Update 9/12/24
As we conclude the Barn Quilt Project, we reflect on the incredible creativity and community spirit it brought to life. Over the years, these quilts have told stories of our heritage, adorned our landscapes, and celebrated the artistry of local hands. While the project comes to an end, its legacy will remain in the colorful patterns that continue to inspire and connect us. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this unforgettable journey. Shawano Country Tourism would also like to specially thank Jim Leuenberger for his heartfelt dedication to this project over the years. So many hours spent in the basement creating these works of art. Thank you Jim!

A drive through Shawano Country is a lot more colorful today than it was a few years ago. That’s because more than 408 brilliant “quilt blocks,” called barn quilts, are on display on barns throughout the county. The Shawano Country barn quilt project was started by local writer/photographer Jim Leuenberger in 2010 after he had seen barn quilts in Iowa, Kentucky, Oregon and southern Wisconsin. So, in June 2010, he proposed the idea to local 4-H clubs for them to paint the quilts as a possible club service project. Since then, several clubs, barn owners, businesses and individuals have supported the project through sponsoring a quilt and/or having a quilt put on their barn. As the project gained momentum, three objectives were established:

1. To encourage the preservation of Shawano County’s historic old barns.
2. To promote tourism for Shawano Country.
3. To provide an opportunity for groups like 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and others to sponsor and paint a barn quilt as a community service project.

Click here to learn more about Barn Quilts.