Travel Door County To Discover Barn Quilts, Then Stay At Birchwood Lodge In Sister Bay For Journey Reflections

Door County is well known and respected for its rich agricultural history. Several years ago, the University of Wisconsin-Extension office in Door County collaborated with local organizations to start the Door County Barn Quilt Project.  Barn quilts – the large, plywood squares or rectangles featuring colorful quilt block patterns – have enjoyed a great deal of popularity since the idea was first started in Ohio in the late 90’s. Because Door County has so many visitors that come to see the natural beauty of the landscape here – the water, the trees, the big sky –people can’t help but be reminded of the glorious display of nature all around us, different from that which may be seen in large metropolitan and suburban areas. It causes us all to reflect on all that Door County did have and continues to have– strong agricultural bonds that influence a way of life for many people on the peninsula today. Agriculture is a significant part of our history and reveals how our county is shaped even today. Since 2004, Farmers and FFA high school club from our local high schools have partnered with other organizations to highlight some of the agricultural aspects of our community and showcase some of the beautiful old barns. Many of these barns are adorned with large painted plywood quilts that tell that particular farm’s story. When you vacation here, we encourage you leave your city cares behind for awhile, take a drive on the winding back roads and discover for yourself farm history captured in these artistic quilts that are affixed to antique and new barns. Perhaps you can start a photograph collection of the quilts on your own as you travel through the county. There are some barn quilts in southern Door, Jacksonport, Bailey’s Harbor, Egg Harbor and on up through the area to the northernmost part of the county.  Come see these quilts, take a meandering journey along Highways 57 and 42, which have beed designated as two of Wisconsin’s most scenic drives. At jorney’s end come stay with us at Birchwood Lodge in Sister Bay. Make your reservation on-line at www.birchwoodlodge.com, or, call us at 866-854-7197. Happy travels!