OFFICIALLY, IT’S CALLED Stoney End Music Barn.
But I call it The Poetry Barn.
Stoney End Music Barn, 920 State Highway 19, Red Wing, Minnesota
Tucked into a wooded hillside just west of Red Wing, an aged sprawling barn draws the attention of travelers on Minnesota Highway 19. If not for the words, this barn might go unnoticed, blending into the rural landscape.
But there the barn stands, block print letters painted upon peeling paint.
Perhaps passersby ponder the poetry posted. Perhaps not.
I have photographed the barn on a sunny Saturday in March, just another person passing by en route to and from the Mississippi River town of Red Wing. Like so many others, I am in a hurry with no time to pause and explore this roadside attraction.
I have missed so much. Stoney End Music Barn, I later learn, houses a team of musicians who craft primarily harps—having made more than 7,000 since 1984.
The renovated barn is also home to the Hobgoblin Music Store and a third floor music loft/concert hall.
So you see, Stoney End Music Barn truly is a poetry barn, for music is poetry.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Love that place.
I assume you’ve been inside, Clyde? Our short visit to Red Wing yesterday, mostly to see the eagles, was two days too short. We mostly need to plan a return trip with a detailed itinerary and an overnight stay.
Am definitely checking this place out come summer (although there is a Friday nite concert coming up that really looks great)! Love Gailic music and have always dreamed of owning a lap harp (also, a hammered dulcimer!). Awesome info!!!!
You know I am always delighted to share these unique places. I am even more pleased when readers like you totally embrace the discovery and tell me you “must see” this. Keep us posted.
Loved this … poets are everywhere!
I so agree and especially appreciate when poetry is showcased in the most unexpected of places.
I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen this barn but I’m gonna need to 🙂
thanks for sharing !
Not surprised at all, Jackie, that you would want to see this poetry barn. It is just outside of Red Wing on Minnesota Highway 19, so really not much out of the way for you.
They make harps in that barn? I’m impressed. Making a harp would be so difficult. xx
Yes, and Stoney End also makes mountain dulcimers, banjos and bodhrans. Wonderful, isn’t it?
My wife and I have been to Hobgoblin Music several times. We own a Stoney End Harp and a Bodhran, (Irish Drum) bought from there. Wonderful place filled with the smell of good wood.
Thanks for the heads up. Love that smell of wood. Stoney End will for sure be on our list of places to visit next trip to Red Wing.
Harps! How extraordinary. really not what you would expect.. great shot audrey.. c
Don’t you love surprises? As for the shot, I took several shots as we passed by the barn on our way to Red Wing and then several more quick frames on the way back. A little photo editing and, ta-da, I got what I wanted, even if I had to shoot through a grimy passenger side car window.
That building is fantastic. And I love anything with the name “Hobgoblin” in it…
Most definitely will need to stop here next trip to Red Wing and get the full story and more photos.