Top: West side of barn after completion 1936

Bottom: Barn upon completion in 1936

History

The barn that is now The Hitching Post was hand-built as a dairy barn in 1936 by the Olson family. This barn was described as "the Cadillac of barns" in it's day. In the 1950s, the farm was bought by Warren and Delores Johnson, who continued using it as a dairy barn until 1986. In 1996, the property was purchased by The Hitching Post's owner, Todd Arntson and used as a storage facility until 2014.

In 2014, a family friend inquired to use the barn for her daughter's wedding reception. Seeing the beauty of the barn and premises, the idea grew and renovations started. From there, The Hitching Post was created.

Pictured Oscar Olson, right, with the architect of the barn.

Location Directions:

From I 94:

Take exit 15, "Downer Exit," travel East 18 miles. Clay County Rd 10 turns into Becker County Rd 4 approximately 1/2 mile before destination. Look for the sign on South side of the road.

From MN 10:

If coming from Hawley or further west, turn South on MN Highway 32 towards Rollag. Approximately 8 miles at the four way stop, turn left onto Clay County 10 traveling East for approximately 4 miles. Clay County Road 10 turns into Becker County Road 4 approximately 1/2 mile before destination. Look for the sign on South side of the road.

If coming from Lake Park or further East, turn left onto Becker County 1 traveling South for approximately 8 miles to Becker County 4. Turn right, travel West on Becker County 4 for 1/2 mile. Destination is on the South (left) side of the road. Look for the sign.