1,265 Antique Tractors Parade Across Mackinac Bridge

It was a crisp morning with a breeze to add a little more bite, but it was no deterrence for the 1,265 antique tractor drivers that lined up to parade across the Mackinac Bridge.

They had been waiting two years for this event — the Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing — as last year’s ride was canceled because of bridge construction.

From purring and polished to rusty and running hard, there’s no discrimination as the diversity of people and their tractors are embraced.

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

“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.”

Starting in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, tractors parade across the 5-mile suspension bridge to the Upper Peninsula, where they end with a show, tractor games, food and fun in St. Ignace on Saturday and Sunday.

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.

Making the trek

Tractors start arriving in Mackinaw City to a staging area as early as Wednesday before the Saturday morning event, which begins with a drivers’ meeting around the flagpole. There, with tractors silenced, last-minute instructions are reiterated, and military members provide a flag-raising ceremony.

This year, in his dress uniform and driving a 1952 Ford 8N, six-year Army Sgt. Joseph Van Assche IV of the HSC 96th ASB, 101st Airborne Division, became the first active military member to participate.

“I started planning this back in February,” says Van Assche, who took leave to attend. The tractor he drove is owned by his mother, Christy, and was restored by his father, Joe.

Van Assche, of Macomb, Michigan (near Detroit), has been stationed in Korea and is deploying to Kuwait soon. He was the second to cross the bridge behind this year’s grand marshal, John Schiel of Bridgewater Township, whose father, Charles, is a disabled Vietnam veteran. Both Charles and Joseph raised the flag.

As tractors fire, there’s a rumble, some chugging and clanking as the old iron horses readied. About 8:30 a.m., they are off with flags waving, horns tooting and riders and drivers intently waving to the scores of people lining the streets before and after the bridge.

Baumgras, owner of Owosso Tractor Parts in Owosso, Michigan, 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 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.”

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. Click on the photo gallery featuring many tractors and drivers.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

A spectacular scene this must be with tractors stretching over nearly five miles. This would be visible from the Straits of Mackinac below as well as both peninsulas (Upper and Lower Michigan). There are tractor related events across this nation, but this one has to be one of the more unique shows of all. If you have never been to or crossed the Mackinac Bridge, you might consider visiting when the next tractor crossing is scheduled. This would be a great opportunity to meet and talk to a lot of farmers/ranchers from many states. Perhaps this is an event you might promote in your dealership in 2025. Farmers/ranchers obviously are enthusiastic about a tractor rally like this!