Barns are my first love. There is a rustic, honest, gritty, hardworking beauty about them that is difficult to put into words. I began taking photos of old barns more than 25 years ago. Now, many of the barns I photographed have disappeared. Some of these structures have been repurposed and renovated. The ones listed here just scratch the surface of Ohio’s magnificent collection of barns. Barns that are located on private property are noted.

Scott Hagan painting an Ohio Bicentennial Barn at Malabar Farm State Park.

You can’t look at Ohio barns without mentioning Scott Hagan, The Barn Artist. Hagan, of Jerusalem, Ohio, painted all 88 of the Ohio Bicentennial Barns and has hand-painted unique designs on dozens of other barns in Ohio and other states. Learn more about his amazing art and craft at his website.

Also recommended are several Facebook groups, including “For The Love of Ohio Barns,” created by photographer Jane Snipes. She has taken and posted beautiful photos of barns and rural scenes from every season in Ohio. Another great one is “Round Barns and Other Interesting Buildings,” administered by Scott Wagner.

Big S Round Barn – The McGaughy Big S Farm Round Barn was built in 1908 and is located northeast of Junction City in Perry County (private property). There were dozens of round barns built in Ohio but few of them remain.

Blue Barn Winery – A huge 1860s-era Dutch-style barn is the centerpiece of Blue Barn Winery, a family-run winery in Wayne County that also offers a seasonal schedule of outdoor events and music concerts. 4407 Columbus Road, Wooster (330) 575-1028.

Bob Evans Farms – We’ve all eaten at Bob Evans Restaurants. Bob Evans Farms is where it all began in Rio Grande, Ohio, where Bob and Jewel Evans founded the restaurant and raised six children. The flagship restaurant is open on the property all year long, and a village of reconstructed historic buildings is open seasonally. The Bob Evans Farm Festival is held each year here in October, with food, crafts, music and entertainment. 791 Farmview Road, Rio Grande, on SR 588 just off US 35. (740) 245-5305.

Circle S Farms – Circle S Farms offers family fun with sunflowers, farmer’s market, Fall Fun Days, pumpkins, hayrides, gift baskets and much more from summer to fall. 9015 London Groveport Road, Grove City (614) 878-7980.

Coca-Cola barn in Fairfield County.

Coca-Cola Barn – This red barn painted with the famous Coca-Cola logo sits at the corner of Giesy Road and County Road 46 north of Baltimore, Ohio (Fairfield County). Private property.

Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center – The Dairy Barn offers arts and crafts exhibits and studios. 8000 Dairy Lane, Athens (US 33 & 501) (740) 592-4981.

The “Every Day is Earth Day” barn along SR 161/37 between Alexandria and Granville.

Earth Day Barn – This white-painted barn along SR 161/37 just west of Granville is decorated with artwork showing hands holding a seedling and the words “Every day is Earth Day to a farmer.” The barn is owned by Hankinson Farms and the message is sponsored by the Licking County Farm Bureau and Licking County Soil & Water. Private property.

Fairfield County Fairgrounds Round Barn – Built in 1906 by J.E. Hedges, this dairy cattle barn is located on the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster (open to public during county fair and special events). 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster.

Kindelberger Stone Barn Farm – The Kindelberger Stone Barn Farm consists of a house and barn constructed of sandstone with slate roofs, with only occasional wood elements. Frederick Kindelberger constructed the house and barn in 1873 and 1883 respectively. In 1980, the complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 50037 German Ridge Road, Beallsville (740) 458-1507.

Laurel Valley Creamery – Family-owned farm since 1947 that specializes in naturally aged raw milk cheese and pasteurized specialty cheeses. You can buy their products at farmers markets and groceries in the Gallipolis, Athens and Huntington areas. 930 Laurel Road, Gallipolis.

This Mail Pouch barn is located on US 62 between Brinkhaven and Killbuck in Holmes County.

Mail Pouch Barns – There are still dozens of these painted advertising barns scattered throughout the state, although many have since faded or fallen down. Nearly all of these are located on private property. Here are a few of them:

• US 40 west of Zanesville, Muskingum County (several).
• SR 555 south of Zanesville in Muskingum County (near Morgan County).
• US 40 between New Concord and Norwich.
• 15296 Millersburg Road (US 62), Brinkhaven, Holmes County.
• 12198 US 62, Killbuck, Holmes County.
• SR 161/SR 37 at York Road/Alexandria exit, Licking County.
• SR 83 north of Coshocton, Coshocton County.
• SR 93 south of Baltic, Stark County.
• US 60 north of Marietta, Washington County.

Malabar Farm – The Main Barn at Malabar Farm State Park is only part of this amazing place. Pulitzer Prize-winning author, screenwriter and conservationist Louis Bromfield established the farm to demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices in the 1940s and ‘50s. The farm is celebrated as the site of the 1945 wedding of movie stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. After Bromfield’s death it was donated to the state and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1973. Activities include guided tours of the Big House, visitor center, restaurant, farm market, farm animals, fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking and much more. 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas (419) 892-2784.

J.H. Manchester Round Barn, built in 1908, is the largest round barn in the state.

J.H. Manchester Round Barn – This magnificent barn on SR 385 between Roundhead and New Hampshire, Ohio, was built in 1908 by Horace Duncan for farmer Jason H. Manchester. It is the largest round barn in the state and indeed, is the largest round barn east of the Mississippi River. The barn is located on private property.

Marmon Valley Farm — Bring family, groups and school groups to enjoy recreation at Marmon Valley Farm, Ohio’s largest horse camp. The farm specializes in trail rides through the wooded hills and ravines surrounding their many barns and animal pens. In addition, they offer arena horseback riding, a play barn, climbing wall, picnic grounds, petting zoo, fish pond and more. Other offerings are outings/parties/hay rides, overnight retreats in rustic farm buildings or bunkhouses, and special annual events. Marmon Valley Farm is a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association and their summer camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. Located at 7754 SR 292 S., Zanesfield (937) 593-8000.

McDonald’s Greenhouse & Corn Maze – McDonald’s Greenhouse is a family farm with corn maze, pumpkins, hayrides, petting farm, food, children’s and family activities. Open to public spring, summer and fall. 3220 Adamsville Road, Zanesville (740) 819-5814. (See also Ohio Farm Bureau Barn.)

Ohio Bicentennial Barn in Delaware County.

Ohio Bicentennial Barns – These “Ohio logo” barns are located in each county, each painted with a special design by barn artist Scott Hagan in recognition of Ohio’s 2003 bicentennial. The state-supported effort took about five years to complete, from 1997 to 2002. Most of these barns are on private property; some barns may have fallen down or have been painted over.

Here are the locations of a few Ohio Bicentennial Barns:

• 6844 Bale Kenyon Road, Lewis Center (Delaware County).
• US 33 near Rockbridge, at Hocking Hills Shopping Mall (Hocking County).
• SR 83 2 miles north of Millersburg at county home (Holmes County).
• 5040 Adamsville Road (SR 93) south of Adamsville (Muskingum County).
• Intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and SR 603 at Malabar Farm State Park (public property, Richland County).
• US 60 south of Lowell, 5 miles north of Marietta (Washington County).

Ohio Farm Bureau Barn – This handsome white barn stands on property owned by McDonald’s Greenhouse and Corn Maze located nearby. The barn was painted by Scott Hagan in 2019 to commemorate the centennial of the Ohio Farm Bureau. The painting was funded by the Muskingum County Farm Bureau. Located on SR 93 south of Adamsville.

Ohio Historic Family Farms – There are about 1,500 Ohio Historic Family Farms. The oldest farm, the Smiley family farm in Adams County, dates to 1772. The State of Ohio recognizes family-owned farms for 100, 150 and 200 years of operation.

Onederings Lavender Farm – Family-owned farm that grows lavender and produces lavender skin and home care products. Open for tours and u-pick during season, contact farm for hours. 2195 S. Clarksville Road, Clarksville.

Pigeon Roost Farm – Open seasonally in the autumn, Pigeon Roost Farm, a working family farm, offers pumpkins and fall produce, a Great Pumpkin Fun Center with family-friendly activities, farm animals, mazes and country store. 4413 National Road SW (US 40), Kirkersville. For group tour information, call (614) 570-7607.

Pine Tree Barn – An 1868 bank barn provides the setting for Pine Tree Barn, a family-run business that since 1980 has offered gourmet dining, gifts, home furnishings and a Christmas tree farm. 4374 Shreve Road, Wooster (330) 264-1014.

Pioneer Barn – Located at Hueston Woods State Park, Pioneer Barn, a large red Pennsylvania or bank barn was built in the 1840s and moved to this site to replace a barn that burned in 1990. The barn is part of the Hueston Woods State Park Pioneer Farm Museum, managed by the Oxford Museum Association. 6924 Brown Road, Oxford (513) 523-8005.

Quilt Barn Trails — There are nearly 40 Quilt Barn Trails in Ohio, featuring colorful, artistic quilt designs painted on barns. The first such trail was created in Adams County in 2001, with others following later, including Holmes and Coshocton counties. Find out more about each county’s trail. Most of these barns are located on private property.

Red Maple Barn – The Red Maple Barn is an authentic wedding and private events venue in the Mahoning Valley. A rustic horse barn has been transformed into a large venue for special events. 600 Center St. W., Warren (330) 759-4570.

Sixteen-Sided Barn – This barn is one of only three such barns in the entire United States. It has been lovingly restored by its owners, who “welcome visitors with or without notice,” according to the Harrison County Visitors Bureau website. 75540 Skullfork Road, Freeport (740) 658-3891.

This huge red multi-bay barn is part of Slate Run Living Historical Farm near Lithopolis.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm – Experience what life was like on a farm in the 1880s at Slate Run Living Historical Farm, located at Slate Run Metro Park. The farm’s huge red multi-bay barn was built by Samuel Oman, the fourth owner of Slate Run Farm, and restored by Amish carpenters. The restored Gothic Revival farmhouse was built in 1856. Free admission; activities include farm tours, interaction with costumed farm staff, picnicking and hiking. 1375 SR 674, Canal Winchester (614) 833-1880.

Smeck Park – The 48-acre Smeck Park in Fairfield County includes the Fetter-Hood Barn, a massive Pennsylvania-German style banked barn originally built in 1841 and reconstructed at the park in 2015. Smeck Park also features a reconstructed mid-19th century farmhouse, walking trails and picnicking. 7395 Basil Road, Baltimore (740) 681-7249.

Smucker’s headquarters includes this massive barn, which houses an outlet store.

Smucker’s Company Store – A timber frame barn built in 1999 is the company store for the J.M. Smucker Co., famed producer of jellies, jams and preserves, and also home to a wide variety of consumer foods, coffee and pet products. A café is also located in the building. 333 Wadsworth Road, SR 57, one-half mile north of US 30, Orrville (330) 684-1500.

Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm – U-pick lavender in season, lavender products on sale in shop. Barn, shop, mowed areas around the barn and u-pick field are available to explore. 6360 Fowler Road, Enon. (937) 974-2600.

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