While The Barn will soon be demolished to make way for a new business, the memories and history of this barn turned nightclub turned event venue will live on. Thank you to the Douglas County Historical Society for providing this fantastic history, and on today, GiveMN’s Give to the Max Day, please consider supporting DCHS and their efforts to preserve the rich history and stories of Alexandria and Douglas County for generations to come.

The Barn originally opened in 1969 as “The Outside Inn.” The establishment was known as a “peanut bar,” and the empty peanut shells were thrown into the silo. For those who enjoyed outdoor activities, a snowmobile rental area was located on-site.

In 1974, The Outside Inn became “The Barn,” attracting younger audiences with live music six nights a week. In 1974, the minimum legal drinking age had also been lowered to 18 years old.

At some point between then and 1982, the silo was painted to resemble a beer stein.

In 1981, Oui Magazine recognized The Barn as one of the top 10 nightclubs in the country.

Under the ownership of Park Inn International, the facility was updated in 1988 with additional food service and an outside deck. The Barn was updated again in 2014—while under the ownership of the Holiday Inn—to serve as a modernized special event venue. The disco ball that had hung above the dance floor since 1969 was also removed in 2014.

Today, The Barn is slated for demolition to make way for a forthcoming Kwik Trip.

These photos were taken by DCHS Office Manager Richard Kracht in 1982 as part of a project documenting businesses and locales in Douglas County. (Please note: A sign that contained inappropriate language has been covered for this feature.)

Do you have any favorite memories, photos, or stories from The Barn? DCHS would love to hear about them—join the chat on their Facebook page!