Toy Tractor Collection Will Move to Museum in 2027

A massive collection of 1,200 toy tractors will head to a South Dakota museum by early 2027.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Collecting

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single miniature die-cast tractor sitting on a rustic wooden plank, capturing a nostalgic agricultural theme. — Clark Hanson will donate his lifelong collection of 1,200 antique toy tractors to the South Dakota Tractor Museum by 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Clark Hanson, a former South Dakota State University agriculture education supervisor, will donate his extensive collection of 1,200 toy tractors to the South Dakota Tractor Museum. The pieces will go on public display by early 2027.

Why it matters

The donation preserves a unique piece of agricultural history and provides an educational tool for future generations to learn about the evolution of farming equipment. Hanson intends for the exhibit to highlight the mechanics and design changes in tractors over the past century.

The collection spans from a 1/8 scale John Deere B to a utility model less than half an inch long. Items include major agricultural brands like John Deere, International Harvester, Ford, Massey Ferguson, and Allis-Chalmers.

The players

Clark Hanson

He is a former SDSU supervisor of agriculture education who spent decades assembling a massive toy tractor collection.

South Dakota Tractor Museum

Located in Kimball, South Dakota, this institution preserves and exhibits historic agricultural machinery.

The details

Hanson began his lifelong hobby in 1948 and pursued it seriously starting in 1967. Over decades, he sourced the replicas through garage sales and auctions, while also receiving many contributions from students and colleagues.

1948: Hanson received his first toy tractor.
1967: Hanson began collecting tractors seriously.
Early 2027: Collection expected to be on display at the museum.

Culture Shift

This transition reflects a broader shift toward preserving specialized agricultural heritage in public museums to ensure the legacy of farming remains visible. It mirrors the trend of private collectors moving extensive archives into institutional settings to provide lasting educational access.

Residents and agriculture enthusiasts can expect the collection to be available for public viewing in Kimball by early 2027. The display will serve as a permanent regional resource for those interested in the evolution of farm equipment design and historical replica models.

The takeaway

Preserving collections through public institutions ensures that personal hobbies can serve a larger educational purpose. Individuals looking to honor their own collections should consider partnering with local museums to secure a permanent legacy for their items.