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University of Illinois Round Barns: A Step Back in Time

Discover historic round barns at the University of Illinois, showcasing early 20th-century agricultural innovation and unique architecture.

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The University of Illinois Round Barns, built between 1907 and 1913, are a trio of historic structures that showcase early 20th-century agricultural innovation. These unique barns, located on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, represent a time of experimentation and efficiency in dairy farming.

A brief summary to University of Illinois Round Barns

  • 1201-1393 St Marys Rd, Urbana, Illinois, 61802, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Explore the surrounding South Farms area for a glimpse into the university's agricultural research and activities.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and historical significance of the barns.
  • Check out the nearby Vet Med Building to see the surrounding area of the Round Barns.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the University of Illinois campus, the Round Barns are located in the South Farms district. Walking south along South Lincoln Avenue, then east on St. Mary's Road will bring you to the vicinity of the barns. The barns are visible from the road.

  • Public Transport

    The MTD (Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District) has several bus routes that stop near the Round Barns. Check the MTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Bus routes 5, 6, 9, 16, and 4 have stops close to Round Barn Road. A single ride fare is $1.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Willard Airport or the Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) will cost approximately $15-20 to the University of Illinois Round Barns. The drive is about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about University of Illinois Round Barns

Nestled in the heart of the University of Illinois' South Farms district, the Round Barns stand as a testament to the ingenuity of early 20th-century agricultural practices. Constructed between 1907 and 1913, these three barns were the brainchild of Wilbur J. Fraser, head of the Department of Dairy Husbandry, and university architects Kell & Bernard and James M. White. The round design, inspired by earlier examples, aimed to improve efficiency and economy in dairy farming. The barns anchored a 20-acre dairy demonstration farm and were designed to offer 'economy of consideration, low maintenance, and labor efficiency'. The round shape required less lumber and bracing, simplifying construction and making the structures more resilient to prairie storms. Inside, the layout facilitated efficient feeding and milking, with wedge-shaped stalls arranged around a central silo. The three barns, known as the Twenty Acre Dairy Barn (1907), the Dairy Horse Barn (1912), and the Dairy Experiment Barn (1913), each incorporated advancements in design and construction. The Dairy Experiment Barn, the largest and most expensive, featured a unique 'wing' to accommodate more cattle. In 1994, the barns were added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the U of I Experimental Dairy Farm Historic District. Today, they stand as a reminder of the university's rich agricultural heritage and a unique example of early 20th-century farm architecture.

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