History and agriculture will come together this fall as the Iowa Barn Foundation hosts its 26th Annual All-State Barn Tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.
More than 100 historic barns across Iowa will open their doors to visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The self-guided tour is free and open to the public, giving families and history enthusiasts a chance to explore barns that are often only seen from the roadside.
This year’s tour features 108 stops, including 12 barns participating for the first time. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see a record 16 round barns, among some of Iowa’s rarest and most distinctive agricultural structures.
Many participating barns have received restoration grants from the Iowa Barn Foundation or have been recognized with the foundation’s Award of Distinction or Preservation Award. At several locations, barn owners will be available to share stories about the buildings, their history and the work involved in preserving them.
Among the newcomers for 2026 is the Ogden Barn near Maxwell in Polk County. Believed to have been built between 1910 and 1920, the gambrel-roof barn underwent restoration work in 2025, including foundation stabilization, new windows and roofing, and fresh paint.
Also joining the tour is the 1883 Roberts Octagon Barn near Iowa City in Johnson County. The eight-sided barn measures 61 feet across and features hand-hewn beams, livestock areas, dairy stanchions, oat bins and a small corncrib.
In Dubuque County, the Hempstead Barn near Fillmore is another new addition. Built in 1896, much of the barn’s original interior remains intact, including wooden milking stanchions, horse stalls and well-worn wooden floors.
The Iowa Barn Foundation was established in 1997 and has awarded approximately $2.6 million in grants to help preserve more than 300 historic barns across the state. The volunteer-led nonprofit receives no government funding and relies on private donations to support its preservation efforts.
An interactive tour guide, information about participating barns and membership details are available through the Iowa Barn Foundation.
Source: iowaagribusinessradionetwork.com/iowa-hosts-largest-barn-tour-in-the-world-september-19-20/
