The exterior of the John Deere Blacksmith building

John Deere Historic Site

   

Visit John Deere Mobile Guide

The FREE interactive John Deere mobile guide features audio tours, photos, video, selfie filters, and virtual reality experiences at the John Deere Pavilion, John Deere Historic Site, John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, and John Deere World Headquarters, as well as a behind the scenes look at artifacts, documents, photos, and art from the company archives.

Download the app on the Google Play Store here Download the app on the Apple App Store here


A live demonstration of the John Deere Blacksmith

Demonstrations

Watch live blacksmith demonstrations in a replica of John Deere’s original shop. Learn how he created the first commercially successful steel plow — and changed the world of agriculture forever.

A family examining a wall of artifacts found at the site

Artifacts

Stand in the exact location where John Deere forged the first self-scouring steel plow. Explore the site, view excavated artifacts, and listen as Deere himself describes how he built a thriving manufacturing business.

The interior of the John Deere family home

Tours

Tour the original John Deere family home and get an intimate glimpse of pioneer life in 1836. Explore rooms as the Deere family would have known them, furnished with household items that show how pioneers cooked, cleaned, bathed, and spent their leisure hours.

While you’re here

Upcoming Events

  • April 2nd: Season Opening @ 1pm!
  • June 8th: 19th Century Base Ball game – Oregon Ganymedes vs. Plowboys of DuPage County
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Free admission

Because we’re proud of our heritage and encourage everyone to share in our storied history, each John Deere Attractions Site is open to the public and completely FREE.

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Hours

Seasonal:

Open April-October
(Closed Easter Sunday & July 4th)

Regular hours:

Sunday: 1pm–5pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1pm–5pm
Wednesday–Saturday: 9am–5pm

 

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Directions

To plan your trip, please
Check the map.

Simple line art illustration of the blacksmith anvil and hammer

Contact us

John Deere Historic Site
8334 South Clinton Street
Grand Detour (Dixon), IL 61021
Phone: (815) 652-4551
Email Us

While you’re in the area

Exterior of the Childrens Museum of Illinois in Decatur, IL

Children’s Museum of Illinois – Decatur, Illinois

Children’s Museum of Illinois is a hands-on, interactive experience for children ages 2 to 12, with exhibits and activities that complement and enhance their educational opportunities. The museum is located on the shores of Lake Decatur in Scovill Park, adjacent to Scovill Zoo.
Directions to Children’s Museum of Illinois

Exterior of the Byron Forest Preserve in Byron, IL

Byron Forest Preserve – Byron, Illinois

This landmark glass building on the banks of the Mississippi River, with expansive galleries and intimate rooms, is a premier art exhibit and education facility.
Directions to Byron Forest Preserve

Exterior of the Ingersoll Wetland Learning Center in Thomson, IL

Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center – Thomson, Illinois

The Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center promotes environmental education and the conservation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Conveniently located within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, the facility is packed with interesting, hands-on exhibits and provides a dramatic view of the world's most majestic and celebrated river.
Directions to Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center