The Big Move

The California Agriculture Museum in Woodland is moving—could the Heidrick Tractor Collection find a new home in Vacaville?

Big Changes for the California Agriculture Museum: What’s Next?

Farewell isn’t goodbye—it's just "see you soon," maybe in Vacaville! The renowned California Agriculture Museum in Woodland is shuttering its doors at the end of March as it prepares to relocate. The iconic Heidrick Tractor Collection and other exhibits will go into storage for at least two years while the museum decides on its new home.

Even though the museum is temporarily closing, it plans to keep the spirit alive by offering private tours and creating digital content to engage visitors. This way, fans of the museum can still learn about California’s extensive farming history while they wait for the grand reopening.

The museum, which has celebrated California’s agricultural history since 1997, has been a popular destination for learning about everything from the Gold Rush to the farm-to-fork movement. Visitors have loved exploring its interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. If you want to visit, don’t wait too long—you only have until March 30 to check it out before the big move.

While the new location is still a mystery, there’s buzz that the museum could find a new home in... Vacaville? Anything is possible, and with our own strong agricultural history, Vacaville would be the perfect place to continue showcasing the Heidrick Tractor Collection. Stay tuned for updates!

As the museum embarks on this transition, the community remains hopeful for a bright future. No matter where the museum lands, it’s clear that its mission to educate and preserve California's agricultural history will continue to thrive—just like our great state. So, whether it’s in Woodland or a new location, we can’t wait to see what’s next for this unique gem!

"It’s truly remarkable to witness the journey of this industry—how far it’s come and where it's headed. The evolution is inspiring, and it’s humbling to see the ingenuity that has shaped it." Kyle
Allis-Chalmers tractors, originally manufactured by the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company, were introduced in the early 1900s, with the company initially focusing on a variety of industrial equipment. By the 1930s, they became a prominent name in farming machinery, offering a range of innovative and durable tractors for both small-scale and large-scale agriculture. After several ownership changes and challenges, the Allis-Chalmers tractor line was eventually sold to AGCO Corporation in 1985, but its legacy remains a significant part of agricultural history.
Caterpillar tractors, first introduced in 1904 by the Holt Manufacturing Company, revolutionized farming and construction by using continuous tracks instead of wheels, allowing for better traction on rough terrain. In 1925, Holt merged with the C. L. Best Tractor Company, forming the Caterpillar Tractor Company. Since then, Caterpillar has become a global leader in heavy equipment, with its iconic yellow machinery being synonymous with durability and innovation in industries like agriculture, construction, and mining.