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Writer's picture: Amy TrudellAmy Trudell

Let's Chat About...Rollag



"It all started in 1940 with a little idea sparked from the soul of some local thresherman over supper. The Nelson boys fired up the old Garr-Scott engine to thresh with steam again for old time sake with family & friends. The event continued once a year until 1954 when Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion met formally for the first time and invited the public. Today the show has grown to include hundreds of demonstrations and exhibits spread over 210 beautiful acres. The show attracts thousands of spectators and volunteers every Labor Day weekend."



On Labor Day, Randy and I attended the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, also referred to as Rollag, since that is the nearest city to the event. It was a nice day, so we decided to take the motorcycle.


The Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion (WMSTR) began in 1954 and has grown from a few farmers getting together to thresh grain like was done in the olden days, to one of the largest steam venues in the nation!



WMSTR is an annual event taking place every year over Labor Day weekend and draws in around 80,000 visitors over 4 days.


Rollag has many attractions to see and do, so many in fact, you can't see it all in just one day. Below is a map of the venue and exhibits:



One of the common denominators here is "Steam". The large Montana Boiler provides steam to many tractor engines, stationary engines and miniatures along with the Soo Line #353.


This is a restored 0-6-0 type, class B-4 locomotive from the "Soo Line", the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway. Built in 1920, it was the largest design of purpose-built switch engines that the Soo Line owned.


In 1965 it was donated to the Minnesota Transportation Museaum where it was stored until 1972. It was then sold to WMSTR and restored to operation in 1978 for use during the Steam Threshers event.


It now carries up to 500 passengers, making a large loop around the show grounds, giving its riders a one-of-a-kind experience.




One of the highlights of the event is the parade. This includes all types of tractors and steam engines and happens twice daily, at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, with the exception of Sunday only at 2:00.


Randy and I like to take in the parade when we go. We don't make it to Rollag every year, but when we do, the parade is a priority.



Another cool experience is the legendary Spark Show! We didn't even know about it until a couple years ago because we had never stayed that late in the day. This attraction is held Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at dusk and it's worth sticking around for!


This spectacular show is like fireworks with spark! When the steam engine is running, its firebox burns hot creating exhaust to escape up through the smokestack. The engineer carefully tosses sawdust or some other combustible material into the firebox creating showers of sparks along with the exhaust.


Here is one of the photos I captured while we were there in 2023:



Sawmills & Blacksmiths


There are a number of Sawmills throughout the grounds including: Briden-Roen, Thick & Thin, and Earl's Mill. Before today's technology, sawmills were powered by steam and muscle. You will witness massive logs riding back and forth on sleds, cables, pulleys and belts as they are sliced into lumber boards.


You can also witness metal being forged the old-fashioned way in the Blacksmith's shops. One is located in the trees near Minuatureland and the other in Pioneer Village. Watch how the metal is heated, pounded, twisted and punched into interesting shapes and tools. There are also items made for sale such as trivets and expo trinkets for souvenirs.



Mainstreet, Pioneer Village, Miniatureland & The Sandbox


Mainstreet consists of a General Store, Mercantile, Downer Church and other original buildings such as a Post Office where you can drop off a letter and it will be mailed out! You can get an old-fashioned ice cream cone and watch ladies' activities such as sewing, knitting and wool spinning. There is even an area for square-dancing, which I would like to take part in someday!


Pioneer Village is nestled behind the Montana Boiler and has been gaining interest among visitors over the past few years. With an old log home, blacksmiths and a water-powered woodshop, this display show how life was before cars, modern farming and television.


Miniatureland has some very intricate and detailed, fully operational scale steam engines and other displays to look at. This area is used to help young steam enthusiasts experience and learn the skills to be a safe operator.


The Sandbox is a construction area featuring some of the largest steam-powered earth movers around. Between the 50-B steam shovel, massive drag lines, dump trucks and the Marion-Osgood Steam Shovel, its truly a unique array of history in motion. There are also exhibits such as the Rock Crusher, Trencher and Tennefros Company Cars.



Tractor Pull, Horsepower, Threshing, Plowing & Fieldwork


The Rollag Tractor Pull is an annual tradition that appeals to enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers alike! Witness the 150HP Case pulling 4 steam engines up a 13% grade hill! This event is held daily at 1:00 pm just North of the Exhibitor Gate.


The Farmstead area is another highlight of the showgrounds including a barn, horse stables, horsepower displays of threshing & plowing as well as a farmhouse with fresh baked goods. There are also displays on how horsepower was harnessed back in the day and exhibits such as horse shoeing and rides for youngsters.


Threshing happens daily with either steam or gas traction engines providing the power and on Saturday afternoon the fields are plowed using sheer horsepower. In addition, there is some harvesting done with combines of various age and size.





Music and Children's Area


Music can be heard though the grounds of Rollag from the Nelson Building to the TBM, Gazebo and Churches. Different instruments that you may hear include: Accordion, Banjo, Fiddle, Harmonica and sometimes Spoons. In the evening, the Blacksmith Shops will sometimes have jam sessions to take in.


There is a Miniature Locomotive near Miniatureland that is free for to ride for FREE.


And then there's the iconic Rollag Carousel. This classic vintage piece was built by the C.W. Parker Company in the 1920's and includes wooden horses, ornate carriages and calliope music. Season tickets to ride the Carousel are $30, a day pass is $15 and children ages 14 years and under ride FREE with a paid adult.




Another area that we make a point to visit, is the museum. There is a lot of great history here and even a painting by Randy's Great Uncle Albert Arneson on display! Randy's ancestors lived in the Rollag area, so this is a special place to him.



For more information about the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, click on the link below:



So, if you have anything to add or stories to share, please comment below!


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