The 11th annual DeKalb County Barn Tour will roll into Sycamore Township on Saturday, August 9.
Every barn has a unique story to tell. It’s waiting to be discovered during the annual DeKalb County Barn Tour. The DeKalb County Barn Tour will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 in Sycamore Township.
This unique event allows visitors to take in the history, sights and sounds of the county’s historical farmland. This event 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. Admission is $40 per carload. Visitors can move at their own pace, and photography is encouraged.
The self-guided/driving event includes a guided tour at each of seven barns in the Sycamore townships, including historic barns and history of the “lost” community of Charter Grove. This year’s tour also features farms with cattle, chickens, and more. New to this year’s tour is the addition of NIU’s STEM mobile unit, allowing for hands-on activities and exploration for all ages.
The souvenir guidebook, which serves as a ticket, can be purchased the day of the tour at the starting point, The Crib Studio of Valerie Weberpal, 16521 Swanson Road in Sycamore, or online now at DeKalbCountyBarnTour.com.
A contemporary folk artist, Weberpal uses her studio to paint, display work, and to be open to the public a few times each year, mostly during the fall holidays; it will be a highlight during this year’s Barn Tour.
Pre-purchased, online tickets can be redeemed at The Crib Studio to collect the guidebook on the day of the tour.
Renowned Illinois artist David Alan Badger has once again provided hand-drawn sketches of each of the 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.
Besides a tour of each barn, events include a geo-caching activity, lunch catered by the Waterman Lions Club, and information on the Glidden Homestead and DAAHA.
Multiple vendors will sell a variety of unique wares, including local soap and honey, and ironwork made by volunteer blacksmiths from the Glidden Homestead. There will also be Barn Tour-branded merchandise and sweet corn available. The North Grove School Association will also be open for tours during the day of the event.
For more information, visit www.
Photo Caption: The Crib Studio of Valerie Weberpal, on Swanson Road in Sycamore, is featured on this year’s DeKalb County Barn Tour, hosted by the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center and the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA) on August 9. Tickets can be purchased now at DeKalbCountyBarnTour.com.