Antique Tractor Power Tour

The Antique Tractor Power Tour is a two-day event held on June 28–29, 2025, at the Parke County Fairgrounds in Rockville, Indiana. It is an agricultural-themed tour where participants drive their antique tractors across Parke County, known for its historic covered bridges and scenic rural landscapes. Drivers travel through many of the county’s iconic covered bridges and rolling pastures full of livestock, experiencing the county's agricultural heritage and natural beauty. The tour includes meals and snacks as part of the entry fee and welcomes all tractor enthusiasts, with both antique and newer tractors permitted as long as drivers are licensed.

Parke County, often called the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World,” offers a rich backdrop with its historic covered bridges that serve as cultural and tourism icons. The event is organized by the Covered Bridge Antique Power Association and emphasizes celebrating the county’s long agricultural history and the unique rural atmosphere.

Typical activity highlights and event vibe include:

• Tractor tours across rural roads and covered bridges, providing scenic views of farmland and forests.
• A leisurely, community-oriented atmosphere focused on nostalgia for antique farm machinery and rural life.
• Social opportunities with fellow tractor enthusiasts and community members.
• Meals and snacks provided during the two-day tour, with start and finish points at the Parke County Fairgrounds.
• Free admission for spectators; participants pay a fee covering the tour experience and food.
• The event runs roughly from 10 AM on June 28 through 4 PM on June 29.

The surrounding area of Parke County offers a blend of rolling pastures filled with livestock, historic covered bridges, and charming small towns like Rockville, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration, photography, and immersion in Indiana’s rural culture.

The history of the event is related to the longstanding agricultural traditions of Parke County and its association with antique farm equipment enthusiasts. The Covered Bridge Antique Power Association organizes the drive to promote local heritage and maintain interest in agricultural machinery restoration and preservation.

Nearby Parke County Fairgrounds serves as the main hub for start, finish, and socializing. Other concurrent local activities during this period typically involve other cultural and community events, enhancing the festive, small-town atmosphere.

A rough schedule outline:

• June 28 (Saturday): Registration and opening at Parke County Fairgrounds starting around 10:00 AM; tractor tour begins midday; scenic stops at covered bridges and rural sites; meals/snacks provided.
• June 29 (Sunday): Continuation and conclusion of the tractor tour with final stops and return to fairgrounds by 4:00 PM.

This event attracts antique tractor owners and rural culture enthusiasts, and it celebrates Parke County’s identity centered around its covered bridges and farming heritage, providing a unique combination of mechanical nostalgia, beautiful rural landscapes, and community spirit.