Ryan Round Barn

The Ryan Round Barn is a circular agricultural structure in Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park designed with three and a half levels and a central silo. The building features a diameter of about 74 feet (23 meters) and was engineered to streamline livestock operations and storage.

The barn was built in 1910 by Laurence Ryan, a neurosurgeon from Chicago, as part of his rural property where he raised cattle. The structure emerged from a period when circular barn design represented agricultural innovation in the Midwest.

The structure shows how farmers managed animals and equipment efficiently under a single roof in the early 1900s. Visitors can still see how the circular layout reduced walking distances and made daily farm work simpler.

The barn sits within a state park setting and welcomes visitors interested in seeing vintage farm machinery and historical equipment on display. Plan to visit during warmer months when the site operates with full access and exhibits.

The structure was built with horizontal boards arranged in complete circles, crowned by four roof dormers and a cupola that stands out distinctly. These design choices were experimental for the time and made the building recognizable from great distances.

Location: Illinois

GPS coordinates: 41.24111,-89.92556

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24