2026 Indiana Barn Tour

Information provided by Julie Fenton.

“Old barns form an important part of the rural American landscape and represent a link to our agricultural heritage. For generations, barns were symbols of family pride, hard work, and success in farming. Not only do barns serve to feed the land through agriculture and livestock care, they also provide symbolic landmarks in our otherwise flat midwestern landscape.

Historically, barns were integral pieces of the post-and-beam architectural style which combines strength with beauty – a combination which is disappearing due to modern barn construction techniques and materials. To preserve this important piece of America’s history, the Indiana Barn Foundation is dedicated to advocating for barn preservation and educating communities about the urgent need to protect these iconic structures. Through awareness, outreach, and action, the Foundation works to ensure that Indiana’s historic barns are saved before they are lost forever.

The Annual Barn Tour is one of the ways the Indiana Barn Foundation connects with communities while showcasing the diverse architectural styles and innovative modern uses of historic barns. Each year, visitors from multiple states travel to participate in the tour, experiencing these remarkable structures firsthand and learning about the importance of preserving them. Through this event, the Foundation raises awareness and inspires others to support efforts to save Indiana’s historic barns for future generations.

Ideally, tour participants will choose to extend their visit by staying in local lodging establishments and enjoying the restaurants, shops, and attractions in the surrounding communities. The Annual Barn Tour not only highlights Indiana’s historic barns but also provides an opportunity to support local economies and experience the unique character of each region. The Indiana Barn Foundation would be pleased to promote local hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, and community events as part of the tour information, encouraging visitors to make the most of their stay while contributing to the vitality of the host communities.

This year’s Annual Barn Tour will feature barns located throughout the northern portion of Montgomery County, with tour headquarters based in Waynetown. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a variety of unique and historic structures, including a maple syrup sugar shack, a working horse barn, and a well-known barn that holds special significance for basketball enthusiasts. Together, these featured sites showcase the diversity, history, and ongoing value of Indiana’s barns while offering visitors a memorable glimpse into the county’s agricultural and cultural heritage.”

Learn more about the Indiana Barn Foundation by clicking or tapping here.