TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – You may have heard of an Ale Trail or a Story Book Trail, but how about a historic Barn Mural Trail? There’s one right here in Northwest Ohio.
The Ohio countryside is full of beautiful old barns that have stood the test of time, and some of them are part of the special hiking trail in Sandusky County.
“When I was young, I didn’t appreciate history as much as I do now,” said David Thornbury of the Sandusky County Visitors Bureau. “I think through the murals, children learn the stories and understand the importance of history and its role in our future. That’s why we do this.”
There are seven barns along the way, each with a different story and connection to the community. These stories have been brought to life in murals by renowned barn artist Scott Hagan.
Thornbury was involved in the design process.
“You have to work with different shapes and sizes and make everything visible from the street,” Thornbury said. “You have to make sure the colors of the mural work well with the colors of the barn. It’s fun, but challenging. You have to really think things through.”
The end results are incredible. For example, there is the 757 Steam Engine Barn in Bellevue. The America 250 Barn, the Sandusky County Bicentennial Barn, the Battle of Fort Stephenson Barn and the Rutherford B. Hayes Barn, all in Fremont.
Also on the route are the 9/11 Barn in Gibsonburg and the Astronaut Tom Henricks Barn in Woodville.
“I have grown to love all the barns equally, but there are some that are particularly dear to my heart,” Thornbury said.
There is a special map that you can pick up at the Sandusky County Visitors Bureau or download online.
“The map takes you point by point to each of the locations,” Thurnbury said. “Each mural is special. It has historical significance to the barn and the site.”
This is a great way to spend an hour or so with friends and family or on your own. You could even make a weekend out of it as there is so much more to see and do in the area.
“We make it a point here to find family-friendly activities that don’t cost a lot of money,” Thurnbury said. “It’s a self-guided tour that you can do anytime. All you have to do is load up the car and go. Stay together, put your cell phones away, turn on the radio and enjoy some of Ohio’s beautiful scenery.”
One barn is as beautiful as the next, and seven is not the end of it. The plan is to expand the Historic Barn Mural Trail one old beauty at a time.
“My goal is 12 so we can do a calendar,” Thornbury said. “If possible, we’ll probably exceed that number. I’ve got a few barns in mind now and I’m working on some great murals.”
The focus of their work for new barn murals is currently on Clyde and Green Springs. If you know of any, contact the Sandusky County Visitors Bureau.
The path is open to visitors 365 days a year.
If you would like to learn more, click here.
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