Posted in Montana
Attractions November 01, 2022
The largest Tonka truck collection in Montana can be found in the tiny town of Winifred. Actually, the largest Tonka truck collection in the world can be found in the tiny town of Winifred. So if you loved these trucks when you were a kiddo, or your kiddos love them now, head over to this small, rural town to check out this amazing collection.
With a population of just 172, Winifred is a small rural town in north-central Fergus County.
The town was founded in 1913 as the end of the Milwaukee Road train line. Despite its tiny size, this town houses the world’s largest collection of Tonka trucks.
That’s right, the Winifred Museum is home to about 3,000 Tonka trucks and items.
The collection belongs to Winifred High School graduate John Thompson. When a community space opened up in Winifred, John offered for display his collection.
For those who are unfamiliar with the trucks, Tonka is an American producer of toy trucks.
Since 1947, they have been known for making steel toy models of construction type trucks and machinery.
At the Winifred Museum, you can find a wide variety of Tonka trucks. There are farm trucks, freight haulers, emergency vehicles, car carriers, military personnel vehicles, and even Barbie cars.
There are early vintage trucks to the iconic yellow dump trucks.
The oldest piece in the collection is a 1947 crane a the most valuable piece is an unopened three-piece set worth approximately $4,000.
Come for the Tonka trucks, but stay for the other artifacts.
You can find Native American artifacts, dinosaur bones, and artifacts from the early days of Winifred at the museum. Admission is free, but do note that the museum is a community-funded museum, so they rely on the generosity of donations to keep these displays open. Museum hours vary, so call (406) 462-5425 to learn when you can visit.
What do you think about this Tonka truck collection in Montana? Learn more about Winifred, and then plan your visit. Then be sure to check out one of the largest displays of dinosaur bones in the world at Montana’s Museum of the Rockies.
Address: Winifred Town Hall and Museum, 210 Main St, Winifred, MT 59489, USA
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