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Wisconsin friends join Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing

Slideshow: Drivers for the annual event ranged from 18 to 101 years old and came from 28 states and Canada.

Jennifer Kiel, Editor, Michigan Farmer and Ohio Farmer

October 31, 2024

7 Slides
Ken Jentges from Port Washington, Wisconsin, stands next to his 1959 Case 800, a Western tractor
Photos by Jennifer Kiel

Maybe it’s the allure of Michigan’s 5-mile suspension bridge with its majestic views. Or perhaps it’s the vast array of antique tractors and the camaraderie among drivers. Or maybe it’s for the thrill and the bragging rights to say, “I did that.”

For three Wisconsin friends, it was all of these things.

Crossing the Mighty Mac

Ken Jentges, Jeff Mueller and Jerry Esselmann loaded up their antique tractors and trekked 350 miles and seven hours through the Badger State and across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to partake in the 16th Annual Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing on Sept. 7.

Despite its chilly and windy start, the event drew massive crowds on both sides of the bridge to cheer on the 1,265 tractor drivers. From purring and polished to rusty and running hard, there’s no discrimination as the diversity of people and their tractors are embraced.

“This event draws people from all over,” says Jentges, who returned after crossing six years earlier with Mueller and expanded this year’s experience by adding Esselmann as a newbie. “I barely had the tractor unloaded and there were guys taking pictures. I got into a conversation, and I noticed one had a heck of an accent, so I asked where he was from. He said Massachusetts.”

Held the weekend after Labor Day, the event has served as a magnet for Michigan, pulling in antique tractor enthusiasts and drivers of all ages — from 18 to 101 this year — from 28 states and Canada.

Related:Antique tractors cross Mighty Mac in Michigan

Starting in the Lower Peninsula, tractors parade across the bridge to the Upper Peninsula, where they end with a tractor show, games, food and fun in St. Ignace Saturday and Sunday.

16-year tradition

Bob Baumgras, owner of Owosso Tractor Parts in Owosso, Mich., came up with the idea several years ago and pulled off the first crossing in 2008 with 614 tractors.

“What I like most about the event is it means something different to everybody that’s here,” says Baumgras, who notes the increased interest and influx of young people getting involved. “Everybody has their own story. Maybe it was Granddad’s tractor or my dad’s tractor, or I farmed with this when I was a kid. They just can’t stop loving their tractors. And when you mix that camaraderie in with the Mackinac Bridge and this event, it’s pretty special.”

Jentges, Port Washington, drove a 1959 Case 800, a Western tractor similar to one his father owned, which was delivered the day he was born. He bought the tractor six years ago and made minor improvements. Like many who own antique tractors, Jentges doesn’t have just one. He owns 15 other Case antique tractors, in addition to the tractors he uses to farm 500 acres of corn, wheat and soybeans.

Related:1,265 antique tractors parade across Mackinac Bridge

Mueller, who hails from Random Lake, drove a 1963 John Deere 40, just like his grandfather’s tractor he grew up with. “I just want to take care of it and have a little fun with it because it brings back good memories,” he says. “We just love this event. And, even before the crossing, we spent four-plus hours walking around, looking at tractors and visiting with people.” Mueller says they added a visit to Mackinac Island, as well.

Esselmann, West Bend, drove his 1957 International 350 tractor, originally owned by his parents and used on their dairy farm until 1997. The tractor, which has been in their family since its purchase in 1974, features power steering and a fast hitch, and has been converted to a 12-volt system.

“It was painted in 1974, and it maintains that patina,” he says. “Being my first time, it was exciting. … It’s a bucket list sort of thing. We belong to the Ixonia tractor club, and the last few years they’ve had people drive all the way from Ixonia, which is west of Milwaukee. If we can get another group together again, I’d love to do it again.”

Celebration for all

The event serves as a source of inspiration and celebration for many, with stories of personal triumphs and family traditions, Baumgras says.

Related:1929 Rock Island tractor is rare machine

“The camaraderie among tractor enthusiasts is really what it’s all about, with participants forming lifelong friendships and enjoying the shared experience,” he says. “It’s a wholesome family activity, promoting a positive and inclusive environment for all ages. It’s also become a place for significant life events, such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and family gatherings, often surpassing traditional family reunions.”

The event is capped at 1,500 tractors, and registration usually begins the end of February. Spectators are welcome, and the event is free.

Tractors must be at least 40 years old and go at least 10 mph on pneumatic tires only. Drivers must belong to a participating tractor club and be at least 18 years old. To learn more about the event, visit mackinacbridgecrossing.com or search for “Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing” on Facebook. Check out the photo gallery featuring many tractors and drivers from this year’s event.

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About the Author

Jennifer Kiel

Editor, Michigan Farmer and Ohio Farmer

Jennifer was hired as editor of Michigan Farmer in 2003, and in 2015, she began serving a dual role as editor of Michigan Farmer and Ohio Farmer. Both those publications are now online only, while the print version is American Agriculturist, which covers Michigan, Ohio, the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic. She is the co-editor with Chris Torres.

Prior to joining Farm Progress, she served three years as the manager of communications and development for the American Farmland Trust Central Great Lakes Regional Office in Michigan, and as director of communications with the Michigan Agri-Business Association. Previously, she was the communications manager at Michigan Farm Bureau's state headquarters. She also lists 10 years of experience at six different daily and weekly Michigan newspapers on her resume.

She has been a member of American Agricultural Editors’ Association (now Agricultural Communicators Network) since 2003. She has won numerous writing and photography awards through that organization, which named her a Master Writer in 2006 and Writer of Merit in 2017.

She is a board member for the Michigan 4-H Foundation, Clinton County Conservation District and Barn Believers.

Jennifer and her husband, Chris, live in St. Johns, Mich., and collectively have five grown children and four grandchildren.

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