thumb octagon barn

Went here Sept. 2014 for the fall festival. It was crowded, but nice to walk around and look at some animals, (though some had empty food and water bowls, I hate to see that) There were also several vendors selling things from vintage old stuff to fudge, crafts, jelly etc. In the back they also have things to see such as a blacksmith shop, and grain smasher or whatever it is called. :)You have to park across the street, pay $5. They do have some shuttle buggys that were taking people thru the parking lot, so you could hop on one of those, but everything was slow paced. Parking was far and had a line in and out, and it is a lot of walking around, so take your patience. The line for fresh donuts was lonnnnng......

It was a very busy time to visit as it was Fall festival weekend. They are doing a nice job of preserving the barn, home, school house and various other buildings. Lots of people and vendors because of the festival but also many volunteers to help visitor learn about buildings and find what they were looking for. We may have preferred a tour on a normal weekend.

Thumb Octagon Barn is now open Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm.....some special events have longer hours - website lists those event. $5.00 tour takes you through both levels of the barn, school house, school museum, garage and house...more buildings will be added to tour as they become available. $2.00 tour gets you into the lower level of the barn and the chance to walk around the farm. There are golf carts driven by the tour guides that you can ride in if you wish, making it easier to get around the farm. Barn is amazing - and the history of the house lets you see what it was like to live in the 1920's. Oh and Kids under 15 are free.

You have two choices here - a guided tour or a $2 "get you in the barn" to look around tour. We chose the two bucks and were satisfied. A lot of information to read inside the barn and we could also walk around the property and see the exteriors of the other buildings. The barn is a marvel to see. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily although I think things slow down after Labor Day. They do have a big festival planned for September 7-8 so that'd be a fun time to visit.

Beautiful country side with an old brick church and friendly people. Large ancient maples and oak trees.

This provides a look back into the history of our area. A wonderful place to take young kids to learn about the life of their great grandparents and grandparents. My own children grew up enjoying the Festival. Some of the best times. Memories to last a life time.

Went out during their Octagon Barn days. Many merchants selling interesting crafts. Horse rides and many displays. Was quite enjoyable.

It was a great place to go and learn about some history that was close to home. The kids were interested the whole time and that says alot.

The volunteers have done a great job redoing the barn. You will not see another barn like this anywhere. Worth the trip to visit it.

Go during the fall festival with the antique tractor parade. good food too. Sorry, not sure of the date now.

the architecture was interesting, the pride of the community and the original builder is apparent. I can sit and picture how many ways it could be utilized, farming or comercially.

This is a fantastic restored barn that reflects early farming practices and equipment. Thier annual Family Farming Days attracts 100's of antique farming equipment, horse drawn vehicles, features a saw mill, country school with students and teacher, childrens activities, flea market and tour of the restored farm house. Well worth the drive to spen the day. 5 stars!!!!

I was really intrigued with the out side of this building, I wish that it was open but I was there in march and that is out of season.

This barn can compete with Greenfield Village. There are numerous buildings on the site, the homestead, schoolhouse, lumber cutting demonstration. The volunteer staff that make the event happen are very intelligent and hard working. They have great exhibits inside that are labeled and people on hand to answer questions. There are a great many steam engines and other exhibits outdoors. Large building for buying food and an outdoor craft and flea market. Great entertainment for the children too. Lots of parking with wagons to take you from your car to the barn. Donuts and ice cream made while you watch.

It's really neat how you can find little local attractions with historical significance if you just look. This barn/museum is tucked away in the Thumb of Michigan about a half hour's drive from Bay City. It was built in the early 1900s by a local banker/farmer and is now the site of the Thumb Agricultural Museum. In September it hosts a big festival. The farmhouse is intact with 1920s furniture and can be toured during the festival. It was an enjoyable visit during the festival