McPolin Farm

The barn at McPolin Farm is one of Park City's more recognizable landmarks, offering year-round outdoor activities.

The farm is easy to spot when driving around the area. The large, white barn sits on the side of the highway and is a famous, historic landmark in the city. The iconic farm is north of downtown Park City, close to other attractions like the Jordanelle State Park and adventure tours like Red Pine Adventures.

Patrick and Grace McPolin inherited the farm and constructed the barn in 1922 with recycled timber from the Old Tailings Mill. It was a dairy farm until they sold it in 1947 to D. A. Osguthorpe. He increased the herd to 100 and built the milking parlor in the 1950s.

The barn is 7,468 square feet, including the loft, while the milking parlor is 1,500 square feet. The city installed barn windows for public viewing, which were not part of the original design. These give visitors a first-hand view of the barn's interior without setting foot inside. They also renovated the structure to make it safer and long-lasting.

The barn had a home, but it burned after Osguthorpe purchased it. Instead of rebuilding, the Osguthorpe family built a concrete block house across the highway. They resided there until selling the farm to Park City in 1990.

Also on site is a smaller replica of the farmhouse, which was moved to this location in two pieces in the early 1920s. Before its relocation, it served as a mine office and reflects the Pyramid Cottage-type homes that dominated 20th-century Park City architecture.

No matter what time of year you visit, McPolin Barn will entertain and delight you on your Utah getaway.

McPolin Barn: Fun Facts & Cool Features

A fun fact you'll want to take advantage of is this: the barn is one of the most photographed landmarks in Utah. The picturesque setting is idyllic for family holiday pictures or quintessential selfies to share on social media. 

Another fun fact is that builders constructed the barn by fitting timber together without using nails. While this technique was impressive, the barn needed renovating to better support the beams and joints and ensure it didn't collapse due to natural causes and rot.

The McPolin Nature Trail is another attraction that appeals to hikers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. The 1.6-mile loop-style trail has interpretive signs that provide insight into the area's wildlife and vegetation. Ideal for all ages, the pathway is flat, with only 160 feet of elevation gain, and takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.

The path is popular, so expect to encounter other walkers, joggers, and families. Some sections can be slightly muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. In winter, the path is a top pick for snowshoeing and cross-country skiers.

The barn and trail's proximity to other landmarks make them the perfect addition to a day filled with adventure. Hike the McPolin Nature Trail in the morning on your way to the Utah Olympic Park. Pick up a to-go meal from Salt Box and enjoy a picnic at the barn. As you can see, there are many options to consider when creating a multi-faceted day outdoors in Utah.

Another attractive feature of the McPolin Barn is that there is plenty of free parking and no admission fees! Benches are sprinkled along the route, and McLeod Creek flows alongside most of the pathway.

With free admission, a hiking trail, a historic farm, and proximity to outdoor adventures adding McPolin Barn to your itinerary is a no-brainer!