The Cooper Barn
- Admission
- $10 adults, $5 youth (includes Prairie Museum admission)
- Hours
- Monday to Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Free parking available in the main museum lot
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible ground floor, though some upper loft areas may require climbing stairs
As the largest barn in Kansas, this monumental structure stands an impressive 66 feet high and 114 feet wide. Built in 1936 for registered Hereford cattle, it was moved intact to its current site in 1992. Today, visitors can step inside to marvel at its vast timber framing and historic agricultural exhibits.
Read more
Built in 1936 by Benjamin Cooper, the Cooper Barn is proudly recognized as the largest barn in Kansas. Measuring an impressive 114 feet long, 66 feet wide, and 48 feet high, this massive structure was originally located on a ranch 16 miles away before being carefully relocated to its current home.
Today, the barn serves as the crown jewel of the Prairie Museum of Art and History. Visitors can step inside the towering wooden cathedral to explore exhibits detailing the agricultural heritage of the High Plains, including vintage farming equipment and photographs of the monumental 1992 move.
The sheer scale of the hand-framed interior loft is awe-inspiring, showcasing the master craftsmanship of a bygone era. It stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Depression-era farming communities.
Ratings
museumVisitor Tips
- ◆ Combine your visit with the rest of the Prairie Museum of Art and History, which features a sod house and a historic one-room schoolhouse.
- ◆ Be sure to head upstairs to the loft area to fully appreciate the massive scale and timber framing of the structure.
- ◆ Check the museum's seasonal hours before visiting, as hours can vary between the summer and winter months.
- ◆ Photography is highly encouraged, especially from the outside to capture the sheer size of the barn against the Kansas sky.
Heads Up
- ◆ The upper loft of the barn is not temperature-controlled and can get quite warm during peak summer afternoons.
- ◆ Stairs are required to access the upper loft level, which may pose accessibility challenges for some visitors.
Common questions
Can you go inside the Cooper Barn?
Yes, visitors can go inside the barn to view agricultural exhibits, historical photos, and vintage farm equipment. Access to the interior is included with admission to the Prairie Museum of Art and History.
Is the Cooper Barn free to visit?
No, because the barn is located on the grounds of the Prairie Museum of Art and History, you must pay the museum's general admission fee to access it.
Was the Cooper Barn moved to Colby?
Yes, the barn was originally built in 1936 on a ranch north of Colby and was moved 16 miles to its current location at the museum in 1992.