Maasdam Barns to be included on the Iowa Barn Foundation Tour this weekend

The Maasdam Barns in Fairfield, which housed a draft horse breeding business from 1910-1938, is included on this year's Iowa Barn Foundation tour. This is the Iowa Barn Foundation’s 25 year anniversary tour with 60 barns throughout Iowa open for interior viewing.

The Maasdam Barns are a great place to take the kids and explore old-fashioned farm life. The three historic barns that make up this preserve act like one big interactive learning environment with various exhibits on their history as well. Once serving as an early 20th century draft-house breeding operation, the area has been restored and preserved as educational, historical, recreational center including barn structures that housed massive draft horses for farm work.

The site also provides history of early agricultural businesses in the area, such as the famous "Charter Oak" farm wagons. Exhibits also include the story and inventions of William Louden, a Fairfield businessman/inventor who transformed agricultural processes as well as the automotive industry.

"We are really honored to be part of the Iowa Barn Foundation annual tour," said Tony Webb, president of the Maasdam Barns board of directors. "This is a great opportunity to showcase our unique barns and to promote the importance of preserving our agricultural heritage."

Tour hours are from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. This year’s Iowa Barn Foundation tour at Maasdam Barns will include draft horses on site both days. At 11:00 and 2:00 each day, a ‘putting up hay” demonstration will be held at the Stallion Barn.

Maasdam Barns is an Award of Distinction recipient because of their importance historically and architecturally. The Maasdam Barns is located at 2224 Hwy #1 in Fairfield, just south of the Jefferson County Health Center.

For more information on the tour schedule and locations, please visit http://www.iowabarnfoundation.org/tours/fall-tour.htm

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com