Visit a Tractor Museum This Summer
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At Antique Power, we love connecting newbies to opportunities to learn about and enjoy the wonderful antique tractor hobby. One way is to visit a tractor museum. Whether they feature general collections including all types of tractors, only one make, are free, or require a fee, all offer great experiences.
With summer vacations in mind, I’d like to share information about a few of the many antique tractor museums located in various regions of North America, in the hope that you can visit one. Such a visit would be a fun and educational outing for kids or grandkids too. What follows is just a “random sampling” of museums visitors have reviewed positively and enthusiastically. Many other excellent ones exist, too many for me to include in one post.
Here are a few suggestions.
John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
This amazing FREE destination in Waterloo, Iowa, tells the John Deere story from its beginning through a series of four gorgeous galleries. They are named “Working the Land,” “Storyline,” “Manufacturing,” and “Into the World.” Each gallery includes a variety of exhibits. Please click here for a fact sheet with all the details about the museum.
Location: 500 Westfield Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50701
Phone: 319-292-6126
The John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum is open daily all year long and is a free attraction. The museum is closed News Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Hours of operation: Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 12–4 p.m.
Enjoy this video of John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.
While in Iowa, and if your favorite tractors are red instead of green, be sure to see this museum.
Photo Jan Renander of Renander Photos
Farmall-Land USA
Farmall-Land USA in Avoca, Iowa, features more than 250 full-sized International Harvester tractors, pedal tractors, toys, artwork, and IH memorabilia in a 26,500-square-foot museum. Owner Jerry Mez has collected all his life and welcomes you to come enjoy this massive display in a comfortable, well-lit building. Allow plenty of time, because every tractor is shown with fascinating and educational information about the model.
Photo Jan Renander of Renander Photos
The Farmall-Land USA Museum is open April through October. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. From November through early April, the museum operates on winter hours with tours available by appointment only. Admission fees are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13–18, $3 for ages 5-12, and free for under age 5.
The museum is conveniently located at the intersections of two major highways. For full directions, please click here.
Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum
Located in Colonial Heights, Virginia, this amazing place includes a 90,000-square-foot display area filled with a huge collection of tractors of all makes for you to enjoy.
Address: 880 W. Roslyn Rd., Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Phone: 804-524-0020
Curator: Alan Stone, bonesstone@gmail.com
Hours: Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Please see the museum’s website for admissions costs and discounts available.
Paquette’s Historical Farmall Tractor Museum
When I contacted owner J. Stewart Paquette, he replied with the following special invitation to visit his museum in Leesburg, Florida, where he displays his massive International Harvester collection.
“We have a variety of tractors, farm implements, and other antique memorabilia on display for all our guests to see. We offer special group guided tours of Paquette’s Historical Farmall Tractor Museum. Tours can last from two to three hours depending on the interests of the group. Pack a lunch and stay all day, or we can arrange a delicious catered lunch for an additional fee, if you prefer.
Our large golf cart “limo” is used to carry guests from building to building if necessary. Wheelchairs and walkers are available to guests who may need them during their visit. We have ample parking for buses, as well as groups of cars.
For information on fees, food, facilities, and more, see his website.
Heading out west? Don’t miss these museums.
California Agriculture Museum, home of the Heidrick Tractor Collection
Located at 1962 Hays Lane, Woodland, California, (near Sacramento), this museum is easy to find and a great destination. It’s many interactive exhibits bring history alive for visitors of all ages. In addition to learning about tractors and other farm equipment, you and your family will also be treated to a fascinating overview of California’s long agricultural and general history. Be sure to look at its website for special events too!
You can access full directions here.
Hours: Wed.–Sat. (seasonal hours); Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone: 530-666-9700
Enjoy one visitor’s memories through this video!
David King opened his museum a few years ago in the historic Lewis County Lumber building in Centralia, Washington, with about 50 tractors. His collection soon grew to over 100 and is climbing. The museum in open May through September from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment throughout the year.
Location: 213 East Maple St., Centralia, WA 98531
Phone: 360-736-2717
Powerland Heritage Park (formerly Antique Powerland)
If visiting the state of Oregon, don’t miss this wonderful campus of 15 different museums, several of which focus on tractors! It is conveniently located right off U.S. Interstate 5.
Mehmke Steam Tractor Museum
This family museum in Great Falls, Montana, was started by Walter Frederick and is now owned and operated by his daughters, Charlotte Mehmke and Mardel Scott. There are steam tractors and much more, including a large number of Case tractors. Call 307-751-2051 for information.
In Canada, be sure to visit, among others:
Canadian Tractor Museum in Westlock, Alberta
Readers, what tractor museums have you visited? Please share suggestions in the comments. Have a great summer!
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