Barn Tours

Annual barn tours explore McLean County’s rich history

In mid-September, Barn Keepers usually sponsors its popular annual tour. Join us Saturday, Sept. 9, for the 2023 Barn Tour — this year focusing on Blue Mound and Martin townships.

The 2023 event marks a return to this fun event — on  hiatus a few years because of the pandemic. Our last tour, in 2019 was a huge success. That tour focused on Lexington and Money Creek townships. Attendees spent the lovely autumn day roaming the McLean County countryside — and got a close look at some fabulous barns and farmsteads in that area.

Check out the 2019 Tour Guide, which includes the histories of each barn.

The guide also highlights other area sites, including the Patton Cabin in Lexington, the oldest surviving structure in McLean County, and Anvil Brand, a Lexington business that has been manufacturing horseshoes and hoof care products since 1978.

 

The Barn Keepers annual tour offers the wonderful experience of visiting working Corn Belt farms and getting up close and personal with barns that date to the long-gone era when horses were still vital to local agriculture. And all the fresh air came at no extra charge!

Tours since 2006

  • Blue Mound and Martin townships / Sept. 9, 2023

  • Lexington, Money Creek townships / Sept. 14, 2019

  • Bellflower Township / Sept. 8, 2018

  • Hudson Township / Sept. 9, 2017

  • Allin Township / Sept. 10, 2016

  • Chenoa Township / Sept. 12, 2015

  • Yates Township / Sept. 13, 2014

  • Cheney’s Grove Township / Sept. 14, 2013

  • Old Town Township / Sept. 8, 2012

  • Dawson Township / Sept. 10, 2011

  • Randolph and southern Bloomington townships / Sept. 11, 2010

  • Funks Grove Township / Sept. 12, 2009

  • Towanda area / Sept. 13, 2008

  • Gridley Township / Sept. 8, 2007

  • Danvers area / Sept. 16, 2006