Get to Know Us

Hello!

Welcome to Oak on the Water - a newly renovated rural event center owned and managed by Jim and Pennie Goplen.

Oak on the Water is a passion project that found us after retiring from farming in 2019. After several years of working outside of the home, we felt a call to spend more time in the place we spent decades farming and create something new.

Meet our Family

Having raised three girls on the farm (and have now welcomed two granddaughters), we know the value of time together and the importance of hosting a memorable event. Over the course of our lives we have celebrated our children's graduations and weddings on this farm and we look forward to celebrating the milestones of the next generation.

Our History

Jim's family purchased the farm in 1950 to homestead and farm. The original barn and much of the building site date back to 1900. Many of the original buildings from this photo still stand today as preservation and care for our farm has remained important for several generations.

Our Farm

The Building of our Farm

As the farm and family grew, new spaces, buildings, pastures and homes were added to the farm. In 1991, Jim and his wife, Pennie, moved onto the farm with the addition of a second home and three daughters in tow. Over the next 20 years numerous farm renovations took place, including expanding the dairy barn and additional building projects for cattle barns, equipment storage and workspace.

The Evolution to a Family Legacy

In 2017, Jim's father, Joe, engineered a dam and pond to house the spring-fed water that had been at the heart of our dairy pastures. The project was celebrated in 2018 as the new pond had been filled with the help of the springs and winter snow. The pond was quickly named "Memory Pond" in remembrance of those who are no longer with us and for those memories to come as friends and family would begin to enjoy time in this new scenic space. Summers began to fill with kayaking, fishing and relaxing, which soon led to additional landscapes, waterscapes and gardens.

The Birth of Oak on the Water

With the encouragement of family and friends and our ever-growing love for caring for our farm, we are embarking on the next chapter of our lives with Oak on the Water. Oak on the Water pays respects to the longstanding oak trees of our farm, the beautiful water and landscapes all tied into a whimsical name meant to make you grin in memory of the good 'ol days.

This new venture cherishes the history of our family, the farm and the stories that are yet to come. As you stroll the grounds, look closely to the details; you will see many elements preserved in honor of years gone by.

We encourage you to visit and take a tour. Meeting new people and hosting has always been so meaningful for us and we are blessed to be called into this next adventure. No matter the size of the celebration, we can't wait to celebrate with you.