National Farm Toy Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1986 |
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| Location | 1110 16th Ave Ct SE Dyersville, Iowa, USA |
| Type | Toy museum |
The National Farm Toy Museum is a cool place in Dyersville, Iowa. It's a museum that collects and shows off amazing toys. These toys are tiny scale models and replicas of real farm equipment. The idea for this museum came from Dave Bell and Claire Scheibe, who started the Ertl Company.
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How It Started: A Museum's Story
The National Farm Toy Museum opened its doors in 1986. It all began when Dave Bell and Claire Scheibe were talking. They realized they needed a much bigger place for the popular National Farm Toy Shows. That's how the idea for the museum was born!
What You'll Find at the Museum Today
Today, the museum welcomes over 30,000 visitors every year. It's home to about 30,000 different farm toys! This museum is also the main spot for the big National Farm Toy Show.
The National Farm Toy Museum has one of the largest collections of cast iron farm toys. These are old toys made from melted metal. The museum is part of two yearly toy shows, one in June and another in November.
Exploring the Museum Floors
On the first floor, you can watch a short 10-minute film. It tells you about how toys are made in Dyersville. You'll also hear from people who love collecting farm toys. This floor also has a fun play area for kids. You can see dioramas, which are small models of farm homesteads. There are also exhibits showing how toys are produced.
The second floor is packed with many farm toys displayed in cases. You'll also find truck toys and a collection of cowboy and Native American dolls. Don't forget to check out the gift shop before you leave!
Fred Ertl Jr., who used to be the CEO of Ertl, had his own amazing farm toy collection. After he retired, his collection was sold at an auction right here at the museum.
Thanks to this museum and three farm toy companies in Dyersville, the city is known as the "Farm Toy Capital of the World."
Fun Toy Shows and Events
The National Farm Show started way back in 1978. It's a huge event that includes a tractor parade. You can also find garage sales, old antique tractors, and vintage farm machinery. The farm toy show itself is held both inside and outside. The very first show had 35 sellers and over 1,500 people who came to shop.
The museum also hosts a smaller event called the Midwest Toy Truck Show. It's a great place to see all kinds of toy trucks!
