Every barn has a unique story to tell. It’s waiting to be discovered during the annual DeKalb County Barn Tour!

The ninth annual barn tour will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, in the Pierce Township area. This unique event allows visitors to take in the history, sights and sounds of DeKalb County’s historical farmland. This opportunity to tour local barns is sponsored jointly by and benefits both the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA) and the J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center in DeKalb.

The self-driving event includes a guided tour at each of seven barns: Whiskey Acres, Faivre Barn, Klotz Barn, Pritchard Farm, Johnson Barn, Wicked Witch Pottery Barn, and the Hepler Barn. Admission is $40 per carload. Visitors can move at their own pacing, and photography is encouraged.

“The DeKalb County Barn Tour is a must-do of the summer,” said Jessi Haish LaRue, Glidden Homestead executive director. “Come out and enjoy a beautiful day exploring the best of DeKalb County’s agriculture and architecture.”

The souvenir guidebook, which serves as your ticket, can be purchased on the day of the tour at the starting point, Whiskey Acres, 11504 Keslinger Rd, DeKalb, or in advance online at dekalbcountybarntour.com. Tickets purchased online can be redeemed at the starting point.

Illinois artist David Alan Badger has once again provided hand-drawn sketches of each of the seven barns for the guidebook, which also contains a history of each barn, a map of locations, a list of activities at each site, and educational articles about barns.

Besides a guided tour of each barn, events include a geo-caching activity, a children’s activity tent, and information on the Glidden Homestead, DAAHA and the North Grove School Association.

Various vendors will sell a variety of unique wares, including local soap and honey, engraved stones, pottery and items from The Country Store Thrift Shop. Ironwork made by volunteer blacksmiths from the Glidden Homestead will also be available for purchase.

“What a wonderful day to get out and see how beautiful DeKalb County is,” said Sue Breese, Barn Tour committee member. “Enjoy learning about farming in 2023 and the ‘out of the box’ thinking that it takes to run a successful farming operation.”