UPPER THUMB – The Michigan Barn Preservation Network has come up with a unique way to help people get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful sites and scenes across the Thumb area.
The organization – with a mission that embraces the appreciation, preservation and rehabilitation of Michigan barns, farmsteads, and rural communities – recently announced its do-it-yourself, drive-by barn and color tour into the Thumb, using a free app called Map- N-Tour. The tour is called the MBPN Thumb Barn/Color Tour.
To take part, participants download the app to their phone or tablet.
“We are kicking off the 2020 barn tour for color-season,” said Stephanie White, Architect and MBPN Board Secretary. “The Thumb Tour will continue to be available into the future. This pandemic, and the importance of participating in experiences in a safe manner, has the MBPN continuing our annual traditions and exploring new approaches to keep Michigan barns on our radar”
A virtual tour can also be viewed on computers on the MBPN website at www.mibarn.net. Descriptions, photographs, directions and near-by sites of interest are provided in both the virtual tour and the app.
The Map-N-Tour app is a free download, and there is no charge to participate.
The tour is comprised of twelve suggested stops that include drive-by private barns, as well as public venues such as museums and markets for participants to get out and explore.
Stops in the MBPN Thumb Barn/Color Tour include:
• Thumb Octagon Barn, 6948 Richie Road, east of Gagetown
• Pioneer Log Village Barn, 205 S. Hanselman St., in Bad Axe
• Gothic Arch Roofed Barn, 3574 Sand Beach Road, east of Bad Axe
• Frank Murphy Museum, 142 S. Huron Ave., in Harbor Beach
• Grice Museum Complex, 865 N. Huron Ave., in Harbor Beach
• Port Austin Farmers Market, 17 W. State St., in Port Austin
• Empkie Barn, 7541 N Vandyke Road, south of Port Austin
• Port Crescent Barn, Port Crescent Road, south of Port Austin
• Hygienic Dress League Barn, 52 Stoddard Road, south of Port Austin
• Emergency Ark, 3598 Fehner Road, between Port Austin and Caseville
• Secret Sky Art Barn, 5201 N. Pinnebog Road, outside of Kinde
• Caseville Museum, 6604 Main St. in Caseville
People can check out the MBPN Thumb Barn/Color Tour virtual tour at www.storyroadmichigan.com.
More information and step-by-step guidance is available at the MBPN’s website.