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

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.

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.

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:

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.