Exploring the Historic Round Barn Near Gettysburg

Exploring the Historic Round Barn near Gettysburg Pennsylvania

The historic Round Barn near Gettysburg is truly one of the most interesting and beautiful barns in Pennsylvania!

The Round Barn as it was originally constructed could house 90 head of horses and cattle.
The barn as it was originally constructed could house 90 head of horses and cattle.

Located approximately 8 miles west of downtown Gettysburg, the Round Barn has been a tourist attraction from the time it was first completed in 1914.

The Historic Round Barn is one of many unique buildings along the route of the original Lincoln Highway.
The historic Round Barn is one of many unique buildings along the route of the original Lincoln Highway.

Now home to a terrific farm market and event space, the Round Barn near Gettysburg is a must-see when passing through Adams County.

The Round Barn market sells a variety of items including fruits, vegetables, and baked goods.
The farm market sells a variety of items including fruits, vegetables, and baked goods.

Directions & Hours

The Round Barn is located at 298 Cashtown Rd, Biglerville, PA 17307.

Directions to the historic Round Barn near Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
Map to the barn in Adams County.

If navigating by GPS coordinates use 39.901288, -77.349645 to find the Round Barn along Cashtown Road.

The Historic Round Barn is located along Cashtown Road, just off the Lincoln Highway in Adams County.
The barn is located along Cashtown Road, just off the Lincoln Highway in Adams County.

The Round Barn is open 7 days a week from mid-April through late November, 9 am – 5 pm.

Hours of operation at the Round Barn Farm Market in Biglerville, PA.
Photo Credit: The Round Barn/Facebook.

History of the Round Barn

Round barns were popular in the United States between 1880 and 1920.

Horse statue in front of the Historic Round Barn in Adams County Pennsylvania.
Horse statue in front of the barn.

The Shakers, who built the first round barns, believed the circle to be the most perfect shape for a barn because, in part, the devil couldn’t trap you in a corner!

The Shakers, who built the first round barns, believed the circle to be the most perfect shape.
The Shakers, who built the first round barns, believed the circle to be the most perfect shape.

Round barns were cheaper to construct than similar-sized square or rectangular barns because they required less materials, and more structurally sound than a typical square or rectangular barn.

Scale model of the Round Barn on display in the farm market.
Scale model of the barn on display in the farm market.

The Round Barn near Gettysburg was built in 1914.

The Historic Round Barn near Gettysburg was built in 1914.
The barn was built in 1914.

The barn was constructed around a central silo measuring 60 feet high and 12 feet wide.

The Round Barn near Gettysburg was constructed around a central silo measuring 60 feet high and 12 feet wide.
The barn was constructed around a central silo measuring 60 feet high and 12 feet wide.

The circumference of the barn is 282 feet, with a diameter of nearly 90 feet.

The Historic Round Barn is located in Biglerville in Adams County Pennsylvania.
The circumference of the barn is 282 feet, with a diameter of nearly 90 feet.

Located just off the Lincoln Highway, the unusualness of the Round Barn has made it a tourist attraction for over 100 years.

History of the Round Barn on a sign outside the building.
History of the barn on a sign outside the building.

What You’ll See at the Round Barn

The downstairs portion of the Round Barn is home to a farm market.

The farm market at the Historic Round Barn near Gettysburg sells locally grown produce.
The farm market sells locally grown produce.

In addition to locally-grown fruits and vegetables, you’ll find a wide assortment of canned goods.

Canned goods for sale at the Historic Round Barn Farm Market near Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
Canned goods for sale.

Locally roasted coffee is another specialty item you’ll find at the Round Barn farm market.

Locally roasted coffee for sale at the Historic Round Barn farm market near Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
Locally roasted coffee for sale.

In addition to edible items, you’ll find an assortment of Amish-made crafts and decorations.

Amish made wrought iron candle holders for sale at the Historic Round Barn near Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
Amish made wrought iron candle holders for sale.

There’s even a wide assortment of Round Barn souvenirs, ranging from hats to t-shirts to coffee mugs.

Historic Round Barn coffee mugs.
Souvenir coffee mugs.

The Upper Floor of the Round Barn

The upstairs portion of the Round Barn is used as an event space, and can be rented out for weddings, parties, etc.

The upstairs of the Round Barn is used for weddings and other events.
The upstairs of the barn is used for weddings and other events.

But if you’re just curious as to what it looks like (like I was), you can simply walk upstairs on most weekdays.

Stairway leading to the second floor event space at the Historic Round Barn.
Stairway leading to the second floor event space.

Here you can see what a unique event setting this barn really is.

The upstairs event space at the Historic Round Barn near Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
The upstairs event space.

It’s hard to look up at the roof and not marvel at the ingenuity and craftsmanship that went into building the Round Barn.

The circumference of the barn is 282 feet, with a diameter of nearly 90 feet.
The silo acts as the “hub” of a wheel, with 14 girder “spokes” that form the interior structure and support for the second floor.

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Round Barn Near Gettysburg

The historic Round Barn and Farm Market is a great place to check out when visiting the Gettysburg area.

The farm market at the Round Barn sells variety of gifts and seasonal decorations in addition to produce.
The farm market sells variety of gifts and seasonal decorations in addition to produce.

Whether you’re looking for fresh fruit, or looking to tie the knot, this historic barn makes for a great backdrop.

Outside entrance to the second floor event space at the Historic Round Barn near Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
Outside entrance to the second floor event space.

Like many other farm markets, the Round Barn closes in late November and reopens in mid-April; for the most current hours of operation, please visit the Round Barn’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Most round barns in the United States were built between 1900 and 1920.
Most round barns in the United States were built between 1900 and 1920.

Nearby Attractions

23 Must-See Attractions in Adams County is your guide to the best things to see and do near the Round Barn.

A collage of 5 photos from Adams County Pennsylvania.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.