High winds Wednesday afternoon caused significant damage to multiple buildings in downtown Horicon and destroyed the bright blue barn known as the Culver’s Barn that had long served as a landmark for drivers on Highway 151 south of Beaver Dam.
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said it was too early to tell whether the damage was caused by straight-line winds or a tornado.
Officials are meeting this morning in Horicon to discuss the next steps following the storm.
“My concern is the displaced residents, our city staff is concerned about what to do about traffic and the building integrity,” Mayor Josh Maas said. “Hopefully we will have some answers.”
Maas was driving downtown with Horicon DPW Director Cody Vanderhei on Wednesday when the storm ripped through the area, Maas said. The wind tore the roofs off on the south side buildings and blew them right through the buildings on the north side, Maas said.
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“It’s a mess all through town, but downtown took a punch,” Maas said.
There are no damage estimates at this point, he said.
The city was struck by tornados that went through Dodge County in 2025 with the golf course, campground and River Bend Park all affected.
“The golf course and River Bend are still recovering, Maas said.
“Emergency crews are working to stabilize the structures before the roadway can safely reopen,” Schmidt said in the statement Wednesday.
The Culvers Barn, that sat on Highway 151 south of Beaver Dam, is shown after it was painted in 2013 by the chain restaurant in an effort to thank farmers.
Outside of Beaver Dam, Michael Zimmerman, owner of the barn at N6490 Highway 151 that read "Thank You Farmers" in large white type, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that winds reached approximately 85 mph at the property and brought down the structure. Zimmerman said the barn had previously sustained tornado damage during an April storm and was scheduled for repairs this week before the latest round of severe weather struck.
"The insurance company wasn't fast enough. I wanted to rebuild it already. They were going to start working on it this week," Zimmerman said.
In a statement, Culver's said it was relieved that no one was hurt and that its thoughts are with the farm family as they begin recovery efforts.
"While the barn has become a recognizable symbol, the real story is the land and the people who care for it," the company said in a statement. "This kind of destruction is difficult, and our thoughts are with the farm family as they begin the long work of recovery."
Culver's launched the Thank You Farmers Project in 2013 to express gratitude to farmers and support those who grow the fresh ingredients used in its restaurants. The project has raised more than $6.5 million to support the future of agriculture, according to the company's website.
Three other Culver's "Thank You Farmers" barns remain in Mineral Point, Wisconsin; Argenta, Illinois; and Greenfield, Indiana.
There was also significant storm damage in the Lomira area, and downed trees and power lines throughout the county, he added.
“We ask everyone to stay away from downed power lines, damaged structures, and emergency work zones. Entering these areas not only puts you at risk but can also hinder response and recovery efforts,” Schmidt said.
Emergency workers respond to Horicon's downtown Wednesday after a storm blew the roofs off several buildings.
The National Weather Service is expected to conduct damage assessments in the coming days, Schmidt said.
The afternoon storm took out the power in Fox Lake and parts of Beaver Dam.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Adrienne Davis contributed to this report.
