This trip is a day to learn about Iowa’s many hidden treasures! Beginning with the John Deere Tractor Assembly Plant in Waterloo. The plant assembles 95 to 450 horsepower tractors in one of the most environmentally sound production facilities in North America. We will begin with a 15 minute video on the history of John Deere and ride on a trolley through the manufacturing plant. This is wonderful, easy tour which has been recently changed. (No open-toe shoes, cameras or cell phones allowed). A buffet lunch will be eaten at River Loop Public Market Cafe followed by a visit to the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum which has just recently opened. This new museum tells the story behind the development of engines and tractors and why the John Deere Company came to Waterloo. Hear the stories of men and women who have worked at John Deere and how they have contributed to the evolution of the tractor.
We then travel to Dunkerton, Iowa to see a collection of the finest antique & vintage tractors, steam engines and gasoline engines in the Midwest owned by Kenny Kass. His collection is one of the top five in the United States which includes prairie tractors from the turn of the century, Aultman-Taylor, Russell and the rare Rumely Oil Pull Tractors. An additional building houses collections of old clocks, calendars, farm & kitchen tools. He is excited to share his collection with our travelers!
Our evening meal will be served at Barn Happy which is a 1925 renovated dairy barn decorated with Iowa handmade gifts and made in Iowa food products. The upstairs houses antiques that complete the nostalgic Iowa experience!
Depart: 7:45 a.m.
Return: 8:45 p.m.
Cost Per Person: $108.00
Reservation and payment due by June 15, 2015