Indiana DNR Urged to Save Red Barn
Published: Friday, November 21, 2025
Local barn preservationists have stepped up their fight to save an iconic barn slated for demolition at Potato Creek State Park in St. Joseph County.
Last Saturday, around 45 concerned citizens and park supporters marched from one of the parking lots to the scarlet-colored wooden structure along Worster Lake, raising signs urging the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to "Save the Red Barn." With TV cameras rolling, they explained why the barn was worth preserving and what they must do to pressure the DNR to change course.
"I think we all would agree this is a historic barn," said Todd Zeiger, director of the northern regional office for Indiana Landmarks. "While I do this professionally, more important to me, this is my stomping grounds. I grew up coming to Potato Creek. The red barn is a landmark in every sense of the word."
The bank barn was built in 1908 by the Naragon family, long before the state park was imagined. However, the barn finds itself on the fringes of development as the DNR is currently constructing a new lodge at the cost of $100 million. The DNR has said the barn doesn't blend in with the new lodge.
"It is not in the way," Zeiger said. "There's no reason why it can't stay put and be used for something interesting."
Many of those gathered last Saturday were members of the Friends of Potato Creek State Park. The group works closely with park officials to host activities and fundraisers that support the state park. However, its members learned about the DNR's plans just two months ago. According to Chere McKinley, president of the Friends group, members were angered that the DNR didn't seek the group's input or even notify them about its decision to demolish the historic structure.
The Friends group has enlisted the help of Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Barn Foundation to help save the barn from the wrecking ball. The preservationists are asking for permission to go inside the barn to assess its condition—at no cost to the state. If it's found to be structurally sound, the Friends group would like to raise money to stabilize the barn or relocate it to another site at the state park. In the meantime, it's asking that the DNR delay its demolition plans.
"All we're asking for is a stay of execution," Zeiger said.
When contacted by the Exchange, DNR spokesperson Holly Lawson said there currently is no timeline for demolition and that the barn is structurally unsound and therefore unsafe for occupancy. Officials refuse to let anyone go inside to do an assessment.
Linda Matzat, a member of the Friends group, told the Exchange that the DNR was planning to demolish the barn this fall. As supporters approached the barn, last Saturday, several noticed that the windowpanes had recently been removed.
"We're trying to make people aware," she said. "There are still people who don't know about the issue. We've been writing letters to people downstate—a lot of different things. Maybe this (rally) will get some attention."
She said it's ironic that Friends of Potato Creek State Park is at odds with the DNR, which manages the state park in North Liberty.
"We have been helping the park for 20 years. —20 years," Matzat said. "We've done all kinds of projects, fundraisers, sponsoring the concerts. With everything we've done for the park, you'd think they might have asked us for our opinion about this. No. There was a little birdy that told us what was going on."
In 1913, there were around 300,000 barns in Indiana. However, by 2013, only 20,000 were left standing, according to Mark Kurth of the Indiana Barn Foundation.
"That rate of loss is staggering," he said. "The Indiana Barn Foundation was formed in 2013 by a group of enthusiasts in the state who wanted to see these barns saved. We think they are important. We think they are an important, tangible link to many of our family histories."
Kurth added that many Hoosiers are just one or two generations removed from living on a farm. The barns "represent the hard work and ingenuity of the families that first farmed the land," he said.
Several descendants of the Naragon family participated in the rally, all holding "Save the Barn" signs. They said the barn once housed beef cattle, sheep and hay.
"I do remember growing up here," said Dale Naragon. "The first 18 years of my life were on this farm."
"I continue to pray and hope that this barn can remain for generations of our family for many years to come, but also for the community, because I know it represents much more than just our family," said Maggie Hesters, whose great-grandfather helped build the barn.
Last month, the St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Commission passed a resolution urging the state of Indiana to save the barn.
"I think most of us would agree that this is an imminently savable property," said Michael Skaggs, commission member. "It's tangible, it's irreplaceable and it's part of the agricultural heritage of the park. We stand behind its preservation completely."
Zeiger, speaking as a representative of Indiana Landmarks, encouraged supporters to speak up.
"This won't happen unless you all make a ton of noise at the statehouse," he said. "You've got to call and email the governor's office. You've got to call and email your state reps and senators. That's the only way this is going to stay standing."
Return to Top of Page