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

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.

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.

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.