More than a century after it first rolled off the assembly line, the Ford Model T remains one of the most iconic and influential vehicles in automotive history.

The Model T revolutionized transportation, making personal travel affordable for the average family and reshaping the nation’s landscape.

Introduced by Henry Ford in 1908, the Model T was a marvel of simplicity, durability, and affordability. It was powered by a 20-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine and could reach a top speed of about 45 miles per hour — quite impressive for its time. The car was also easy to maintain and repair, an important feature for rural Americans who had limited access to mechanics.

What truly set the Model T apart, however, was how it was made. In 1913, Ford implemented the moving assembly line, a groundbreaking innovation that dramatically reduced production time and cost. By 1925, a new Model T could be purchased for just $260 (around $4,000 in today’s money), making it accessible to millions of Americans.

The Model T wasn’t just a car — it was a cultural shift. It allowed farmers to reach town faster, families to take Sunday drives, and businesses to expand their reach. Roads improved, new towns sprouted along routes, and the very rhythm of daily life changed.

The Dakotaland Museum located on the State Fairgrounds has a Model T on display for visitors to admire. There is also a picnic box add-on that could be attached to the running board for those Sunday drives. Other driving accessories and antique tools can be seen as well. So, stop in to the museum and check out this piece of history.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free; however, donations are greatly appreciated. Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.