Ohio barns are a mainstay of the state’s landscape. Farming has been an economic livelihood for hundreds upon hundreds of families well before Ohio entered statehood. With that, barns of all shapes, sizes, and colors have popped up to house livestock, grains, and implements. The past view decades have seen a shift in farming and in the functionality of these huge structures. Many Ohio barns have become vacant and have started to collapse. Fortunately, Ohioans have stepped up to the plate with ingenuity and funds to change the trajectory of these historic buildings.
While traveling the state, I have seen so many amazing barns. The dormers, colors and cupolas all make such a big difference in their appearance. It makes my heart sad to see these structures start to fall. The massive timbers that are inside are from trees that were over one hundred years old, sometimes two. It is so exciting to see these Ohio barns turned into a new functionality and being preserved.
Ohio Barns Turned into Restaurants
It may seem a bit odd to walk into a barn for a nice sit-down meal, but that is just what these three restaurants have created. With such similar names, be sure you have the correct address typed into your GPS before heading down the road.
The Barn Restaurant
Everything about the The Barn Restaurant is authentic, from the oxen door handles to the exposed beams. The restaurant is HUGE with so much to look at in each section. The item that steals the show is the antique hay wagon that serves as the salad bar.
With typical, midwestern style meals, there’s something for everyone. Kids won’t be in a hurry to eat as there are multiple activities in the waiting area to keep them entertained.
The Barn Restaurant 877 W. Main St. Smithville, Ohio 44677
Barn Restaurant
When families get together, The Barn, in northwest Ohio, is a popular meeting place. Homemade platters of downhome midwestern cooking, a huge salad bar, and enough desserts to turn you into a farm animal, it’s no wonder this is a common restaurant of choice. The waitresses wear long, prairie style dresses and the interior’s ambiance is enhanced by all the exposed wood.
This restaurant sits next to the historical Sauder’s Village. You can easily make this destination an all day event and even an overnight excursion. The Heritage Inn and campground is located all within walking distance of the restaurant.
Barn Restaurant 22611 SR-2 Archbold, Ohio 43502
The Barn Restaurant
If you want to interact with the locals, especially the local farmers, this is the place to go. You won’t find anything fancy, but you will find comfort food at a very inexpensive price. Although the barn is your typical size, the restaurant only takes up a small portion of the floor. If you come during lunch hour, you may find yourself waiting for a seat. The Barn Restaurant has a diner vibe with placemats featuring the local businesses and salt & pepper shakers that used to be on every table across America.
The Barn Restaurant 313 W. Main St. Delta, Ohio 43515
Ohio Barns Turned into Wineries
Yellow Butterfly Winery
Driving down a country road in Tuscarawas County, you can’t miss this canary yellow barn beckoning you to come in and sit for a spell. Owned by a prior mayor of Cleveland, the Yellow Butterfly Winery is a beautifully renovated barn that utilizes both the first floor and the bottom floor. Walking up the steps to the left will lead you to the main service area where you can sample the various wines that are made onsite. Once you have decided on your glass of choice, you can sit inside or head out back to the patio. The view of the rolling hills, along with the alpaca herd, is phenomenal.
The lower level of the barn can be rented for large groups and events.
Yellow Butterfly Winery 11661 Blue Ridge Rd. Newcomerstown, Ohio 43832
New Ohio Barns
Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm
The eye-catching, purple barn at Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm is only a few years old. The owners had a group of Amish men construct this custom barn specifically for their lavender business. They said the neighbors about had a heart attack when they saw the newly built barn being painted in this bold shade of purple. Not to fear, that was the plan all along. It makes a statement, gets people’s attention and creates a beautiful backdrop for the fields. All great marketing tools!
Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm 6360 Fowler Rd. Enon, Ohio 45323
Unique Ohio Barns
Roundbarn
The Roundbarn, located in the Fairfield County Fairgrounds, was built by community funds shortly after the depression. It has become an iconic structure among many other historical buildings throughout the fairgrounds. Used mainly for cattle during the fair, and vendor fairs throughout the year, the barn has two wings that connect to the middle rotunda. There is no center beam. The roof was designed to support itself with its interlocking engineering.
Fairfield County Fairgrounds 157 E. Fair Ave. Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Ohio Bicentennial Barns
When Ohio celebrated its 200th anniversary, a barn in each county was chosen to have the famed logo painted on it. Some of these barns have come down since then and other barn owners have opted to follow suit. Most of these chosen barns sit along a well-traveled road so spotting them can be pretty easy.
Quilt Pattern Barns
Painting a quilt pattern on the side of a barn has become more and more popular over the years for several counties. It’s a source of community as well as a reason to meander around on the back roads. Tourists come from all over to seek out these quilt squares. It’s sort of like a treasure hunt that everyone can enjoy. Belmont County (eastern Ohio) and Miami County (western Ohio) are two places that have quite a list of participants.
Additional Farm Themed Experiences
Coffee in an Amish Buggy
Relaxing in an authentic Amish buggy while sipping on your favorite brewed drink has to be one of the more unique experiences when it comes to farm-themed destinations. The buggy sits inside so weather is not a factor. While you’re here in Amish Country, you’ll be surrounded by all the shopping you could desire so a bit of java is probably needed.
Buggy Brew 4755 E. Main St. Millersburg, Ohio 44654
Additional information on things to do and see in conjunction with the featured barns can be found by reading through these articles:
