Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlys Steidl.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved creating things that make people feel something — spaces, experiences, and memories that stick. My background is in social work, which taught me a lot about people, patience, and the power of good planning — lessons that come in handy every single day here at Adler Ranch. My husband Kurt and I have lived on the property for over 30 years, collecting antiques, vintage signs, and anything with history the entire time.
The venue really started because people kept asking if they could host weddings and parties here. We realized how much joy it brought us to share the space, so we leaned in. Living here gives us a different kind of connection to what we do — every wedding feels personal, and every improvement we make is something we’ll both see and care for long after the day ends. Adler Ranch has truly become a reflection of who we are and what we value: hard work, hospitality, and creating meaningful experiences for others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. Building Adler Ranch has taken years of hard work, long days, and many late nights getting everything just right. When you live on the property, there’s always something to do — planting, mowing, restoring, improving — and we’ve done most of it ourselves.
Kurt and I handle nearly every part of the work, and while it’s demanding, it’s also what makes Adler Ranch so personal. Every sign and light has a story behind it. We’re deeply thankful for our family and friends who’ve helped along the way — from the heavy lifting to the encouragement that keeps us going.
We’re also fortunate to work alongside a fantastic group of local caterers and wedding vendors here in the Alexandria area who share our commitment to quality and care. The effort shows in those moments when couples laugh under the glow of the lights or gather around the Grain Bin Bar. It’s a lot of work, but it’s the kind that fills your soul.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Adler Ranch is an independently owned wedding and event venue just outside Alexandria, Minnesota. We’re a seasonal venue, open May through October, and every couple who books with us works directly with us, the owners — no layers of staff, no turnover, no surprises. It’s a personal experience from start to finish, and that level of care is something we’re truly proud of.
We’re known for our one-of-a-kind collection of original vintage gas and oil signs — all lighted after dark to create an atmosphere like no other. When the neon comes to life against the night sky, it feels like stepping into a piece of Americana history. Our couples love that mix of nostalgia and celebration — it’s beautiful, distinctive, and unique.
We focus on creating a well-prepared, organized setting so couples can dive right into decorating and enjoying their day. We handle the venue setup — tables, chairs, and layout — and take care of all teardown and cleanup afterward. Couples bring their own décor, table settings, and personal touches, and we provide the foundation that makes everything come together smoothly. We also have clear guidelines in place to keep each event running efficiently and respectfully for everyone involved.
Beyond weddings, we host other special events — including our newest adventure, the Adler Ranch Retro Market, held the last Friday and Saturday of July. It features antique and vintage vendors, food, and a full bar and has quickly become a favorite annual event for our community.
At the heart of it, Adler Ranch is about authenticity. We’ve poured years of work and care into this property, and our goal is simple — to give people a place that feels both timeless and memorable.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think luck’s definitely played a part, but it’s always been mixed with a lot of hard work. I’ve been lucky in some of the biggest ways — in the partner I married, the great kids we raised, and the incredible extended family we have. Add to that the good fortune of finding this beautiful property so close to Alexandria all those years ago, and I’d say luck has had a generous hand in our story. Those are the kinds of things you can’t plan for, but they shape everything that comes after.
We’ve also been fortunate to work with talented local caterers and wedding vendors who share our dedication to creating memorable experiences — their collaboration and care have played a huge role in our success.
At the same time, I don’t think luck works without effort behind it. A lot of what people call luck is really just being prepared and willing to put in the work when opportunity shows up. We’ve had a few moments where the timing was just right — but it only mattered because we were ready for it. So yes, I’d say we’ve been lucky, but we’ve also worked hard to turn that luck into something lasting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adlerranch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adlerranch/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Adlerranchadventure
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adlerranch6782
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adlerranchmn
