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. As of 2024, there are 80+ Barn Quilts listed on the existing Off the Beaten Path Map, which can also be picked up at the Shipshewana Visitor’s Center. 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
The history of Barn Quilts stretches back nearly 300 years, to central regions of Europe; Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. The artistic tradition traveled here with those early immigrants. Barn Quilts were also quite common among the Pennsylvania Dutch, not only as expressions of family and place, but additionally, they served as points of navigation for travelers.
About the Artist
Karen Weiland is a local Artist and the Project Manager for the Expansion of the Barn Quilt Trail throughout LaGrange County in 2024. You can read more about the project here.
We asked Karen how she got started creating Barn Quilts:
“I got started with Barn Quilts because of a CVB board meeting I attended nearly 13 years ago. At the time I sat on the Tax Commission Board and so was able to attend the CVB board meetings. One of those meetings included a verbal presentation by the CVB director from Marshall County, Mike Wolfington. He shared information about their Barn Quilt Tour. Our Director at the time, Beth Thornburg, leaned in, looked at me, and said “Karen, I think that would be a good project for you!” After a huge amount of research, here I am today, still making Barn Quilts and I love it!”
Visit the Barn Quilts
