The Barn Quilt Trail
There’s no better way to experience the culture and history of rural Northern Indiana than by hitting the backroads and traveling the countryside. There, you’re likely to see some colorful wooden Barn Quilts adorning historic barns, family homesteads, and public spaces. They’re a remarkable combination of traditional art, history, and familial connection.
About the Trail
The pieces in LaGrange County make up the LaGrange County Barn Quilt Trail, and as of 2024, there were 80+ Barn Quilts listed on this existing Off the Beaten Path Map, which can also be picked up at the Shipshewana Visitor’s Bureau. The map assists visitors in finding these one-of-a-kind historical art pieces, as well as a host of other fascinating stops.
Why the Patterns?
Many Barn Quilt patterns tell stories about the family, history, and culture of the area. These prominently displayed, colorful designs are remarkable combinations of traditional art, history, and familial connection. Visitors love to seek out these wonders of classic woodcraft that continue a centuries- old public art tradition.
Today, quilters from around the world who travel to Shipshewana greatly enjoy finding their favorite patterns brought to life in different forms.
History of Barn Quilts
Begins nearly 300 years ago in central regions of Europe; Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, and the tradition traveled here with early immigrants. They were quite common among the Pennsylvania Dutch, not only as expressions of family and place, but additionally served as points of navigation for travelers.
