About the Iowa Barn Foundation
Events
All-State Barn Tour
Each year, the Iowa Barn Foundation holds it’s most important event, the All-State Barn Tour. The tour features restored barns that have received Iowa Barn Foundation matching grants, along with other barns whose owners have received an Award of Distinction 
for restoring their barns using their own money. The 2001 All-State Barn Tour was the first of it’s kind in the United States.
The All-State Barn Tour allows visitors to view some of the most important and historic barns in Iowa. The Wegener barn is a huge turn-of-the-century double gambrel barn still an integral part of the Wegener family’s farming operation. The Handsaker’s huge square barn, built in 1870 on their farm, which was homesteaded in 1850, was recently restored with an Iowa Barn Foundation matching grant. This barn, like the others, has been restored from its limestone foundation all the way up to the cupola.
The All-State Barn Tour has been organized to encourage barn preservation in Iowa, to teach young people about Iowa’s rich agricultural heritage, and to renew pride in this heritage. The tour is arranged so that you can go from barn to barn on your own, as time and distances permit. During the tour, tour maps are available at each barn. At many barns, 4-H members sell lemonade and cookies. Other barns have special displays. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to join the Iowa Barn Foundation if they are not already a member.
The barns on tour are typical of Iowa barns that have served farmers well. These restored barns illustrate how barns can be brought back to their original glory. Some of the barns listed below were featured in the Iowa Public Television “Living in Iowa” special, Saving Iowa’s Barns. Others have been featured in newspapers such as the Des Moines Register and Iowa Farmer Today.
2010 Tour
Many of the barns from previous tours, along with other 
freshly restored barns, will be on tour again on Saturday, October 16, and Sunday October 17, 2010. The barns on this free, self-guided tour will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days:
 Dougherty barn, 1362 Pole Line Road, Waukon (Allamakee County). Directions: From Postville, go north on Highway 51 to Highway 9. Turn left on Highway 9 and go one mile to Pole Line Road. Turn right and go two miles north. Farm is on the west side of the road.
The Dougherty barn was built around 1900 and has redwood silo inside. The 50- x 70-foot barn has a limestone foundation. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Marlene Fenstermann, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Dougherty barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Anderson barn, 1245 Chimney Rock Road, Waterville, (Allamakee County). Directions: From stop light in Waukon, travel east on Elon Road (A 52) about 6.8 miles to Chimney Rock Road-T intersection. Turn right onto Chimney Rock Road and travel south.
This large building is a 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. The Anderson barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Welter barn, 13725 X, Avenue, Cedar Falls (Black Hawk County). Directions:
The Welter barn was built in 1947 from original blueprints developed by Agricultural Engineering Department at Iowa State University. This working farm was purchased in 1867 by Ole Johnson and has been in the same family since. The Welter barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Uetz barn, 2011 180th Street, Boone (Boone County). Directions: The barn is 1 mile east of Highway 17 and 1 mile north of county road E26 (at the NE corner of 180th St. and U Ave.)
The Uetz barn was built in 1928 by William G. Smalley, a well-known Boone County farmer, and his three sons; Layton, Virgil, and Howard. Howard was born on this farm in 1907. He and his wife Fern moved back onto the place in 1947, when William retired, and lived here until 1979 when they moved to town. They still live in Boone, Howard just turned 96 on the 4th of July. The Uetz barn was featured in the article “Rebirth of a farmyard” in American Acreage magazine. The barn is 36' wide, 50' long, and approximately 45' high. The barn was originally used to house dairy cattle (on the south side) and four teams of horses (on the north side). The barn has a huge hay loft and still has the original manure removal system that runs on an overhead track. At the moment the barn is home to a small herd of fainting goats (the Uetz’s barnyard weed control system). The barn’s foundation is good and straight. The barn was well built, using cross-bracing all the way up. A photo of the barn prior to restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Uetz barn was featured on the 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| James Michels barn, 1278 Mason Avenue, Stanley (Jefferson County). Directions:
The 40’ x 80’ James Michels barn was built in 1947 and features tongue and groove redwood siding. The family has raised angus cattle since 1947. The James Michels barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
 MoonHill barn, 774 480th Street, Linn Grove (Buena Vista County). Directions: Five miles west of Rembrant off Highway 71 on C25 and five miles on black top south of Linn Grove.
The lovely MoonHill barn was built between 1890 and 1900 by Norwegian immigrants. The 4000 square foot barn held working horses, pigs and milking cows for well over 75 years. The original milking parlor still stands intact. The barn had a McDonald Pitless Scale, manufactured by the Moline Plow Company, that was outside the barn for weighing grain, hay and livestock. It was often used by the local community. Today the barn is a testament as to what elbow grease can do! A photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). (Award of Distinction) The barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Mickelson barn, 5126 Highway 71, Storm Lake (Buena Vista County). Directions: Located 1 ¾ miles north of the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 71 on the east side of the road.
This huge (100 x 70 x 45) and distinct barn was built in 1901 to house 22 work horses. Owner Roger Mickelson has lived on the family farm for 74 years. A photo of the barn prior to restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Mickelson barn was featured on the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Youngberg barn, 4886 220th Avenue, Albert City (Buena Vista County). Directions: From Albert City, travel 2 miles north on M14. Travel west 1 mile on 490th Street to 220th Avenue.
This classic Iowa barn was built in 1911 and has always been used in farming. A photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Youngberg barn was featured on the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Younker Family Heritage Farm barn, 25734 Highway 57, Parkersburg (Butler County). Directions: Travel North on Highway 14 north of US 20 to Highway 57 and turn East. Three miles East of Parkersburg on the South side of the road.
This large 30’x112’ barn has been in the same family since the barn was built around the turn of the century. The landmark barn was recently lovingly restored by Eleanor Tostlebe Peterson and family. (Award of Distinction.) A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Mike Peterson, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Younker Family Heritage Farm barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Clancy Barn, 1866 Marengo Avenue (Highway 4 and 7), Pomeroy (Calhoun County). Directions:
The Clancy barn was built in 1948 by Leo Clancy, charter member of Charlais Association, who raised the cattle on the farm. |
  Ellis barn, 2370 Fletcher Avenue, Lytton (Calhoun County). Directions: The barn is 3 miles east and 2 ½ miles north of Lytton.
Known to area residents as “the big red barn,” this landmark dairy barn was built in 1918. It is 40 feet tall to the eaves. It has 3 x 12-inch A-frame timbers in excess of 30 feet in length. The Ellis family raises Red Rock Arabian horses. This barn was featured in the Iowa Public Television “Living in Iowa” special, Saving Iowa’s Barns. A photo of the barn before restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, courtesy of Iowa Public Television, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Ellis barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Renze barn, 22695 Highway 71, Carroll (Carroll County). Directions: 3 miles south of Carroll on Highway 71.
The Renze barn overlooks a tranquil pond on a farmstead once known as the “Old Mattes Place.” The barn has hip-roof rafters. This barn was featured in the Iowa Public Television “Living in Iowa” special, Saving Iowa’s Barns. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, courtesy of Iowa Public Television, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Renze barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Sextro crib, 2708 280th St., Manning (Carroll County). Directions: From Carroll, travel 8 miles west on Highway 30 and then 9 miles south on M68, and then 1/4 mile west.
This landmark crib was built in early 1900’s. It is one of the oldest cribs in the area. The Sextro crib was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Yezek barn, 22881 Vine Avenue, Plymouth (Cerro Gordo County). Directions: From Rock Falls, go 1 mile north on the county blacktop. The barn is on the east side of the road.
This 32 x 52 barn with metal cupola was built in 1930 and is one of the only barns standing in the area. The barn was in vulnerable condition when the Yezeks started the restoration project, as shown in the photo to the left (click the photo to enlarge it). The barn now stands proud showing passersby what can be done with determination. A photo of the barn after restoration, is shown in the photo on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Yezek barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Blazek barn, 1755 Ridgeway Boulevard, Lawler (Chickasaw County). Directions: Turn off Highway 24 into Lawler. Go north through Lawler to V46. Follow V46 three miles to farm.
The Blazek barn is a distinguished large barn with a drive-through center where teams of horses pulled and unloaded full loads of hay. Barn dances were held in mow in early 1900’s. The barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Geschke barn, 1744 McCloud, New Hampton (Chickasaw County). Directions: Travel 2 miles north of New Hampton on US 63 (mile marker #207).
The Geschke barn, set atop a hill on US 63, was built in the 1940’s and has manger doors and baby calf feeding stanchions for milking. The Geschke barn was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Oswald-Harken barn, 1074 Harken Hills Drive, Osceola (Clarke County). Directions: Exit I-35 at Osceola (US 34). Continue through town on US 34. Barn is about a fourth mile beyond town on the right.
Long-time Osceola physician, Dr. C.R. Harken, used this barn in his purebred Angus operation. The cattle barn, built circa 1935, could be converted into a show pavilion to seat 1000. Angus breeders from around the country, including J.C. Penney, attended shows in the barn. The Oswalds use the barn in their farming operation. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by James Powell, is shown in the photo on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Oswald-Harken barn was featured on the 2006 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Redman barn, 2034 205th Avenue, Osceola (Clarke County). Directions: From I-35, take US 34 west 2 ½ miles.
The Redman barn was built in 1916 and has been owned by two different families. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by James Powell, is shown in the photo on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Redman barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Purviance barn, 2165 H Avenue, Minburn (Dallas County). Directions: From the intersection of Highways 44 and 169, turn west on 44 and go 6 miles to H Avenue. Turn north for 2 ½ miles.
Local craftsmen built this historic family farm in 1913 for Robert Purviance, a prominent Dallas County farmer. A photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Purviance barn was featured on the 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Kosman barn, 10611 240th Avenue, Weldon (Decatur County). Directions: From Osceola, travel south on US 69 for 10 miles to Clarke-Decatur Street. Turn east and go one mile to first gravel road. Turn south. Barn is second house on the west side.
The Kosman barn, built in 1907, was used for horses, cattle and hay storage. The owners would invite all of their neighbors to large barn dances. The Kosman family purchased the farm in the winter of 1972. Since that time, the barn has been used for milking, calving and farrowing. The loft of the barn was used for storage of small straw and hay bales on one side, while the other side has served as a basketball court and a place for other fun games with the neighborhood children. Today, the loft is used primarily for storage and the stalls below are home to 4-H animals and bottle calves. A photo of the barn prior to restoration and a photo of the barn after restoration, are shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Kosman barn was featured on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Dighton barn, 3344 120th Avenue, Coggon (Delaware County). Directions: From Coggon, travel west out of town on paved road for one mile to Quality Ridge Road. Turn north for 1 1/2 miles.
Robert Kirkpatrick and his wife Jennie homesteaded this farm in 1905 and raised five children. In 1913, Robert went to a horse sale in Missouri where he saw an impressive round barn. Robert measured that barn, counted every brick, and sketched a building plan. In 1914 he began construction of his own round barn. The barn is made of hollow clay tile that was shipped by rail from Chicago to Coggon, and then hauled to the farm by horse and wagon. The barn, which cost $1995.00 to build, was completed in 1917. In 2004 Dave Dighton, the grandson of Robert Kirkpatrick and current owner of the farm, selected Don and John Heffernen to restore the barn, after interviewing six different contractors. The Dighton barn was restored as part of the Iowa Barn Foundation’s Adopt-a-Barn program. In April 2005, the Robert Kirkpatrick round barn, also known as the Dighton round barn was added to the Iowa State Register of Historic Places and to the National Register of Historic Places. A photo of the barn prior to restoration and a photo of the barn after restoration taken by Ken Dunker, are shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Dighton barn was featured on the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Bartelt barn, 16296 Highway 61, Mediapolis (Des Moines County). Directions: The barn is seven miles south of Mediapolis.
The owners of the Bartelt barn saw it falling into disrepair and subsequently bought and restored it. It is peg and post basement barn with a limestone foundation. The barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Murphy barn, 7606 Stony Hollow Road, Burlington (Des Moines County). Directions:
This primitive, historic barn has horse stalls, a milking area, hog house, corn crib, cattle feeding area, and hay loft. The barn is still used for agriculture. (Award of Distinction). The Murphy barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Bennett barn, 1664 Eagle Avenue, Latimer (Franklin County). Directions: Take I-35 to State Highway 3. Turn west on 3 and go 1 mile to Eagle Avenue. Turn north and go 2 ½ miles.
This handsome clay tile barn, with round laminated rafter roof and matching silo, was built in 1950 by Henning Construction Company of Latimer, Iowa, for a dairy herd. The cow stanchions have drinking cups and there is a unique chain lift manure carrier. Butter was once made in the barn. This barn was featured in the Iowa Public Television “Living in Iowa” special, Saving Iowa’s Barns. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Bennett barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Dodd barn, 1854 40th Street, Ackley (Franklin County). Directions: Travel 4 miles west of Ackley on Highway 57. Turn north on S 55 for 2 miles to 40th Street. Go ½ mile west.
The barn was built by Ernest Aldinger, one of three Aldinger brothers who built farms within a mile of each other. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Dodd barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Klousia barn, 1766 165th St., Hampton (Franklin County). Directions: From the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65 in Hampton, travel 2 miles East, then 2 miles North, then ¼ mile West. The barn is on the north side of the road.
The builder of the Klousia barn copied a Wisconsin dairy barn when he built it in 1888. The barn has a thick limestone foundation, wooden pegged beams, three grain bins, an upper level haymow, and aisles large enough for a team of horses to move hay and grain into the barn. The barn was proudly placed on the most prominent position on the farm. There was room for 10 horses. This barn was featured in the Iowa Public Television “Living in Iowa” special, Saving Iowa’s Barns. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, courtesy of Iowa Public Television, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Klousia barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Richards barn, 2201 R, Jamaica, (Greene County). Directions:
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) The Richards barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Caltrider barn, 3016 Juniper Avenue, Casey (Guthrie County). Directions: Exit I-80 at Casey and take Whitepole Road to Highway 25. Turn north for three miles to 310th . Turn left, and travel four miles west to Juniper Avenue. The farm is ¾ mile north on east side of road.
The Caltrider farm has been in same family since 1883. The Caltrider barn was built in 1917. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Caltrider barn was featured on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Hindraker barn, 2698 Jaguar Trail, Guthrie Center (Guthrie County). Directions: From Guthrie Center, go west on 44 for 3 miles. Turn left on Jaguar and go 4 ½ miles south.
The original barn was built at the turn of the century. It burned down in 1931, after which the present barn was built. A photo of the Hindraker barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Hindraker barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Thurmond-Adams barn, 1100 Evergreen Drive, Williams (Hamilton County). Directions: From D 25 (Old 20) south of Williams, turn north on R 75. Turn right on 4th, right on Spruce, and right on Evergreen.
The owner recently inherited this old 36 x 63 tongue and groove barn, with two-inch vertical siding, and two acres from his uncle. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Thurmond-Adams barn was featured on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Sparks barn, 15737 E. Avenue, Alden (Hardin County). Directions: Take Alden/Buckeye exit off US 20. Go north to D25. Go west to E.
G. Herman, 1923, Dubuque, is painted on west inside wall of this very large barn. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Sparks barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Finken barn, 3005 335th Street, Logan (Harrison County). Directions: Travel west on I-80 to I-680. Proceed west to Exit 21 which is L-34 (Beebeetown). Turn east (F-66) for 1.5 miles.
The land has been in the family since 1892, and the Finken barn was built in 1927. The barn’s 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. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Finken barn was featured on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Ellingson barn, 19987 Timber Avenue, Cresco (Howard County). Directions: Farm is located between New Hampton and Cresco. Travel 14 miles north from New Hampton on Hwy 63 to B22 (Jerico blacktop), and turn right. Travel 6 miles to Stanley Ave. Turn left on Stanley Ave. (gravel road). Note: When you cross from Chickasaw County into Howard County, Stanley Avenue becomes Timber Avenue. Travel 3 miles to the intersection of Timber Avenue and 200 St. Farm is on the Northwest corner of the intersection.
The Ellingson barn was built in 1929 and was used as a dairy barn with stalls for draft horses. One unique feature is its hand sawn, curved, and laminated roof beams. It can be seen from Dr. Norman Borlaug’s farm, which is only half a mile away. The family farm has been beautifully restored, with nine out of ten original buildings still intact, and an orchard located back in its original site. The barn is being used to raise baby bottle calves, feeder cattle, and winter two pet miniature horses. A photo of the barn prior to restoration and a photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Marlene Fenstermann, are shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Ellingson barn was featured on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 McBurney barn, 2550 Gotch Park Road, Humboldt (Humboldt County). Directions: At the Westside elevator, turn right. Go to Gotch Park Road and take the black top 2 ½ miles.
Stephen Taft, who founded Springvale which became Humboldt, owned the land on which this barn stands. In 1874 he sold the land to Lorbeers who built the house and barn, both of which are still in use. The barn was built in 1890. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by James Powell, is shown in the photo on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The McBurney barn was featured on the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Clasen barn, 25219 200th Street, Bellevue (Jackson County). Directions: From Maquoketa travel north on Highway 61 to Otter Creek. Travel east on D61 (Bellevue-Cascade Road) to Cottonville. Travel south on Y61 to 200th street and travel east 200 yds. The farm is the first on the right.
This wider-than-usual barn, built in 1912, has bark on many of its support timbers. In addition, the barn’s top hip is longer then the lower hip which is something you don’t see in many barns. A photo of the barn after restoration, and a photo showing the bark-covered timbers, taken by Michael McConnell, are shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Clasen barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Delaney barn, 23477 Bellevue-Cascade Road, La Motte (Jackson County). Directions: From Maquoketa, travel 13 miles west to Highway 61. At Marker 171 turn east on the Bellevue-Cascade Road. Travel 3 miles. The farm is on the right.
This lovely farm is known as the Sprank farm. The large barn, with wooden peg construction, was built around 1900, and the smaller barn was built in 1940. A photo of each barn after restoration, taken by Michael McConnell, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Delaney barn was featured on the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Stromeyer barn, 37647 Iron Bridge Road, Spragueville (Jackson County). Directions: From Maquoketa, travel East on Highway 64 for 14 miles. Turn left on H 113 to Spragueville. At the stop sign in Spragueville, turn left onto Iron Bridge Road and travel two miles. Or, take Highway 62 north out of Maquoketa to Iron Bridge Road turnoff south of Andrew. Travel nine miles on Iron Bridge Road.
The 54x72 Stromeyer barn is 38 feet tall with hay hoods on both ends. The barn was designed and built by William F.H. Stromeyer and his two brothers, Henry and Otto, in 1902 out of native cottonwood trees that were floated down the Maquoketa river. The barn has 12 milking stanchions that were used until the 1970’s when milking was discontinued. The barn originally had a lean-to on the south side, but this was removed in 1950 and replaced by a 20 foot extension to the barn. Today the barn is used for hay and straw storage and occasionally, some beef cattle are kept inside. The Stromeyer family received an Award of Distinction from the Iowa Barn Foundation for funding the restoration of the barn themselves. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Stromeyer barn was featured on the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Defries barn, 17929 232nd Avenue, Maquoketa (Jackson County). Directions: Travel north out of Andrew on Highway 62, then left on 250th Avenue (three miles) and left again on 232nd. The farm is on the left.
The Defries barn on the Doris and Jack Dyas Farm, was built in 1885 by A.B. DeFries whose family settled in the area in the 1850’s. The 47 x 84-foot barn has post and beam pegged construction. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Defries barn was featured on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Gehlen barn, Main Street, St. Donatus (Jackson County). Directions: From Dubuque, travel south on Highway 52 into St. Donatus. The barn is on the west side of block-long Main Street.
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) A photo of the barn prior to restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Gehlen barn was featured on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Michels barn, 39016 308th Street, Bellevue (Jackson County). Directions: Go 3 miles north of Bellevue on Highway 52, and turn right onto 308th Street. Barn is at the first farm on the left.
This 30 x 50-foot 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) A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Hanson barn, 11590 North 87th Avenue West, Mingo (Jasper County). Directions: At the junctions of Highways 65, 330, and 117, continue northeast on 330. Go 1 mile to F 17 and turn east for .4 of a mile to W. 122nd St. N., and turn right. Go .4 of a mile to 87th Av. W and turn left. The barn is a little over .7 of a mile on the left side of the road.
According to the Jasper County assessor’s office, the original 34’ x 60’ Hanson barn was built some time around 1901. Some of the hand-hewn support posts date from the 1880’s, so it is possible that the barn was built then and remodeled over time. A hired man that worked on the Hanson farm in the 1940’s said the barn was always referred to as the horse barn and was the home to two teams of horses and the milk cow of that time. The barn has been home to the Hanson’s 4-H calves, sheep, feeder pigs, and milk cow. Today, it is the home to Nola Hanson’s daughter’s 4-H calves and her many cats. Because of the weight of the roof and weak joints, the mortise and tenon joints were starting to pull apart and the structure was starting to lean to one side and the south end was coming apart. As a part of the barn’s restoration, 3/4" steel rodsets were installed across to haymow to pull the structure together and a 24' steel and wood-sandwiched beam was installed to pull the end of the barn back in. The Hanson’s also removed three layers of old roofing and replaced it with new 40-year shingles. New trim was added around the windows and most of the doors and battens were also replaced. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Hanson barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Gary Irwin barn, 3135 100th Street, Batavia (Jefferson County). Directions:
What is known as the Thomann barm was built in 1930’s. Even during the Depression, more expensive three-pin construction was used to connect the beams instead of the cheaper two-pin construction method. Roof is a three-hip or three-level roof. The barn is near a flag station on narrow gauge track. The Gary Irwin barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Ulch barn, 4672 Sutliff Road Northeast, Solon (Johnson County). Directions: On the north edge of Solon, travel east for 1 mile on Sutliff Road.
This barn, built around 1905, is unique in that it is very primitive. The barn is still used in farming. The Ulch barn was featured on the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Dreyer barn, 102 310th Street, Fenton (Kossuth County). Directions: Take B29 off Highway 15 just before Fenton and turn west. It is the first farm heading west.
The farm has been in the family since 1900; barn was built in 1903 and used as dairy barn until 1944. There is 1000-gallon wooden water storage tank in the hayloft and the barn’s manure unloading system intact. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Dreyer barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Cutkomp barn, 22682 120th Street, Columbus Junction (Louisa County). Directions: Travel south on Highway 92 from Columbus Junction to Columbus City. From Columbus City, travel south. The road (T Avenue) becomes gravel. Make the “S” turn and go straight 2 miles to 120th Street. Turn left (east), and you will see the Cutkomp barn (the first barn on the north).
The Cutkomp barn was originally built by Lewis Cutkomp in 1911. Native lumber was harvested on the place for the barn and put together with wooden pegs. Lewis Cutkomp bought the farm in the late 1800’s, and it has remained in the family. A photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Cutkomp barn was featured on the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Gillespie barn, 1257 Highway 92, Winterset (Madison County).
This lovely barn was built in 1874 by W.W. George, great grandfather of Cecil Gillespie, the current owner. The farm has been in the same family since 1870. The barn, with wooden pegged beams and limestone foundation is located on Old Bluff Road, which carried early settlers to Council Bluffs. This barn was featured in the Iowa Public Television “Living in Iowa” special, Saving Iowa’s Barns. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, courtesy of Iowa Public Television, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Gillespie barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 McBroom-Hargis barn, 1218 Highway 169, Winterset (Madison County). Directions: Barn is five miles south of I-80 (Adel, De Soto, Winterset exit).
Article in Madison County paper (1884) wrote about 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. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The McBroom-Hargis barn was featured on the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Beeler barn, 2569 140th Street, Van Meter (Madison County). Directions: From DeSoto, go south on Highway 169. Turn east on 130th Street to stop sign. Then go south on Prairieview Avenue and finally east on 140th Street.
The Beeler barn is in what was a strong German settlement. The barn was built by the Burger brothers, one of whom became the first county agent in Iowa. The Beeler barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Pfantz barn, 210 4th Avenue NE., State Center (Marshall County). Directions: From US 30, travel into State Center. Fourth Street is on north side of railroad tracks. Barn is behind Victorian house.
The unique Pfantz barn was built in 1902 for Pfantz’s great-grandfather, a well-known horse broker. The barn has such unique features as handmade screens and a milk cellar. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Pfantz barn was featured on the 2006 and 2007 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Dobbin barn, 2551 Brown Avenue, State Center (Marshall County). Directions: From State Center, go west on US 30 one mile to Cooper Avenue. Turn south, and go 1.5 miles. At 255th Street turn right. Barn is about 0.7 mile west.
The wonderful Dobbin round barn was built by the Dobbin family in 1917. This was a pre-cut structure designed and made to order by the Gordon Van Tine Company of Davenport, Iowa for $6000. Carpenters like Ike Ingersol and Amos Thompson assembled the numbered pieces into the 65-foot diameter barn with silo in the middle. It has large, round cupola. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). (Award of Distinction) The Dobbin barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Buck barn, 1271 285th Street, State Center (Marshall County). Directions: From State Center, go west on US 30 one mile to Cooper Avenue. Go 4.5 miles south to 285th Street. Turn left on gravel. Barn is at first place on left.
The Buck barn is an example of how a potential tear-down can be turned into a jewel. It has a wonderful cupola. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Buck barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Smith barn, 2947 170th Street, Marshalltown (Marshall County). Directions: Travel north on Highway 14 to Garvin Road. Travel east to Underwood and turn north and turn east on 170th Street.
The lovely Smith barn, built in 1915, has been so beautifully restored that the original hardware on doors and windows is highlighted. The original wiring and switches remain and work. (Award of Distinction). The Smith barn was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Kochersperger barn, 64094 US 59, Emerson (Mills County). Directions: Four miles south of Emerson on Highway 59.
Jacob Kochersperger farm has been in the family since 1870. Barn was built in 1941. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Stan Allen, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Kochersperger barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Rockafellow barn, 4484 Echo Avenue, St. Ansgar (Mitchell County). Directions: Go north out of St. Ansgar on US 218 for 2 miles. Turn left at Echo Avenue.
This beautiful bank barn, with a limestone foundation, was built in 1877 for horses and cattle. The timber was framed with wooden pegs. It is unusual to have a bank barn in northern Iowa. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Rockafellow barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Ascherl barn, 4680 McKinley, Granville (O'Brien County). Directions: From Granville, travel 1 mile east on Highway 10 and ½ mile south on gravel. The barn is on east side of road.
The Ascherl barn was built in 1914 by Mr. Ben Diers from Germantown. This landmark 60’ x 54’ barn is also known as the Hoefler barn. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Ascherl barn was featured on the 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Battaglioli barn, 4819 480th Street, Granville (O'Brien County). Directions: From Granville, travel 2 miles east on Highway 10. Turn south on Monroe and travel 2 miles to 480th Street. Travel east ¼ of a mile.
The Battaglioli barn is one of the few large barns remaining in the area. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Battaglioli barn was featured on the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Darin and Jenny Johnson barn, 6610 460th Street, Sutherland (O'Brien County). Directions:
This barn was built around 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. The Johnson barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Jones barn, 2138 Verdin Avenue, Ocheyedan (Osceola County). Directions: From Highway 59, turn east on A34 (220th Street) and go about 7.5 miles to Verdin Avenue. Turn north on gravel. Barn is ˝ mile north on east side of road.
The Jones barn, built in 1917, is one of the largest barns in the area. The barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Johnson barn, 5075 525th Avenue, Rolfe (Palo Alto County). Directions: From the southwest side of Rolfe, find 290th Street. Go 7 miles north to 400th (510th) Avenue. Go west ½ mile to 525th Avenue. Turn north and go ¼ mile.
This barn was built in 1950 by twins, Lovell and Rodell Long, for Fritz Johnson’s cow and pig operation. Barn has laminated rafters constructed in eight layers. Rafters are set on a two-foot foundation to allow for the haymow. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Johnson barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Ferguson barn, 40415 130th Avenue, Pocahontas (Pocahontas County). Directions: Barn is 3 ¾ miles straight north of Laurens on 130th Avenue.
The Ferguson farm is the second century farm north of Laurens, Iowa. The current farmhouse, built in 1922, replaced an earlier home. The 36x52 Ferguson barn and corn crib were built in 1912 from ceramic block with unique curved corners. The barn originally housed milk cows and draft horses. The concrete cow feeders still remain in the alley, but the gutters were filled with concrete in the 1960’s. Later, the barn housed hogs and sheep. The barn is currently used for cattle and horses. The 28x30 corn crib, which was built at the same time as the barn, originally had a round roof. The round roof was replaced by a simpler peaked roof in the 1940’s. The crib was used for corn storage until the 1980’s. The original elevator for the overhead oats storage still works. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Ferguson barn was featured on the 2004, 2005, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Becker barn, 13081 NW 158th Avenue, Madrid (Polk County). Directions: Two mles south of Madrid on Highway 17, turn east for 1 mile on 158th Avenue.
This pleasant old barn was teetering to oblivion before it was recently restored. A photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Becker barn was featured on the 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Richardson barn, 624 E. 150th St. N., Grinnell (Poweshiek County). Directions: From Grinnell, travel south 3 miles on 146 and then travel west on 410th for 3 miles. The barn is on the south side.
The Richardson barn was built in the mid-1940’s. Much of the wood used in the interior was from wood used in clearing the land. The Richardson barn was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Ihde barn, 6647 E. 136th Street N., Grinnell (Poweshiek County). Directions: From Grinnell, take Highway 6 west to T 38, and then turn north. Take F 27 1.5 miles to 136th N.
The Ihde barn was designed to emphasize the short, compact body of Angus via two contrasting ceiling levels and higher center alley floor as compared to pen floor. Ceiling above the cattle made them appear to have larger body size relative to the space they occupied. This working farm, originally Lancroft farms, was known for its Angus. The Ihde barn was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Lang barn, 2334 Sixth Street, Grinnell (Poweshiek County). Directions:
This early twentieth century brick barn is a landmark in Grinnell. It is restored. A smaller barn, across the road, was built in 1896 and is used for agriculture. (Award of Distinction) The Lang barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Ramsey barn, east of Mount Ayr on Lesanville Road (Ringgold County). Directions: From Interstate 35, travel west on Highway 2 for 25 miles to Lesanville Road. (Lesanville Road is five miles west of Kellerton.) Turn north on Lesanville Road and travel ¼ mile.
Solomon Lesan, one of the first settlers in the county, obtained the farm from the government in 1855. Eventually there were several farmsteads owned by Lesans making up the village of Lesanville. The Lesanville Cemetery (1878) is 300 yards from the barn that is still in the family. The barn was featured in the article “Iowa native restores ancestral farm” in Iowa Farmer Today. A photo of the barn is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Ramsey barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| McCaughey barn, Mount Ayr (Ringgold County). Directions: East of Mount Ayr on Highway 2 (1/2 mile west of Ramsey barn on south side of road).
Howard Lesan built this large 40 x80 barn in 1929 for his dairy, the first in Ringgold county. This barn replaced an earlier barn that was destroyed by fire. The McCaughey barn was featured on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Schneckloth crib, 23553 200th Avenue, Eldridge (Scott County). Directions: Exit US 61 at Exit 127. Go east on LeClaire Road 3 miles. Then go south on 200th 1 ½ miles.
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. A photo of the crib after restoration, taken by Michael McConnell, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Schneckloth crib was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Zelle barn, 1503 Holland Street, Le Claire (Scott County). Directions: Take #306 exit 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.
The Zelle barn, located on a 19th century family farm, is one of the few barns left in Scott County. The Zelle barn was featured on the 2007 and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Heflin barn, 837 Orange Road, Harlan (Shelby County). Directions: From the intersection of US 59 and State 44, go 4 miles east on 44 to Orange road. Then go 1 ¼ miles south. The 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 and featuring a roofline of four equidistant gabled sides, has been used by four generations of Heflins. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). This barn was featured in the Iowa Public Television “Living in Iowa” special, Saving Iowa’s Barns and was also featured in the article “Restored barn steals spotlight” in Iowa Farmer Today. The Heflin barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Wooster barn, 2435 2100th Street, Manning (Shelby County). Directions: From Irwin, take the highway east 5 miles; turn north on gravel for 1 mile and turn east for ¾ of a mile. From Manning, travel 7 miles south on Airport Road on the west side of town. Travel west for 1 ¾ miles.
Mr. Wooster's grandfather built this barn in 1896. It has always been used in the family farming operation and still is. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Ken Dunker, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Wooster barn was featured on the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Handsaker Barn, 65627 200th Street, Nevada (Story County). Directions: The barn is immediately southeast of Fernald, Iowa which is on E 29 west of U.S. 65, north of Colo.
The Handsaker barn, featured on the cover of the Spring 2003 edition of the Iowa Barn Foundation Magazine, is a spartan, unique square barn known widely as the "Fernald barn." William Handsaker bought the rich land, on which the barn stands, from the government in 1853 for $4 per acre. The barn was built in 1880 by J.W. Handsaker, great great grandfather of Gary Handsaker, who with his mother, Gloria, owns the farm now. Dale Handsaker, Gloria’s husband and Gary’s father, was a well-known Story County farmer until his death. The beautifully maintained house on the farm was built in 1875. Gary removed the shingle siding on the barn, brought back the original wood siding, and painted the barn red as it was originally. Interestingly, the Handsaker family sold some of their land so that the village of Fernald could be built. A photo of the barn before restoration and a photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Don Poggensee, are shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Handsaker barn was featured on the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Mehlisch Barn, 17590 730th Avenue, Zearing (Story County). Directions: From Zearing, take Highway 65 south for 3 miles. Turn east (left) onto E-23 for 3 miles. Turn south (right) on 730th Avenue and go 1 ½ miles. Turn east (left) on a hill with many trees into the driveway of 17590 730th Avenue, a brick house. From Colo off of Highway 30, turn onto Highway 65 and travel north for 5 miles. Turn east (right) on E-29 (190th Street) and travel 3 miles. Turn north (left) on 730th Avenue and go 1 ½ miles. Turn east (right) on hill with many trees into the driveway of 17590 730th Avenue, a brick house.
The Mehlisch barn was built in 1905 by Chris Muschick, a Wendish carpenter. He built many barns and houses in the area. The original structure was 40x50 and was used primarily for hay storage and shelter work horses. In 1916, a cupola was added to the barn roof and the barn was painted white. In 1950, a 20’ addition was added on the north side for cattle. In 1968, a 20’ addition was added to the south side of the barn for hogs. The Mehlisch barn is featured in the Fall 2005 issue of the Iowa Barn Foundation Magazine. A photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Mehlisch barn was featured on the 2005, 2006, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Twedt barn, 63645 160th Street, Nevada (Story County). Directions: From Ames, travel north on I 35 to E 29. Travel east on E29 to S14 and turn left and travel 3 miles to 160th Street.
The Twedt barn utilized 40 two-ply laminate rafters to support rounded roof so hayloft is free of posts and beams. The farm was once owned by Hoyt Sherman, brother of the Civil War general. A photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Twedt barn was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Apland/Freeland Barn, 57304 Highway 210, Cambridge (Story County). Directions: Exit I-35 at the Highway 210 exit and travel east. The barn is visible from the freeway on the south side of the road.
This glorious pegged barn was built by Jens Russell for a Norwegian immigrant, Oley Apland. Original carving arguably written by Oley Apland in English and Norwegian marks the date construction was completed. (This building is built by Jens Russell from Cambridge in year 1875.) Structural beams are walnut. The barn sits in the historic Norwegian settlement and remains in the original family. (Award of Distinction) The Apland/Freeland barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Parsons barn, 22055 Highway 1, Keosauqua (Van Buren County). Directions: Highway 1 south of Keosauqua Bridge at the top of the hill on the west side.
The Parsons barn is a small Pennsylvania-style barn built for practical purposes rather than tradition. The Parsons barn was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Strabala barn, 1830 290th Street, Washington (Washington County). Directions: From Washington, travel south on Highway 1 for 5 1/2 miles to 290th St. Turn West on 290th and travel 1/2 mile.
This large barn was built in the 1920’s by distinguished United States Senator Smith Brookhart while he was in office. It is a barn that is important to Iowa and to America. The barn was featured in the article “Washington County resident restores senator’s farmstead” in Iowa Farmer Today. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Strabala barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Haugen barn, 18446 420th Street, Leland (Winnebago County). Directions: Travel north out of Leland, Iowa on US 69 to 420th Street (three miles). Turn right on 420th (gravel). The Haugen farm is the first farm on the north side.
The 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. A photo of the barn is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Haugen barn was featured on the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
 Hutchinson barn, 2299 Scenic River Road, Decorah (Winneshiek County). Directions: From Decorah, travel 7 miles northwest on Bluffton Road. Turn right on Scenic River Road. The Hutchinson farm is one place on the right.
The Hutchinson barn was built in 1929. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Michael McConnell, is shown on the right (click the photo to enlarge it). The Hutchinson barn was featured on the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Gribble barn, 3109 155th Street, Fort Atkinson (Winneshiek County). Directions: From New Hampton, take Highway 24 east for 19 miles to 295th Avenue. Take a left and drive 2 ½ miles to 155th Street. Turn left and go 1 ½ miles.
Original owners (1855) were Mary and Joseph Puffer. Their son Michael and wife Rose Puffer, built the wooden barn and six surrounding buildings from 1900-1905. The Prague-born Puffers raised Brown Swiss, known for their “rich cream.” Community dances were held in the barn. Sherry Puffer Gribble, great granddaughter of the original owners, and her husband, Dale, meticulously restored the barn and farm. A photo of the barn before restoration taken by Marlene Fenstermann, is shown on the right. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Clair Carolon who painted the barn after restoration was complete, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Gribble barn was first featured on the 2002 Northeast Barn Tour. The Gribble barn was also featured on the 2004, 2005, and 2006 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Lea-Oakley Barn, 2279 County Road W42, Decorah (Winneshiek County). Directions:
This Norwegian barn was built in 1862 by John Johnson using native limestone. The original materials are intact. The barn has a gambrel roof with wooden shingles that was probably added at a later date. The original roof would have been a gable roof. The Lea-Oakley barn is new for the 2009 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Linderbaum-Palmer barn, 1206 150th Street, Castalia (Winneshiek County). Directions: From Decorah intersection of Highways 9 and 52, travel east on Highway 9 for 5.8 miles to Centennial road. Turn right on Centennial and travel 8.4 miles (Centennial becomes W 46). Turn left on 150th Street. Travel 1.7 miles to Palmer barn.
The Linderbaum-Palmer barn is unique in that it has housed an Ayrshire herd since 1946 (there are very few Ayrshire herds left in the country). The barn was constructed by Charles Linderbaum, Sr. in 1921 using rock hauled from a nearby quarry using horses and wagons. Framing of the barn was with oak harvested from the Linderbaum woodlands and a portable sawmill was brought to saw logs. Some 200-300 men came for a one day barn raising and each man was given a new hammer. A photo of the barn after restoration, taken by Clair Carolan, and a photo of the barn with Ayrshire cow, taken by Marlene Fenstermann, are shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Linderbaum-Palmer barn was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Hotvedt barn, 1996 County Road A 14, west of Hesper on the state line (Winneshiek County). Directions: From Decorah, at the intersection of Highway 9 and 52, travel 5 miles north on Highway 52 to the county paved road W34 (also called North Winn Road). Travel approximately 8 miles north to the T-intersection. Turn right (east) at the T-intersection for .8 miles to farm, which is on the left (north) side of road. The driveway is a quarter mile long. The farm is west of Hesper about 1.2 miles on the north side of County Road A14.
John McMullens bought this farm from the Government in 1852 for $1.25 an acre. Nearby Mable, Minnesota's steam engine days started on the farm. The farm was in family until 1990. Oscar Hutchins built the barn in 1906 for livestock. In 1954 the milk house was added to the southeast corner. The haymow still houses a granary and there is a lean-to-crib. The Hotvedt barn was first featured on the 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
  Belfrage barn, 2410 Port Neal Road, Sergeant Bluff (Woodbury County). Directions: Get off I-29 at the Port Neal exit 135 and go west 2 miles to the first intersection. Then go north 2 miles. The farm is on the right.
Owner Winston Belfrage’s great-grandfather, John Belfrage, bought the land on which this barn stands in 1875 after serving in the Civil War. A carpenter named Aaron Gunderson built the barn on the land in 1910. A photo of the barn prior to restoration, and a photo of the barn after restoration, is shown on the right (click the photos to enlarge them). The Belfrage barn was featured on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
| Tenold barn, 4356 Wheelerwood Road, Northwood (Worth County). Directions: Exit I-35 at the Kensett/Joice. Travel 1/4 miles west to Wheelerwood Road. Turn north and travel 2.5 miles.
Barn is across from what was the town of Tenold, Iowa. Tenold was listed on Iowa maps until 1960. The Tenold barn was featured on the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-State Barn Tour. |
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