Barn Quilt Tours of Carver County MN

Join us on a guided day tour as we explore Carver County, Minnesota, home to one of the largest open-air galleries of art and barn quilts.


Barn Quilt Tours are scheduled on dates requested by tour groups.  We guide many groups, such as Community Education, Senior Groups, Park & Recreation Groups, Quilting Clubs, Church Groups, Garden Clubs, History Groups, etc.   Tour dates are scheduled based on the group's preferred dates.

We also work with individuals to pair them with scheduled groups as possible. Individuals looking to join a group can email us at toursbyjanet@barnquiltsofccmn.com.

 

New Tours Coming for 2022! Check back!

 


 

Step-on Tour Guide Janet Fahey for Barn Quilt Tours

Explore Barn Quilts of Carver County MN. Made for barns, not beds, “barn quilts” are quilt patterns, drawn to scale and painted on wooden panels that are hung on exterior walls of historic barns. These beautiful pieces of artwork highlight the art of quilting while showcasing Carver County’s historic agricultural icons. Measuring 8’ x 8’, they are impressive in size, appropriate for the front or side of a barn.

With more than 40 blocks on display, the barn quilt tours can be progressive in nature, allowing guests to view eight to ten quilts per tour, showcasing different quilts each time. Three different barn quilt tour routes, appropriately named, are available to choose from, while customizable tailored tours are readily available as well.

  • The Applique Loop – viewing nine (9) barn quilts, in the Waconia & Cologne, MN area
  • The Thimble Loop –viewing seven (7) quilts, in the Waconia, Victoria, Chanhassen & Chaska, MN area
  • The Stitch Loop – viewing nine (9) barn quilts, in the Waconia, Mayer & Norwood Young America, MN area
  • Tailored Tour – may easily be arranged to meet your group’s preferences

Other attractions during the barn quilt tours include local stops at area wineries, breweries, orchards and creameries. You’ll also learn about the history of Carver County, the farms, and the story behind their choice of quilt patterns.

Willems Barn Quilt

 

The barn quilts are a permanent display of artwork and part of the fabric of our community. Located just 40 minutes west of the Twin Cities, we invite you to spend the day with us to visit our open air gallery of art while touring the beautiful countryside of Carver County, MN.

Groups arrange their own transportation. A list of suggested tour bus companies and suggested lunch locations is available.

Barn Quilt Tours on FacebookFor more information on the tours, visit www.facebook.com/BarnQuiltTours or
contact Janet Fahey, Barn Quilt Tour Director
612-382-4512 or toursbyjanet@BarnQuiltsofCCMN.com

“The entire Barn Quilt process represents a remarkable example of community involvement touching diverse individuals, groups, businesses and organizations. The tour was a smashing success; I heard numerous positive comments from others in the group. Congratulations! And thanks for the time and effort you provide for the benefit of us in Carver County and those beyond.”

Dr. Darrol Bussler, Professor Emeritus Minnesota State University

Meet Janet Fahey

Hello Barn Quilt Friends-

I’m a farm girl, an art lover and history nut.  Joining the Barn Quilts of Carver County MN initiative, gave me the chance to combine all these fun passions into one.

Little did I know when I originally got involved, back in 2010, that I would be hosting tours for people from across the State. People love the barn quilts. They make them happy. They want to see the countryside, communities, farms, the families, barns, and these beautiful pieces of art.

When the project first started, I was helping to volunteer, and attending speaking engagements. I would often hear people state, “I wish someone would take us across the countryside and show us where the barn quilts are. I wish they would tell us the stories behind the patterns”. That’s when the light went on.  I grew up in Carver County, I knew where the farms were, I helped paint some of the quilts and knew the stories behind them.  I could give tours!

And so Barn Quilts Tours, LLC was formed in 2013. Our first tour was in 2014 and they continue to today. There are multiple tour routes to choose from. With 45+ blocks on display, the barn quilt tours can be progressive in nature, eventually allowing guests to see all the quilts. Included with the tours are local fun stops at wineries, breweries, butcheries, orchards and creameries!

I have a Barn Quilt on my family farm in Cologne, MN, which I can trace back to 1863. The “Triple Tulip” pattern is in honor of my Dutch heritage and the bountiful tulips you can see across Holland.

Over the years, I have been restoring my family barn. It’s been a lot of work, along with a lot of fun. We’ve been hosting tour groups for years to shop with us in the barn.  It’s been a “treasure” to work with Barb Hone and to provide a retail section inside my barn, for her to sell her barn quilt gifts and souvenirs to tour guests.  I have a lot of antiques on display as well. Come see our Souvenirwinkel (Gift Shop in Dutch)!

It has also been a great treasure to work with Suzanne Thiesfeld, the very talented artist behind our project! We’re excited about the possibility of hosting barn quilt painting classes in my barn this summer – watch for details.

I have plans to further utilize the space and may offer craft nights with friends and a place just to gather to enjoy a bit of country, art and each other’s company.

I hope to see you on a tour or at my farm – where Countryside, Community and Culture meet!

Request A Group Tour

Request A Group Tour Form







First and Last