In 1836, John Deere, a blacksmith from Vermont, set up shop in the small Rock River town of Grand Detour, Illinois. Deere was an enterprising and innovative man. After meeting many farmers who were discouraged by their efforts to cultivate the sticky Midwestern soil, he was sure he had the answer: a self-scouring plow, highly polished and properly shaped. In 1837, using a discarded saw blade, he forged that plow. His "self-polishing" plow grew in popularity, and as it did, so did the company that bears his name.
Here, at these very grounds, is where it all began.
Email Us or call (815) 652-4551.
Archaeological Site
In 1962, an archaeological team from the University of Illinois unearthed the exact location of the blacksmith shop where John Deere developed the first successful steel plow in 1837.
The location has been preserved in an exhibit hall. Here, visitors can see how the dig was performed. You can listen in as John and Demarius Deere talk of daily events. Their discussion enhances additional exhibits that show how the blacksmith shop was arranged and operated by Deere and his apprentices. And, you can look over the many artifacts found on the site. The backdrop of the hall includes a pictorial interpretation that charts the progress of Deere's business.
Each year, this exhibit draws thousands of school groups, Deere enthusiasts, and history buffs who simply want to learn more about this great American icon.
John Deere's Home
The John Deere home gives you an intimate glimpse of pioneer life. Deere built the home when he arrived in Grand Detour in 1836 and later added sections to accommodate his growing family. You’ll see rooms as the Deere family would have known them, furnished with period household items that show how pioneers cooked, cleaned, bathed, and spent their few leisure hours.
Today, the home has four rooms on the main floor and two rooms on the upper level, each with a separate stairway. It's believed that one of the upper rooms was for John Deere's apprentice and the other was the children's bedroom.
Gift Shop
John Deere's next-door neighbor’s house serves as the Gift Shop. Be sure to stop by. You’ll find works created by the resident blacksmith. Custom ironwork can be done on request. There’s also a selection of clothing, hats, and other John Deere Historic Site merchandise.
Shop a while. Then take a break, rest on our front porch and take in the beauty that is Grand Detour.
Email Us or call (815) 652-4551.
The Historic Site is located in the village of Grand Detour, approximately 6 miles north of Dixon Illinois.
Latitude = 41.8966306
Longitude = -89.4146786
From John Deere Pavilion Moline Illinois to Grand Detour
1. Northeast on River Dr to 17TH St
2. Turn right on 17th st
3. Turn left on 7th Ave
4. Merge onto I-74E/US-6 toward Galesburg
5. Merge onto IL-5 via exit 4B
6. IL-5 becomes I-88
7. Take exit 54/IL-26 Dixon
8. Turn right onto IL-26
9. Travel 1.7 miles then turn right onto IL-2
10. Travel 6 miles then turn right onto Illinois St
11. Turn left into parking lot
From Chicago to Grand Detour
1. Take I-88 approximately 110 miles
2. Take exit 54/IL-26 Dixon
3. Turn right onto IL-26
4. Travel 1.7 miles then turn right onto IL-2
5. Travel 6 miles then turn right onto Illinois St
6. Turn left into parking lot
Email Us or call (815) 652-4551.
Looking for an exciting and unique location for your next gathering? The John Deere Historic Site is available for your next birthday party, family reunion, reception, or business meeting.
Our rental fees include all standard attraction services and fees, as well as guest relations staff, housekeeping for guest areas, internal security and audio/visual support for existing systems. There is an additional gate fee for use of the John Deere Historic Site. Only one scheduled event will be planned per day, so you’ll have exclusive use of the facility.
The John Deere name represents high quality, great customer service, and a commitment to exceptional performance. Please review the following information. Then let us know how we can help make your event a truly unique experience.
General Rental Fees
$100 per hour (minimum of two hours)
After verifying that the facility is available for your event submit a non-refundable deposit covering 50% of the rental fee, along with a signed Rental Agreement to reserve the site. The rental contract details specific requirements including responsibilities of the renter.
The balance is due one week before your event. Current local sales taxes are included. If you have a Tax Exemption Certificate, please send a copy of your current certificate to our billing department so we can properly handle your account. If we do not have your certificate on file, we must charge sales tax on all transactions.
Event Times
Events may begin setup at 9 a.m. and must conclude by 5 p.m. Only one event will be scheduled per day to allow exclusive use of the facility.
Capacity
The John Deere Historic Site's outdoor covered picnic pavilion can host up to 200 guests.
Parking
Ample parking is available at no additional charge.
Decorations & Catering
All catering, decor, or other services provided are the sole responsibility of the renter and each service must provide proof of insurance.
Decorations should be reviewed with the sales manager prior to the event.
Other Important Information
- Rental fees are subject to change and are valid for the term of a specified Rental Contract or confirmed dates.
- The John Deere Historic Site is a non-smoking facility.
- You are welcome to take photographs or hire a professional photographer.
- Guests must stay off of the antique equipment at all times.
- Please review the Rental Contract for a complete disclosure of terms and conditions.
Reservations
Please contact Judy Webb at the John Deere Historic Site to reserve the John Deere Historic Site for your next event. Phone: (815) 652-4551
Email Us
