About Us
Welcome to the Ovid Inn Event Center — a place where community, charm, and connection come together in the heart of Michigan.
This space was built with intention by two people who love hospitality, heritage, and small-town life. In 2024, Jennifer McKinstry and Steve Andrews became stewards of the historic building at 113 S. Main Street in downtown Ovid. With a shared vision and complementary skillsets, they transformed it into a welcoming retreat space for group gatherings, celebrations, and overnight stays.
A Shared Mission
Steve and Jennifer are partners in building something deeply rooted in purpose — a space that serves people, uplifts the local community, and preserves a piece of history.
Steve is a U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq before pursuing a career in horsemanship. His professional experience includes working with renowned families and organizations such as the Busch Family, Atwood Ranches, and Parelli Natural Horsemanship. With a foundation in discipline, care, and service, Steve brings a hands-on, intentional presence to the day-to-day operations of Ovid Inn.
Jennifer’s background is grounded in sports, civic service, and Michigan family life. Her father, Paul Nilsson, was a nationally recognized running coach and a member of the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame. Her mother served as Williamston Township Treasurer for multiple terms. Jennifer and her twin sister were both All-State athletes — and that spirit of teamwork, persistence, and local pride runs through every event at the Inn.
Why Ovid?
The decision to launch Ovid Inn wasn’t random — it was personal. Jennifer’s family has spent decades making memories in the Ovid area: pontooning, trail riding, attending barn dances, and reconnecting with nature. Steve, whose family lives just a short drive away in Wacousta, grew up surrounded by rural values and hard work. Their love for Michigan’s countryside, and belief in the power of small towns, is what drew them to Ovid.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Inn sits within walking distance of local gems like the Ovid Café, Main Street Pizza, Trinity Church (available as a chapel), antique shops, two salons, a barbershop, and even laser tag. Just minutes away are popular group destinations like Sleepy Hollow State Park, Owosso Speedway, Rails-to-Trails, and the North Pole Express. Even Michigan State University is only a 30-minute drive — making the Inn a perfect home base for game-day weekends, graduation gatherings, or campus visits.
Our Vision
The Ovid Inn Event Center was created to solve a real need: flexible, comfortable, and affordable group lodging and event space in rural Michigan. Hotels can feel impersonal. Large venues can be overpriced. But a well-designed, full-service space in a walkable small town? That’s something special.
From intimate retreats and family reunions to bridal showers, milestone birthdays, and team events, the Inn offers everything under one roof — and with none of the pressure or pretense. Guests enjoy a balance of modern amenities and vintage charm, with the freedom to self-serve, relax, and truly connect.
Community, Not Just Commerce
Jennifer and Steve’s mission goes beyond hospitality. They’re committed to building something that strengthens the community. That includes preserving this beautiful historic building, supporting local vendors and entrepreneurs, creating youth opportunities, and contributing to the vitality of Main Street Ovid.
Guests often tell us that staying here feels more personal than any hotel — and that’s exactly what we aim for.
We invite you to learn more about Ovid Inn, schedule a tour, or book your next gathering. Whether you’re planning a celebration, a retreat, or a quiet weekend away, you’ll find that Ovid Inn isn’t just a venue — it’s a place made for meaningful moments.
