Past Events 2023


The FoMB 2023 Annual Fall Barn Tour, September 24th

Though Minnesota surely needed rain this droughty summer, it was worrisome to have 48 hours of rain and storms right before the annual fall barn tour! But we lucked out—the weather cleared up and it turned out to be a really pleasant day to visit four interesting properties in the Watertown, MN area. Many, many thanks to the farm owners who were willing to share their properties and stories with the Friends of MN Barns group on this September day!

July 15th Guided Walking Tour: “Anderson Center”, Red Wing, MN

Located on the western edge of Red Wing, Minnesota, population 16,000, the Anderson Center at Tower View occupies the former estate of Dr. Alexander Pierce (A.P.) Anderson, his wife, Lydia, and their four children. Dr. Anderson, a first generation American of Swedish ancestry, gained worldwide renown for developing the American breakfast cereals "Quaker Puffed Wheat" and "Quaker Puffed Rice."

The Tower View estate totals 350 acres and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its distinctive Georgian Revival buildings and cylindrical red brick water tower have long been familiar Minnesota landmarks.

June 25th Coffee Chat: “Barns of Old Glory”

A group of 16 group members were treated to a fun afternoon at this venue. Surrounded by 300 acres of farmland and pastures, the Barns of Old Glory is a working farm as well as an event center with a beautiful, country setting complete with horses grazing in the pasture along with a petting zoo. The property includes a bluff overlooking a breathtaking view of Whitewater River below.

June 10th Special Event: “Snake River Farm” Tour

On Saturday, June 10th, a group of 24 FoMB members and 3 non-members attended this special event several miles NE of Becker, MN. Lunch was catered by Godfather’s Pizza. Snake River Farm is a 240 acre working farm that has bison, cattle, hogs, sheep, horses, poultry, and rabbits in season. It is also home to an amazing collection of International Harvester (IH) tractors.

May 21st Coffee Chat: Loretto Area

It was a beautiful day in Loretto to visit several barns for our first Coffee Chat of the season. It was a fun group of about 18 people.

May 7th FoMB 2023 Annual Meeting

Our event season started with 35 members attending our Annual Meeting at Circle B Event Barn in Isanti, MN. Our speaker was Larry Schekle, a retired physics and aerospace science teacher and public speaker. Larry gives an informal presentation with a good amount of humor built in—he did a great job of engaging the group!