One of Iowa’s hidden gems is the Heartland Museum, located in the heart of Clarion, Iowa. Home to many historical artifacts, restored tractors, and neat experiences, possibly the most popular exhibit is the largest farm tractor in the world!
The museum contains a variety of exhibits including a main street experience from the Victorian era, 1930’s and 1950s; a Duty and Honor display featuring every branch of the armed forces; a Teddy Bear Museum; Alvina’s Hat Parlor featuring over 300 hats; the Wright County Historical Library; and the more than 16,000 square foot Agriculture Hall which includes original and restored tractors and farm machinery, horse drawn buggies, and more than 3,000 collectible toy model tractors and construction equipment pieces.
One of the most popular displays is nearly too large to store in the museum: The 16-V 747 Big Bud Tractor. It is the largest farm tractor in the world and the only one of this particular model ever produced. Owned by the Williams Brothers from Big Sandy, Montana, the 130,000 pound tractor is displayed at the museum year-round for the public to view. The tractor carries the original 760 horsepower, 16-cylinder Detroit Diesel engine.
The 16V-747 Big Bud Tractor measures 14 feet tall, 20 feet wide, and 27 feet long. Through a partnership with Titan Tire and Goodyear, new wheels and rims were developed and manufactured specifically for the 16V-747 Big Bud in order to put the world’s largest Ag tires, Goodyear’s LSW’s, on the world’s largest tractor. The Goodyear LSW 1400/30R46 tires stand 8 feet tall and weigh over 1,600 pounds each, secured by a total of 48 lug nuts. The new tires were installed onto the tractor Tuesday, July 14th.
The Heartland Museum is open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday until Memorial Day, and available for tours by appointment year-round.