This annual event, hosted by Newsradio 1040 WHO, transforms the roads and towns of Iowa into a moving celebration of agriculture, community, and the enduring spirit of the American farmer.

“This year, we are expecting about 400 tractors,” said Tiffany Conrad, of Visit Fort Dodge.

Whether you’re a lifelong tractor enthusiast, a curious first-timer, or simply someone who loves watching something extraordinary roll through their hometown, the Great Iowa Tractor Ride is not to be missed. From lovingly restored classics to tractors that still carry the mud of last season’s harvest, the variety on display turns Iowa’s backroads into a living museum of American farm life.

When and Where

WHO Tractor Ride 2026 registration kicks off on Sunday, with the ride itself running Monday through Wednesday. The action is centered at the Webster County Fairgrounds, located at 22770 Old Highway 169.

“From 12 to 4 p.m. there are a variety of vendors to check out,” said Conrad. “They can come inside the main building, and entrance is free to the public.”

Registration is $150 per rider, and there’s an added incentive to bring a friend. Those who recruit a new rider will receive $50 off through the “Buddy Discount.”

More than a ride — It’s a reunion

What started as a modest dream in 1996 has grown into one of Iowa’s most anticipated summertime traditions.

WHO Radio Farm Broadcasters Mark Pearson and Gary Wergin, alongside listener Daryl Hull, launched the first ride from the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds, with “roughly 90 tractors and a whole lot of heart,” according to WHO Newsradio. Nearly three decades later, that number has grown to hundreds of tractors and drivers from all over.

For those who’ve attended before, the 2026 WHO Great Iowa Tractor Ride is as much about the people as it is the machines.

Riders return year after year with family in tow, having made this three-day journey a cherished summer tradition.

The Great Iowa Tractor Ride’s Facebook page recounts the camaraderie, shared stories over meals, and the fellowship of people united by a love of the land. These are the memories that bring riders back season after season.

When detailing the upcoming tractor showcase, Conrad said, “We are so thrilled to host this multi-generational event.”

Whether you’re in a tractor seat, or standing along the road side, Fort Dodge is about to be reminded of what this state was built on — one tractor at a time.