Take a Step Back in Time at the Thumb Octagon Barn

Built in 1923 by a local businessman, James L. Purdy, the Thumb Octagon Barn is a true epitome of agricultural life. Registered as a Michigan Historical Site, the Thumb Octagon Barn provides visitors with a glimpse into the livelihood of a Michigan Thumb farmer in the early 1900’s.

Restoration of the barn and its history started taking shape in 1994 when the Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn - a nonprofit, volunteer group - came together to preserve the area’s agricultural heritage and the Purdy ‘Mud Lake Estate’ complex, and to educate visitors about rural life in the early 1900’s.

Located just north of Gagetown in the heart of Michigan’s Thumb area, this unique landmark features an octagon-shaped barn, a two-story craftsman style home and garage, and the surrounding grounds.

Friends welcome over a thousand elementary-aged school children each May providing them with an educational tour, demonstrations and interactive displays depicting rural America in the 1920’s.

You’re invited to step back in time at the Thumb Octagon Barn from May through October from dawn to dusk. Tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more with several weeks notice.

The Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn host a Fall Family Days every September. Funds from special events, memberships and visitor donations help to ensure the Friends’ goal of preserving the agricultural heritage and barn complex, and the development of the Thumb Octagon Barn as the Thumb Agricultural Museum with a replica 1900’s village on site.