Barn of the Year

The Barn of the Year program honors existing Michigan barns that exemplify outstanding character in our state. Over the past two decades, a total of 90 barns from across Michigan have been recognized for their unique qualities and/or preservation efforts.

2021 Barn of the Year winners
2021 Winners – Left ( top to bottom): Eisenmann Party Barn in Palmyra, Concordia Hills Barn in Farwell, Dickerson Barn in Plymouth; Middle: Leelanau County Poor Farm Barn in Maple City; Far Right: Yellow Horse Farms Barn in Pellston.

2021 Awardees 

Five barns have been selected to receive recognition as Barn of the Year for 2021.

Concordia Hills Barn

Location:  Farwell, MI in Isabella County

Owner:  Jeffrey & Michelle Thompson

Category: Family—Continuing Agriculture

Built: 1884 (date carved on SW gable end)

Most unusual feature: Never-painted siding

Current use: Storage of hay from working fields; future plans for “agritainment” – fall apple cider and spring maple syrup.

Eisenmann Barn

Location:  Palmyra, MI in Lenawee County

Owners:  Tom & Kathy Eisenmann

Category: Family—Adapted to Other Uses

Built: Circa 1850-60

Most unusual feature: Roof

Current use: Party barn; “man cave” with regular and antique tools/equipment; tractor storage.

Yellow Horse Farms Barn

Location:  Pellston, MI in Emmet County

Owners:  Tonya & Gus Boening

Category: Family—Adapted to Other Uses

Built: Late 1800s to early 1900s

Most unique feature: American flag added to S. exterior.

Current use: Special events and storage

Poor Farm Barn

Location:  Maple City, MI in Leelanau County

Owner/Applicant:  Leelanau County/Save the Poor Farm Barn, a project of the Leelanau Co. Historic Preservation Society

Category: Non-Profit—Adapted to Other Uses

Built: 1911

Most unique features: Early use of poured concrete, shawver truss system

Current use: Part of Myles Kimmerly County Park

Dickerson Barn

Location:  Plymouth, MI in Washtenaw County

Owner:  Salem Area Historical Society

Category: Non-Profit—Adapted to Other Uses

Built: 1830

Most unique feature: Oldest timber frame barn in Washtenaw County

Current use: Local history education in Jarvis Stone School Historic District

Past Winners

Click here for database of Barn of the Year winners from 1997 to 2016. Also see showcase of winners from 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Nominations are open to the public…

Here’s How to Enter Your Barn

To be eligible, the barn must be in-use, either for continued agricultural use or adapted for other uses. Barns must retain their overall appearance — both in their interior and exterior barn characteristics.

Categories:

Award categories cover barns that continue to be used for agriculture and those that are adapted for other uses and whether the barn is family-owned or the project of a non-profit or commercial entity.

  • Continuing Agricultural Use – Family (Private), Non-Profit or Commercial
  • Adapted to Other Uses – Family (Private), Non-Profit or Commercial

Evaluation

Nominated barns are judged on (1) completeness of information presented in the application, (2) sensitivity and integrity of repairs or modifications, (3) visual appeal, (4) creativity, (5) thoroughness of work and (6) effort expended to repair and maintain.

Application Componets:

Four items are required for the submission:

For questions, contact the program chairman, Keith Anderson.  E-mail: klanderson42@gmail.com or Mobile: 616-540-6701.  See sample nomination form here.

2021 Winners – Left ( top to bottom): Eisenmann Party Barn in Palmyra, Concordia Hills Barn in Farwell, Dickerson Barn in Plymouth; Middle: Leelanau County Poor Farm Barn in Maple City; Far Right: Yellow Horse Farms Barn in Pellston.