Dedicated to America’s agricultural heritage and preservation of vintage tractors, this day is celebrated particularly throughout American farming states, such as Kansas and Missouri.
But that doesn’t mean that folks from other places can’t celebrate too. This is an invitation for anyone and everyone to show up for Antique Tractor Preservation Day!
How to Celebrate Antique Tractor Preservation Day
Check out a few of these fun and exciting ideas to fully join in on the celebration of Antique Tractor Preservation Day:
Participate in Antique Tractor Events
One of the best ways to get involved with this day is to head on over to Kansas, Missouri, or another farming state that celebrates this event.
You might find yourself visiting an antique tractor show, viewing a parade or event participating in a fun tractor pull!
For instance, the Tri-State Antique Engine & Threshers Association at the Thresher Museum in Bird City, Kansas often hosts special tours and activities in honor of this special day.
Learn Fun Facts About Antique Tractors
Do some research online in honor of this special day, or get started on your journey of learning about vintage tractors with a few of these bits of trivia:
- The original versions of farm tractors were powered by steam engines, similar to those used on the railroad
- The first gasoline powered tractor engine is credited to John Froelich in 1892, which revolutionized the systems of farming in the United States
- The oldest surviving farming tractor with an internal combustion engine is recognized to the be the Hart Parr #3, which was made in 1903
- Because antique tractors have simpler mechanics, they are much more affordable and easier to maintain and repair than more modern versions
Visit an Antique Tractor Museum
Want to know more about the impetus behind this day? Take some time to get more educated by viewing some antique tractor collections at some of these museums:
- American Tractor Museum in Perryville, Missouri
- Keystone Antique Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, Virginia
- Mehmke Steam Tractor Museum in Great Falls, Montana
- The Bayer Museum of Agriculture in Lubbock, Texas
History of Antique Tractor Preservation Day
Dating back to the early 2000s, the idea for this day was started by Michael Hinton of Hutchinson, Kansas.
As a member of the Great Plains Antique Tractor Club and owner of the business Talking Tractors, Hinton’s vision was that the day would raise awareness about the impact that the tractor had on American farming.
Antique Tractor Preservation Day was first proclaimed in 2012 by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. Originally celebrated in late September, the date was moved up by those in the state of Kansas.
In 2024, the event was designated by Kansas Governor Laura Kelley. That same year, the United States Postal Service (USPS) commemorated the day with a special postmark in support of the preservation of antique tractors.
By 2025, the Kansas House of Legislature agreed by official declaration to celebrate this event annually throughout the state, through Resolution HR 6011.
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