American Gothic Barn: Iowa Icon

4.6 (52)

A giant roadside replica of Grant Wood's 'American Gothic' painting on a charming barn near Mt. Vernon, Iowa. A unique photo op!

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American Gothic Barn

The American Gothic Barn is a roadside attraction near Mt. Vernon, Iowa, featuring a mural replicating Grant Wood's famous painting, 'American Gothic'. Painted on a privately owned barn, it offers a unique photo opportunity for art lovers and travelers along Highway 30.

A brief summary to American Gothic Barn

1278 US-30, Mt Vernon, Iowa, 52314, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring American Gothic Barn.

The barn is located on private property, so view it from the road.
Parking is limited to the gravel area alongside the road.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Palisades-Kepler State Park.

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Getting There

Driving

From Mount Vernon, head west on US-30 for approximately 5 miles. The American Gothic Barn will be on your right, just past the entrance to Palisades-Kepler State Park. Look for the distinctive 'American Gothic' mural facing the highway. There is no designated parking; use the gravel pull-off area along the road. Be mindful of traffic. There are no tolls or parking fees.

Discover more about American Gothic Barn

The American Gothic Barn offers a quirky, artistic detour in rural Iowa. Located just east of Palisades-Kepler State Park on Highway 30, near Mt. Vernon, this barn features a large-scale replica of Grant Wood's iconic 1930 painting, 'American Gothic'.The mural, created in 2008 by local artist Mark Benesh, covers the barn's facade, providing a unique photo opportunity. In addition to the 'American Gothic' replication on the side facing Highway 30, the east side of the barn showcases a mural depicting a typical Iowa scenic view with deer, a red-tailed hawk, and a farm. The west side features a bison in a prairie setting.While the barn is on private property, it's easily viewable from the road. Visitors are welcome to stop for a quick snapshot, capturing their own take on this Iowa roadside attraction. The American Gothic Barn provides a fun and unexpected encounter with art and rural Americana.