Kansas Tourism announces $100,000 awarded through the Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant Program to restore historic barns into agri tourism destinations, promoting rural travel growth

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Kansas Tourism has announced the first recipients of its Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant Program, awarding a total of $100,000 to help transform six iconic barns into agritourism destinations. The program is designed to drive economic growth in rural areas by preserving and repurposing historic barns, providing unique visitor experiences and supporting the state’s rich agricultural heritage.

As agritourism continues to rise in popularity, the BARN grants will ensure that rural Kansas benefits from increased tourism, while also safeguarding important architectural landmarks. Recipients of the 2024 BARN grants include businesses that will convert these structures into spaces for tourism, farm experiences, and cultural activities. The six grant recipients are expected to contribute more than $200,000 in matching funds for their restoration projects, enhancing the impact of the state’s investment.

Driving Economic Growth Through Agritourism

The BARN Grant Program focuses on transforming underutilized or deteriorating barns into vibrant, economically viable attractions. This initiative, the first of its kind by Kansas Tourism, was launched with the aim of tapping into the growing trend of agritourism, where visitors explore rural areas for unique experiences related to farming, local produce, and historic structures.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland highlighted the importance of the program, stating that it is critical in promoting innovation and sustainability in Kansas’ rural communities. By repurposing these historic barns, the program aims to not only preserve Kansas’ agricultural legacy but also generate new economic opportunities that can benefit local residents and tourists alike.

2024 BARN Grant Recipients

The six projects receiving funding in 2024 represent a wide geographical spread across Kansas, each with a focus on revitalizing barns to enhance rural tourism. The awarded projects are:

1. Cattle Cartel Merchandise (Russell County) – Awarded $22,000
2. Scorched Stone Farm (Barton County) – Awarded $25,000
3. Red’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (Logan County) – Awarded $4,000
4. Sunshine and Whiskey Ranch (Osage County) – Awarded $25,000
5. The Barn at Richmond (Anderson County) – Awarded $9,000
6. Wendelin Vines (Leavenworth County) – Awarded $15,000

These barns, many of which were facing potential demolition or collapse, will be repurposed into venues that can host activities such as farm-to-table dinners, seasonal festivals, weddings, and other tourist-centered events. For example, Cattle Cartel Merchandise will convert its barn into a retail and event space that showcases local agriculture, while Scorched Stone Farm plans to use its grant to offer agritourism experiences such as farm tours and artisan workshops.

Preserving Kansas’ Architectural and Agricultural Heritage

Director of Kansas Tourism, Bridgette Jobe, emphasized how revitalizing these structures connects the past with the future of Kansas tourism. The BARN grant program is not only preserving Kansas’ agricultural history, but also creating new opportunities for visitors to experience the “heart and soul” of the state. By investing in these barns, Kansas Tourism aims to create memorable tourist destinations that highlight the state’s deep-rooted farming culture.

Agritourism has been growing across the U.S. as a way for rural communities to diversify their economies. In Kansas, the BARN program is an important step in ensuring that the state’s rich agricultural history continues to thrive while supporting the modern tourism economy. This year’s recipients are just the beginning of a broader effort to increase the state’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

Future of the BARN Program

Kansas Tourism’s BARN grant program will continue to accept applications in future years, with awards offered annually. Each grant offers up to $25,000, and applicants are required to provide a matching investment, ensuring that the state’s contributions are complemented by community and private support.

The BARN grant program is part of a larger initiative by the Kansas Department of Commerce to promote economic development in rural areas. By focusing on agritourism, the state aims to encourage visitors to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, bringing more revenue to local businesses and increasing the visibility of Kansas as a travel destination.

The successful completion of these projects will provide a model for future recipients and further enhance Kansas’ reputation as a leader in agritourism innovation. As more barns are restored and repurposed, visitors can look forward to unique experiences that celebrate Kansas’ past while contributing to its economic future.