29.” – Patrick Rivinius, South Dakota