American Gothic Barn: Iowa Icon

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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

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

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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Sutliff Bridge

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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.