Indiana Barn Foundation and Indiana Landmarks Urge Immediate Action to Save the Historic Red Barn at Potato Creek State Park
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- 2 days ago
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2025
Indiana Barn Foundation and Indiana Landmarks Urge Immediate Action to Save the Historic Red Barn at Potato Creek State Park
St. Joseph County, IN — In support of Friends of Potato Creek State Park, The Indiana Barn Foundation and Indiana Landmarks are calling on state officials, preservation advocates, and the public to take immediate action to prevent the demolition of the Historic Red Barn, at Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty.
Built in 1908 by the Naragon family, the historic barn was acquired with the adjacent farmland by the State of Indiana in the 1970s for the creation of Potato Creek State Park. It is a rare surviving example of traditional rural architecture in the region. Original plans for the park’s new multi-million-dollar lodge and conference center included the barn as part of the site. Now, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has changed course, claiming the barn is structurally unstable and that renovation is not economically viable, despite providing no structural assessments identifying specific issues or estimates for rehabilitation. By approving demolition without consideration by the Indiana State Review Board, the State didn’t follow official procedures.
“We are concerned that the State, with no public input, is considering tearing down a structure that represents a chapter of Indiana’s rural heritage and is well loved by area residents,” said Kent Yeager, President of the Indiana Barn Foundation.
The Indiana Barn Foundation and Indiana Landmarks are urging the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Parks Division to pause any demolition plans and explore alternative options. The groups have offered a pro-bono study by an architect experienced in barn renovation to document the historic barn’s rehabilitation needs. The study would be conducted at no cost to the State.
Preservation of the barn could also support a variety of uses including educational programming and interpretive exhibits at Potato Creek, one of northern Indiana’s most visited state parks. Friends of Potato Creek State Park, Indiana Barn Foundation and Indiana Landmarks have also committed to exploring private funding options to pay for renovation.
The barn’s location within the state park — a popular destination for nature lovers, families, and school groups — provides an opportunity to integrate agricultural history with environmental education. As a State-owned property, it’s one of very few historic barns accessible to the public.
“There are processes in place regarding demolition of cultural assets on state-owned land,” said Todd Zeiger, Director of the Northern Regional office of Indiana Landmarks. “The barn is listed on the State’s historical database, which lists an inventory of historic sites and structures. We urge IDNR to follow the State’s own official procedures, and to also include the public’s input in offering alternatives to demolition.”
The Indiana Barn Foundation and Indiana Landmarks hope IDNR will reconsider their plan to demolish an irreplaceable and important historical and cultural artifact in the state park and preserve it as a valuable public asset. Concerned citizens are encouraged to contact their state representatives and the IDNR to voice their support for saving the barn.
TAKE ACTION:
Contact state officials and urge them to reverse the decision to demolish the red barn at Potato Creek State Park. A list of Indiana DNR contacts and elected officials is available on The Friends of Potato Creek State Park website.
Follow social media for updates:
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Christine Page, Executive Director, Indiana Barn Foundation, director@indianabarns.org, 317-268-8026
Todd Zeiger, Director, Indiana Landmarks Northern Regional Office, tzeiger@indianalandmarks.org, 574-286-5765
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The Indiana Barn Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic barns across Indiana. Founded in 2013, it supports barn owners through education, advocacy, and grants, helping protect these iconic structures as vital links to the state’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Members receive a quarterly newsletter, Hoosier Barn Chronicle. For more information, visit www.indianabarns.org.
Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, strengthens connections to our diverse heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.
Friends of Potato Creek State Park, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that develops and supports projects and events that help preserve, restore, manage, and interpret the natural and cultural heritage as well as the recreational opportunities of Potato Creek State Park. For more information, call 574-656-8186 or visit friendsofpotatocreekstatepark.com.
