Barns Worth Saving

When trees turn brilliant fall colors and farmers begin the harvest, it’s a perfect time to enjoy Indiana’s rural landscape. On October 28, the Indiana Barn Foundation (IBF) hosts a self-guided tour of barns and farm buildings in Monroe County.

Barns — iconic symbols of Indiana’s agricultural heritage — illustrate the complexity of agrarian life. Sadly, historic barns are a vanishing breed. Indiana Landmarks included the state’s round and polygonal barns on our 10 Most Endangered list in 2017 to bring attention to the problem.

Indiana Landmarks helped in organizing and nurturing the Indiana Barn Foundation in 2014 to preserve historic farm buildings throughout the state. Proceeds from the tour support IBF’s work.

Barns on the tour display a diverse range of styles, functions, and building traditions. You’ll see a former dairy barn transformed into a sculptor’s studio, and another dairy barn now sheltering horses instead of cows. At the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead Museum & Historic Site in Bloomington, you can experience a fusion of historic architecture and contemporary art with an exhibition of rural still-life photography.

The tour of Monroe County barns includes a stop at the Munson Family Barn, 6707 W. Rockeast Road.

The October 28 tour takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person in advance, $15 on the day of the tour.  Buy tickets in advance at the Visit Bloomington Visitors Center (2855 N. Walnut Street), the Monroe County Purdue Extension Office (3400 S. Walnut Street), or online at the IBF website, www.indianabarns.org. Day-of-tour tickets can be purchased at the Hinkle-Garton Farmstead (2920 E. 10th Street) or the Munson Family Barn (6707 W. Rockeast Road). For more information, visit www.indianabarns.org or the Barns of Monroe County Facebook page.