2018 All-State Barn Tour

Our 18th year of All-State Barn Tours, Sept 23 & 24, 2017, Saturday & Sunday, 8:30am-5:30pm

Historic restored barns, throughout Iowa, were opened to the public during the Iowa Barn Foundation’s free, self-guided, All-State Barn Tour Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Most barns on tour have been restored with matching grants from the Iowa Barn Foundation.

Other barns received an Award of Distinction from the IBF for restorations the owners undertook themselves.

The Iowa Barn Foundation is an all-state non-profit organization founded in 1997 by a group of folks with Iowa roots. It raises money from individuals, foundations, and corporations to give matching grants to property owners to restore their barns. The barns must be restored as closely as possible to original. The property owner must sign a perpetual easement when receiving a grant.

This is the only group of its kind in the country.

The purpose of the tour is to encourage barn preservation in Iowa, to teach young people about Iowa's rich agricultural heritage, and to renew pride in this unique heritage. Owners will discuss the barns and their histories at many stops. Visitors are expected from around the country. The effort has encouraged barn preservation throughout Iowa and beyond.

The tour is free although donations to support the foundation's work are appreciated.

Some of Iowa’s earliest barns will be on tour.

More information about the Iowa Barn Foundation is on this web site.

As an example, below is the Smith Family Barn in northeast Iowa, built in 1917. The sixth generation of the Smith family is now operating this farm, which received an Award of Distinction from the Iowa Barn Foundation for restorations they undertook themselves.

Note - Since conditions change, some photos may not show the current state of a particular barn.

2017 All-State Barn Tour is presented in nine geographical groups, sorted by counties.

The nine groups:

Northwest Counties - Lyon, Oscelo, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Sioux, Obrien, Clay, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, and Humboldt.

West-Central Counties - Woodbury, Ida, Sac, Calhoun, Monona, Crawford, Carroll, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Guthie.

Southwest Counties - Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Fremont, Page, and Taylor.

North-Central Counties - Winnebago, Worth, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Wright, and Franklin.

Central Counties - Webster, Hamilton, Hardin, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Dallas, Polk, and Jasper.

South-Central Counties - Madison, Warren, Marion, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, and Appanoose.

Northeast Counties - Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Floyd, Chickasaw, Fayette, Clayton, Butler, and Bremer.

East-Central Counties - Grundy, Blackhawk, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Tama, Benton, Linn, Jones, Jackson, Poweshiek, Iowa, Johnson, Cedar, Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine.

Southeast Counties - Mahaska, Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, Wapello, Jefferson, Henry, Des Moines, Davis, Van Buren, and Lee.

 

Northwest Counties

Ackerman barn, 6357 Hwy 9 Ocheyedan (Osceola County) - One-half mile north of Ocheyedan on corner of L58 and IA 9. On the Todd and Susan Ackerman farm are barn and smaller "matching" hog house built between 1915 and 1918. The barn is 84x36-feet; the hog house is 56x24-feet. At one time two Russian carpenters lived in the haymow of the hog house.   Another photo here.

Jones barn,  2138 Verdin Avenue, Ocheyedan (Osceola County) – From highway 59, turn east on A34 (220th St) and go 9 miles to Verdin Ave. Turn north on gravel. Barn is ½ mile north on east side of road.  One of the largest barns in the area was built in 1917 and is unusual.   More photos here.

Battaglioli barn,  4819 480th Street, Granville (O'Brien County) - From Granville, take IA 10 east two miles. Turn south on Monroe and drive two miles to 480th Street. Then travel east one quarter of a mile.  This distinguished barn highlights an area.   Another photo here.

Johnson barn,  6610 460th Street, Sutherland (O'Brien County) - From Sutherland, travel one mile north on County Road M12, and turn right onto 460th Street.  Barn was built about 1920 for John Adams, a dairy farmer.  It has a footprint of over 2000 square feet.  Twin cupolas and horse weathervanes are original.  Arched rafters had to be hoisted in place with pulleys and horse power.  This allowed for access to the loft without support poles.  More photos here.

Ferguson barn,  40415 130th Avenue, Laurens (Pocahontas County) - Barn is 3.75 miles straight north of Laurens at 40415 130th Avenue.  Barn and landmark "conehead" crib were built in 1912.  Elevator still works.  More of the corn crib, and interior.

Hansen Crib,  4015-340th Avenue, Ruthven. (Clay County) - Take N18 four miles south of Ruthven.  One-of-a-kind landmark corncrib, built in 1940's, holds 7000 bushels of ear corn and 4000 bushels of small grain.  In middle of crib is a bucket system that transports ear corn to the top of the corncrib and releases it into multiple outlets.  Grandfather of owner died when owner's father was 18 and he had to take over farm.

Dreyer barn,  102 310th Street, Fenton (Kossuth County) - From the south side of Fenton, turn west on County Road B19. Go 3/4-mile west to second place on south side of road.  Barn was built in 1903 and used as dairy barn until 1944.  There is a 1000-gallon wooden water storage tank in hayloft.  Manure unloading system is intact.  More photos here.

 

 

West-Central Counties

Belfrage barn,  2410 Port Neal Road, Sergeant Bluff (Woodbury County) - Take Port Neal exit off of I-29 then go "WEST" 2 miles to the first intersection. Turn right and go two miles north. Farm is on the right.  Owner's great-grandfather, John Belfrage, served in the Civil War, and bought the land on which this barn stands in 1875.  A carpenter named Aaron Gunderson built the barn on the land in 1910.

Conover barn,  5315 190th Street, Holstein (Ida County) - From Holstein travel 1.5 mile west on US 20. Turn south on L67 and go three miles. Turn left on 190th. It is the first place on north side of road.  Barn was built around 1900 and used by C.B. Conover and his son, C.B., Jr., for their outstanding Belgian draft horses.  Harry Linn, Iowa's secretary of agriculture, gave draft horse demonstrations here.  (Award of Distinction).   Another photo here.

Clancy Barn,  1866 Marengo, Pomeroy (Calhoun County) - At the intersection of IA 4 and IA 7.  The barn was built in 1948 by Lee and Maureen Olson, along with local carpenter George Julifs.  Maureen and Lee put pieces of the barn together in the machine shed prior to erection of the building.  In 1962 the farm was purchased by Leo and Geraldine Clancy of Pomeroy.  Geraldine and Maureen Olson were sisters.  Leo Clancy was one of the charter members of the Iowa Charolais Association, formed in 1961.  Leo also served as the Charolais superintendent at the Iowa State Fair for 25 years.   More text and photos here.

Ellis barn,  2370 Fletcher Avenue, Lytton (Calhoun County) - The barn is three miles east and 2.5 miles north of Lytton.  Landmark red barn, used to raise Red Rock Arabians, is called the "big red barn" by locals. It was built in 1918 and is 40 feet high to the eaves.  It has 3x12-inch timbers.   Another photo here.

Renze barn,  22695 Highway 71, Carroll (Carroll County) - Three miles west of Carroll on US 71.  Farm was known as "Old Mattes Place."  Interesting landmark barn.   Another photo here.

 

Sextro Crib,  12708 280th St, Manning (Carroll County) - From Carroll, eight miles west on US 30, nine miles south on M68, one-fourth miles west.  Landmark corn crib was built early 1900s.  One of the oldest cribs in the area.   Another photo here.

Wooster barn,  2435 2100th Street, Manning (Shelby County) - From Irwin, take the highway east five miles; turn north on gravel for one mile and turn east for 3/4-miles. From Manning, go seven miles south on Airport Road on the west side of town. Turn west for 1.75 miles.  Mr. Wooster's grandfather built this barn in 1896.  It has always been used in the family farming operation and still is.   More photos here.

Heflin barn,  837 Orange Road, Harlan (Shelby County) - From the intersection of US 59 and IA 44, go four miles east on IA 44 to Orange road. Then go 1.25 miles south. Farm is on the east side of the road.  Once there were several of these unique barns in the area, but this is the only one remaining.  The barn, built in 1901, is 40x36 feet.  It has been used by four generations of Heflins.   More photos here.

Finken barn,  3005 335th Street, Logan (Harrison County) - Take I-80 west to I-680 and get off at Exit 21 (Beebeetown and L34). Go north on L34, then turn east onto F66 and go 1.5 miles.  Land has been in family since 1892; barn was built in 1917.  Roof has laminated rafters which were raised into place with gin pole and horses.  Each rafter is five boards thick bolted together and cut in curved shape.  Barn was in tear-down condition when it was restored.   Another photo here.

Hinderaker barn,  2698 Jaguar Trail, Guthrie Center (Guthrie County) - From Guthrie Center, go west on IA 44 for three miles. Turn left on Jaguar Trail and go 4.5 miles south.  The original barn was built at the turn of the century.  It burned down in 1931, and the present barn was built.   Another photo here.

 

 

Southwest Counties

Vandewater barn (Meadow Brook Farm),  3100 270th Street, Orient (Adair County) - Between Greenfield and Winterset, on IA 92, take Vinton Avenue (P39) south. At 270th Street (G53), turn right (west).  Go one mile west of Hebron Methodist Church.  Barn was built by Henry Vandewater in 1911 and has been in the family since.  It has notched beams, pegs, mortise and tendon joints and a memorable wooden cupola.   More photos here.

Photo below taken by Brian Vandewater.  He says. "On Memorial Day weekend, storm warnings were out...a few minutes later we got this interesting panoramic photo of clouds rolling over the barn."  Vandewater barn (Meadow Brook Farm), Orient, Iowa

 

North-Central Counties

Tenold Barn,  4356 Wheelerwood Road (frontage road), Northwood (Worth County) - Barn is 3.5 miles south of Highway 105.  Family farm and barn, built at the turn of the century, is across from what was the town of Tenold, which was on the Iowa map until 1960.   More photos here.

Hoarce Hendrickson Barn,  2035 490th St, Northwood (Worth County) - Go east from Northwood on Highway 105 for five miles. Turn left on S56 to 490th Street. Turn east.  Barn was built in 1894.  Farm was purchased by owner's great-grandfather after arriving from Norway. This was one of five farms he bought - one for each son.  Another photo here.

Haugen barn,  18446 420th Street, Leland (Winnebago County) - Go north out of Leland on US 69 to 420th Street (three miles), then turn right onto 420th (gravel). It is the first place on north side.  Barn was built in 1915.  In 1924 Peter Haugen enlarged it using a handsaw to split the barn in two.  He added to the middle.   More photos here.

Chizek Barn,  1665 250th Street, Garner (Hancock County) - Go west out of Garner on US 18 to US 69, then turn north on US 69, and go one mile. Then turn left onto 250th St.  Barn built by Albert Chizek, owner's grandfather, in 1942.  It has an open loft area.  Another photo here.

Rory Friedow Barn,  1680 Ladd Avenue, Kanawha (Hancock County) - Seven miles west of Klemme (Hwy 69) on B55 (170 th St), then ¼ mile south on Ladd Ave.  Floyd Friedow built the barn and hog house in 1925. He and his three sons (Doyce, Verlyn & Milton) were widely known for their quality Poland China hogs. In 1955 they sent breeding stock to a farm in Cuba via train & airplane. The barn which originally housed dairy cattle and draft horses, is now home to sheep, goats and barn cats. The farmstead has been continually occupied by the Friedow family.  More photos here.

Dodd barn,  1854 40th Street, Ackley (Franklin County) - Travel four miles west of Ackley on IA 57. Turn north on S55 for two miles to 40th Street. Go 1/2-mile west.  Barn was built by Ernest Aldinger, one of three Aldinger brothers who built farms within a mile of each other.   Another photo here.

 

Central Counties

Boriskey Barn,  2115 230th Street, Marshalltown (Marshall County) - At intersection of US 30 and IA 330, go north on IA 330 for 1.3 miles and turn left onto short gravel drive that crosses to county road E41 (230th Street). Turn left again (west) and go 0.7 miles. Barn is on the right (north).  Barn known as "long horse barn on 30" was manufactured by Super Structures, Albert Lea, and built in 1958.  Has laminated curved rafters.  Native lumber in horse stalls.   More photos here.

Dobbin Round barn,  2551 Brown Avenue, State Center (Marshall County) - From State Center, go west one mile to Cooper Avenue (S52), and turn south. Turn right (west) onto 255th St, then left onto Brown Ave.  The 1917 barn was a pre-cut structure designed and made to order by Gordon Van Tine, Davenport, for $6000.  Carpenters like Ike Ingersol and Amos Thompson assembled the numbered pieces into the 65-foot diameter barn with silo in the middle.  (Award of Distinction).   More photos here.

Buck barn,  1271 285th Street, State Center (Marshall County - From State Center, go west one mile to Cooper Avenue (S52). Go 4.5 miles south to 285th Street. Turn left on gravel. Barn is at first place on left.  Barn is an example of how a potential tear-down can be turned into a jewel.  It has a wonderful cupola.   More photos here.

Hanson barn,  11590 N. 87th Av. W., Mingo (Jasper County) - At the intersection of US 65, IA 330, and IA 117, continue onto F17 and turn right on W. 122nd St. N. Go 0.4 of a mile to 87th Av. W and turn left. The barn is a little over 0.7 of a mile on the left side of the road  Most of this pegged barn was build in the 1880s but as the barn was restored and rebuilt over the years, the roof shape may have changed, an addition was built with lumber from an older structure and the interior has been altered. The farm has been recognized as a Heritage Farm being in the family since 1856.   More photos here.

Russell & Danielle O’Rourke Farm,  25623 710th Ave, Colo (Story County) - Take the new US 30 eastward from the intersection with US 65. Turn south onto 710th Street.  Barn is on the west side of 710th St.  This barn, part of a lovely farmstead, was built in 1885 for horses.  Barn is on National Register.   Read more about this barn here.

Handsaker barn,  65627 200th, Fernald (Story County) - Barn is immediately southeast of Fernald, which is off E29 west of US 65, north of Colo.  Large, unique 1875 square barn is on farm purchased by Handsakers in 1853.  Family gave land for Fernald.  More photos here.

Twedt barn,  63645 160th Street, Nevada (Story County) - From junction of E41 (Old Highway 30) and S14 in Nevada, go north on S14 six miles to 160th Street. Turn east onto 160th St, then go 1.5 miles.  This barn has 40 two-ply laminate rafters to support its rounded roof so the hayloft is free of posts and beams.  Farm was once owned by Hoyt Sherman, brother of the Civil War general.  This is an example of how a small barn can highlight a farm.  More photos here.

Rimathe Barn,  51349 Highway 210, Slater (Story County) - It's the first farm east of Slater on IA Highway 210.  This 30x50 foot barn has been used and beloved by the family since it was built in 1929 by the owner's uncle.  The barn was in tough shape after a tornado, but owner, Wayne Rimathe, at great effort, recently restored it.  Click here to read more of the story.

Robert & Carla Uetz Barn,  2011-180th Street, Boone (Boone County) - From US 30, take IA 17 north for five miles (curves and stop signs).  Go right (east) at 180th Street one mile just past U Ave.  Uniquely framed 36' x 50' barn with large lost was built in 1928 by William Smalley for teams and small dairy herd.  Original overhead manure removal system still in place   Another photo here.

Oakdale Farm/Grave of Farceur,  787 210th Street, Ogden (Boone County) - From Ogden go north on P70 for one mile to 210th Street, then turn right (east). The barn is on the left (north) side of 210th St.  The barn, where Farceur, the world-famous Belgian was buried in 1921, is one of Iowa's hidden treasures.  C.G. Good bought 12-year-old Farceur, the San Francisco World's Fair champion, for $47,000 in 1915.  The horse was a service stud, and, to this day, Farceur's name is on pedigrees of Belgians.  Following a European custom, Good buried the horse in the stall of the stud barn-standing up.  More photos here.

Richards barn,  2201 R, Jamaica, (Greene County) - Barn is 2.5 miles east of Cooper or seven miles north of Jamaica on P 30, turn east for 1/2 mile to R Avenue and go 1/2 mile south to the first farm on the east side of the road.  The Thornburgh Home Place shows off all of the original buildings, which have been lovingly preserved, including a 1930s milking barn with original stanchions.  (Award of Distinction).

Peters Barn,  19077 H Avenue, Perry (Dallas County) - From the intersection of P58 and IA 141, Perry, go south on P58 to 190th Street and turn right (west), then turn left (south) onto H ave.  Henry and Florence Spintig purchased farm about 1903.  The main buildings on the home site were present at that time.  The barn has been used for farming by the same family since 1934.  The barn is interesting because it has cut out squares incorporated into the beams.   Another photo here.

Purviance barn,  21501 H Avenue, Minburn (Dallas County) - From the intersection of P58 and F31, go west for two miles, then turn south onto H Avenue, and go 1/2 mile to the first farm on the west side of the road. (The intersection of P58 and F31 is south of Perry and west of Minburn).  Local craftsmen built this historic family farm in 1913 for Robert Purviance, prominent Dallas County farmer.  The house and two barns are original.  More photos here.

 

South-Central Counties

McBroom-Hargis barn,  1218 Highway 169, Winterset (Madison County) - Barn is five miles south of I-80 (Adel, De Soto, Winterset exit), on US 169.  Article in Madison County paper (1884) discussed this barn, "It would be the largest barn in this part of the county."  It has a wooden track, post and beam, pegs and was designed by I.F. Carter of De Soto.  More photos here.

Gillespie Barn,  1257 Highway 92, Winterset (Madison County).  Barn was built in 1874 by W.W. George.  The property has been in the same family since 1870.  It is located on Old Bluff Road which carried early settlers to Council Bluffs.   Another photo here.

Oswald barn,   1071 Harken Hills Drive, Osceola (Clarke County)-From I-35 in Osceola, take US 34 east for about ½ mile. Turn onto Harken Hills Drive (on the south side US 34) and follow to the barn. Beef barn was designed in the 1930s and can be converted into a show pavilion to seat over 700. Pure-bred Angus were developed there by Dr. C.R. Harken, Osceola physician. Farm was operated with view of helping small producer market his animals. J.C. Penney often visited the farm.  More photos here.

Blake Barn,  2155 Benson Street, Weldon (Clarke County) -Take Exit 29 off I-35 (south of Osceola). Go east for 1.5 miles to US 69. Turn right (south) onto US 69 and go 4 miles to Benson St (CR H50), and turn right (west) for 1.5 miles. The barn is just above the freeway, but there is not an entrance there. Thousands of travelers going up I- 35 have probably noticed this highly visible barn but not the story. It is a wooden manufactured "kit" barn probably built in the early 1900s. The exceptionally tall (48 feet high) 32x38 feet barn sits on four footings keeping it off the ground. The barn was built with wood rafters so even the ends are identical to the middle. New red paint highlights the barn.  (Award of Distinction).    More photos here.

Kosman barn,  10611 240th Avenue, Weldon (Decatur County) - From Osceola, take US 69 south 10 miles to Clarke-Decatur Street (J12). Turn east and go one mile to first gravel road (240th St). Turn south - barn is second house on the west side (right).  Barn, built in 1907, was the scene of large barn dances.  Barn has always been used for horses and cows.  More photos here.

Partridge barn,  32086 252th Street, Lineville (Decatur County) - From I-35, go east on IA 2 to Leon and continue another eight miles east of Leon to the intersection of IA 2 and County Road R69 (Woodland Road). Turn right onto Woodland Road and go 5.5 miles to 252nd Street (which is about a mile south of the old Woodland Town site at the intersection of J46). Turn left (east) onto 252th Street (the first left south of Woodland), and the barn is 1/4 mile down the road on the north side.  Barn (56x32) built in 1930 by William Massey who wanted the largest and fanciest barn in the area.  It was built prior to the Depression, and he lost the farm.  Blocks delivered by train from Lineville.  From there it was 10 miles by horse and wagon.  Barn is in beautiful area.  Click here for a map and photos.

 

Northeast Counties

Younker Family Heritage Farm barn,  25734 Hwy 57, Parkersburg (Butler County) - Three miles east of Parkersburg, on IA 57.  This large (112'x30') barn has been in the same family since the barn was built in the late 1800's.  Inside the barn is a 16'x24' wooden silo that was manufactured by the Indiana Silo company and was built around 1909.  This landmark barn was recently lovingly restored by Eleanor Tostlebe Peterson and family.  (Award of Distinction).  See exterior and interior photos.

The Miller barn (no photo available),  310 20th Street SW, Waverly (Bremer County) - The Miller barn is on IA 3 on the west edge of downtown Waverly. It is south of Redeemer Lutheran Church, east of CUNA Mutual campus, and west of Bremwood and Lutheran Services of Iowa.  This barn was built in 1914 by W.H Miller and his brother, Gilbert, and constructed with locally grown cedar and native oak.  The Miller Guernsey Dairy was one of over 20 dairies in Bremer County from 1920 to 1940.  The Miller dairy helped supply the local Carnation Company with milk for condensed milk.  Read more of the story.

Buckley barn,  12178 200th St, Elma (Howard County) - About 1 mile south of Lourdes, on US 63, turn west onto 200th Street and go two miles to the barn, which is on the south side of 200th Street.  Barn was built in 1915 on land given to family by President Buchanan.  More photos here.

Borlaug barn, 20399 Timber Avenue, Cresco, (Howard County) - About 1 mile south of Lourdes, on US 63, turn east onto 200th Street. Turn south onto Timber Avenue. Norman Borlaug received a Nobel prize for his work in increasing food production (born here on March 25, 1914). The 1915 barn is located on his grandparent’s farm. The gable roof-style barn housed their dairy operation and their draft horses and young stock. The upper loft area was used for storage of loose hay for feeding the livestock. Norman spent his first eight years helping with the barn chores at the site. The barn size is 26 feet by 60 feet.   More photos here.   Borlaug website - https://www.normanborlaug.org/.

 

Hotvedt barn,  1996 County Road A14, Decorah (Winneshiek County) - The barn is about 1 mile west of Hesper on A14, which is close the Minnesota/Iowa boundary.  John McMullens bought farm from government in 1852 for $1.25 and acre.  Nearby, Mable Minnesota's steam engine days started on the farm.   Another photo here.

Hinsenbrock barn,   1477 Norske Road, Decorah (Winneshiek County) - From Decorah, take IA 9 six miles east to the second entrance to Oilville Road. Turn left and go one-half mile to the first gravel road, Norske Road. Turn right and go one-half mile to farm. Pegged barn (36x70) was built into a hill in 1878 by Peder Bakke, an original Norwegian settler in the county. Barn retains original wooden hay drop for loose hay and has unusual double support rafters. There are hand-hewn timbers, and pegs are in the same condition as when they were made.   Another photo here.

Kruger barn,  310 Northline Drive, Waukon (Allamakee County) - From Decorah, follow IA 9 east to the intersection with IA 51.  Here, turn left (north) onto Apple Road (gravel road), then go one mile and turn right onto Northline Drive. Farm is first on the left.  Farm is first on the left.  Large dairy barn was built in 1915 and has been in family for 50 years. (From Waukon, go south on Highway 9, then turn right to follow 9 westward.  Take a right (north) onto Apple Road (gravel road) and go one mile to Northline Drive.  Take a right.  Farm is first on the left).   Another photo here.

Scholtes barn (no photo available),  2207 Gruber Ridge Road, Lansing (Allamakee County) - From IA 9, about 2 miles west of Lansing, turn north onto Gruber Ridge Road, and go 2.5 miles to the barn.  1920s barn on beautiful site dedicated to family's sheep operations.

Chimney Rock Ranch barn,  1245 Chimney Rock Road, Waterville (Allamakee County) - From stop light in Waukon, travel east on Elon Road (A52) about 6.8 miles to Chimney Rock Road. Turn right (south) onto Chimney Rock Road and travel south.  Large building is corn crib, granary, hog barn, and machine shed and was built in two parts in 1907-08.  The corncrib/granary has a basement for hogs.  The second part was added to the north end of the original building later that year or the next year.  (Award of Distinction).  More photos here.

Kolsrud Barn,  1243 Gjefle Drive, Waukon (Allamakee County) - From intersection of IA 9 and IA 76, one mile south of Waukon, travel 4.7 miles southeast on IA 76 toward Rossville. About 1.7 miles before Rossville turn left on Cardinal Road (gravel). Travel l.l mile curving to the north. Turn right onto Gjefle Drive (gravel) and follow it east and northeast for half a mile to the barn..  Known as Jacob Johnson/Clark, the Kolsrud barn was built in 1870.  Jacob Johnson came from Norway and purchased the barn with 80 acres in 1862.  He paid $500 for the farm.  Timber used in barn from his farm.  Rock quarried from 100 yards from barn location.  He used oxen in building the barn.  (Award of Distinction).  Click here to see more photos and the story of this barn.

 

East-Central Counties

Hayward Round Barn

Hayward Corn Crib

Hayward Round barn,  1520 County Highway V37, Dysart (Tama County) - 3.5 miles north of Dysart on Hwy V37.  Owner’s great-grandfather, Charles Hayward, purchased farm in 1881.  Barn, built in 1916, is 66 feet in diameter.  It may have been constructed by Johnston Brothers Clay Works, Ft. Dodge because of size of clay bricks used.  Click here to read more of the story and see more photos.  And see an online Des Moines Register article about this barn.

In addition, the Hayward Corn Crib will be open. The owner writes: “We know very little, for certain, about the building of the Corn Crib, except believe it was built at the same time, or shortly after the Round Barn, because of the materials used (hollow tile bricks) and the style in which it was built, typically used by Johnson Brick and the Works of Fort Dodge, and around the time that the barn was built (1917). We have been told by a number of people that this style of corn crib is very rare – in fact, it may be the only one of its kind”.

Welter barn,  13725 X Avenue, Cedar Falls (Grundy County) - Southwest of Cedar Falls, east of Dike, north of US 20, south of IA57. (X Avenue is also shown on Google as T65 and Fredsville Ave.)  Original blueprints developed by Agricultural Engineering Department, Iowa State.  It was built in 1947.  Working farm was purchased in 1867 by Ole Johnson and has been in the same family since.  More photos here.

James Michels barn,  1278 Mason Avenue, Stanley (Buchanan County) - From Hazelton (on IA 150), go east on C57 for three miles to Mason Avenue. Turn south and go 3/4 miles. Barn is on the east.  Redwood tongue and groove 40'x 80' barn was built in 1947 when the family started raising Angus cattle.  More photos here.

Dighton Round barn,  3344 120th Avenue, Coggon (Delaware County) - Take paved road (D62) going west out of Coggon (in Linn Cnty) for one mile to Quality Ridge Road. Turn north for 1.5 mile (Quality Ridge Road becomes 120th Ave).  Round barn on National Register was built in 1914 by Rob Kirkpatrick, grandfather of owner.  It is intricate.  (Adopt-a-Barn Award).  More photos here.

Ridden-Hahn Barn,  Vine Road, Dyersville (Delaware County) - Barn is on the property of the ethanol plant owned by Big River Resources. To view the barn, follow 332nd Avenue (X49) north from US 20, then turn left (west) onto Vine Road. The barn is located just west of the plant.  The Ridden-Hahn barn dates back to the English settlement around Dyersville in the 1850s.  It was built by William Ridden.  During the 20th century it was owned by the Hahn family.  We should all be grateful to Big River Resources for allowing us to view this barn and for giving it respect and care.  It's one of the oldest barns in Iowa.  Note: The Plant Manager asks that anyone who comes to see the barn please stay at the road and not go up to the barn.  More photos here.

 

David & Charlotte Neises Barn  20987 Mud Lake Road, Dubuque (Dubuque County) - Take US 52 North out of Dubuque to Mud Lake Road.  Try Google maps by clicking on this link- accuracy not guaranteed.

Mathias Neises emigrated from Germany and homesteaded on this farm in the 1860s, building a log cabin (around which the current farmhouse on the site was built) and barn for his growing family. The stone for the foundation was quarried on the farm.

The barn is built into the side of a hill, allowing hay to be loaded directly into the upper level while creating space below for dairy cows and horses. In the 1890s an addition to the entire barn was built onto the east end. A silo was added in the 1920s and a cinder block milkhouse was built in the 1940s. David added a modern milking parlor onto the barn in the 1980s.

The barn is unrestored, but still features its original unpainted cedar siding, stone foundation, barn doors, and handhewn beams held together with wooden pins. The farm has been in the Neises family for seven generations and was designated a Heritage Farm in 2014 (150 years in the same family).  More photos here.

 

Jack Smith Family Barn , 20922 Asbury Rd., Durango (Dubuque County) - From Hwy 20 go North from Peosta on 5 Points Rd. Turn left on Asbury Rd to destination.  The Smith barn was built in 1917 by a man named Jack Brehm. Mr. Brehm had a strong reputation in those days as being a real craftsman. Jack Smith’s great-great grandfather came to this site in 1853. Jack’s grandfather Joseph Smith operated a sawmill on the property and the frame for the barn came off the same place. Mr Brehm arrived at the site in the spring of 1917 with the frame that had been prepared over the winter. The labor bill was five hundred dollars. Jack Brehm built several other barns in the Asbury area as well. A barn dance was held in the loft upon completion. Several neighbors signed their names that night in the northeast corner of the loft.  (Award of Distinction).  More photos and text here

 

Gehlen barn,  100 N. Main Street (US 52), St. Donatus (Jackson County)  This magnificent three-story limestone barn, one of the oldest (arguably built in 1839) in Iowa, sits in the middle of this historic Luxembourgish village.  (Award of Distinction).  More photos here.

Kaufman Barn,  6206 291st Street (Streff Road), St. Donatus (Jackson County) - From St. Donatus, take US 52 north one mile, and then take a right onto 291st Street (Streff Road) and travel 0.7 miles. Barn is on the right. The 30x80-foot bank barn is an early Iowa barn which was recently restored. The farm was homesteaded in the 1850s. Barn has table roof, large rolling doors on a track, entirely constructed from wood. A dirt floor remains with its original milk stanchions, horse stalls, long beam construction. The haymow door slides down the front of the barn on a track suspended by two large counter weights. Two log structures and a stone house are on the property. The barn recently received an award from the Dubuque County Historical Society.   (Award of Distinction).   More photos here.

Michels barn,  39016 308th Street, Bellevue (Jackson County) - Go three miles north of Bellevue on US 52 and turn right onto 308th Street. Barn is at first farm on the left.  The 30'x50' pegged barn was built in 1926 and has been in the same family for three generations.  The wainscot siding used on the barn became unaffordable during the Depression years and World War II era.  Glass balls in the lightning rods are the rare color of lavender.  (Award of Distinction).   More photos here.

Steines barn (no photo available),  36746 Bellevue-Cascade Road, Bellevue (Jackson County) - Go 1/2 mile west of Bellevue on IA 62. Turn right on Bellevue-Cascade Road (D61) and go 1.5 miles to barn.  This simple, primitive barn was built in the early 1900s.

Clasen barn,   25219 200th Street, Bellevue (Jackson County) - Follow IA 62 southwest from Bellevue, then turn right onto 200th Street.  Wider-than-usual barn has bark on support timbers.   Interior photo and more exteriors here.

Delaney barn,  23477 Bellevue-Cascade Road, La Motte (Jackson County) - From Zwingle, take US 61 south about 3.5 miles to Otter Creek, then turn left (east) onto Bellevue-Cascade Road (IA-D61).  This lovely farm is known as the Sprank farm.  The large barn was built around 1900, and the smaller one in 1940.  The large barn has wooden peg construction.  More photos here.

Martin barn,  12578 222nd Avenue, Zwingle (Jackson County) – From Zwingle, take US 61 south about 3.5 miles to Otter Creek, then right (west) onto Bellevue-Cascade Road (IA-D61) and go four or five miles and cross a bridge. Turn left (south) on 126th Ave and go a half-mile to barn.  Hand-pegged barn was built in 1880 and is 100x28 feet. Many inside features are hand-carved. Cement stands for draft horses have depressions for each foot.  (Award of Distinction)   More photos here, including interior.

The DeFries Barn on the Doris and Jack Dyas Farm,  17929 232nd Avenue, Maquoketa (Jackson County) - Go north out of Andrew on IA 62, then left on IA Y61- 250th Avenue (two miles) and left again on 180th St. Go 1/2 mile to first farm on left at 232nd Av.  The 47 x 84-foot barn was built in 1885 by A.B. DeFries whose family settled in the area in the 1850s.  It has post and beam pegged construction.  More photos here.

Schneckloth crib,  23553 200th Avenue, Davenport (Scott County) - Exit US 61 at Exit 127. Go east on LeClaire Road three miles. Then go south on 200th a half mile.  Herbert Schneckloth, prominent Iowa farmer, whose family emigrated from Germany in 1854, built the landmark round crib in 1926.  Work on the 50-feet in diameter structure was done with hand tools.  The foundation was dug and poured by hand using a shovel and one-third of a bag of home mix at a time.  Handmade forms were used to pour the concrete.  The ventilation block tile and matching solid tile were brought from Adel by train and horse-drawn wagons.  More photos here.

Frye barn,  11150 New Liberty Rd, Maysville (Scott County) – From Exit 292 of I-80, go northwest on IA 130 towards Maysville (website: http://www.smallfryefarm.com/).  The Frye farms were settled in 1881. This dairy barn was built around 1921 by great grandfather William Frye, grandfather Arnold Frye and great uncle Alfred Frye. The barn was originally white, but was painted red about ten years ago. All siding is original. All stone and brick work was tuck-pointed in 1996. The farm was designated a Century Farm in 1981. The barn interior, including the hay mow, is essentially unchanged with the exception of window replacements in 1995.  Click here to see more about the farm.

Zelle barn,  1503 Holland Street, Le Claire (Scott County) - Take Exit 306 off I-80. Turn left at lights (north) and go through Le Claire. Turn left on Holland Street. Continue up hill for 1.5 miles until blacktop ends. Drive is 100 feet on right.  This is a 19th century family farm with one of the few barns left in Scott County.  More photos here.

Riessen barn,  1190 York Avenue, Stockton (Muscatine County) - From Old Highway 6 (IA F58), one mile west of Y40 (west of Wolcott), go south on York Avenue 1.75 miles. Second place on the right.  Barn is 40x80 and has space for 10 teams of horses on the east side of barn and 26 milk cows on the west side.  Silo and silo shed were built in 1917.  West addition was put on in 1961.  More photos here.

Schroeder barn,  2738 130th Street, Wilton (Muscatine County) - Take Exit 271 off I-80 and go south five miles on IA 38 to 130th Street. Turn left for 1/4 mile.  Barn (48x50) was built in 1900 and has roof rafter haymow with haymow door and track in tact.  The foundation is river rock.  The south end of the barn was never painted, so was left that way.  More photos here.

Moershel Buggy Barn (Dennis Zuber),  4468 V Street, Homestead (Iowa County) - V Street is in Homestead, southeast of Amana, on US 6, east of US 151. Use the driveway at 4454 V Street.  Doctor's buggy barn.  Built in 1890.  House in front of buggy barn was built in 1865 and occupied by the Moershel family.  Dr. Moershel was chosen by the society to be trained as a doctor, and the barn housed horses and buggies, ready at all times for the doctor's use.  Barn has a local stone foundation, recently reinforced with concrete.  The 2-bay garage was added to the barn in 1933.   More text and photos.

 

Southeast Counties

Strabala barn,  1830 290th Street, Washington (Washington County) - From Washington, go south on IA 1 for 5.5 miles. Turn west on 290th and go one-half mile. The barn is on the right.  This large barn was built in the 1920's.  Click here to see photos before and after restoration.

Murphy barn,  7606 Stony Hollow Road, Burlington (Des Moines County) - Follow IA X99 north from Burlington, then turn west onto Stony Hollow Road (H50).  Primitive historic barn has horse stalls, milking area, hog house, corn crib, cattle feeding area, and hay loft.  Barn is still used for agriculture.  (Award of Distinction).  More photos here.