The exterior of the John Deere Blacksmith building

John Deere Historic Site

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      The John Deere Store

        Relive history!

        Hear the clang of the hammer. Feel the heat from the forge. Watch the iron melt and take shape. Stand in the spot where John Deere created the first commercially successful steel plow, and relive the experience of his original blacksmith shop. Discover where our story began at the John Deere Historic Site!

        Children watching 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.

        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.

        Man and woman looking at John Deere Blacksmith artifacts

        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.

        Plan Your Visit    Request a Brochure

        While you’re here

        • Blacksmith working inside the John Deere blacktop building
        • The John Deere Blacksmith is doing a live demonstration for a group of children
        • Replica of John Deere's original steel plow
        • The exterior of the John Deere Blacksmith building
        • The John Deere Blacksmith showing a group of people a piece of metal
        • The exterior of the John Deere family home
        • Mom and child inside of the John Deere family home.
        • Father, mother and daughter look at an exhibit on the Historic Site

        Plan your visit

        Simple line art illustration of a dollar sign

        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

        Open March–December
        Regular hours:
        Monday–Saturday: 9am–5pm
        Sunday: Noon–4pm


        Holiday hours:
        Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve

        Closed early at 3pm:
        Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day

        Special group tours can be arranged during the winter months.

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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
        815.652.4551
        Email Us

        Boy wathching the blacksmith intently

        School group tours

        Show your students how life on the prairie led to major innovations in farming. Tour the original Deere family home, a working replica of John Deere’s original blacksmith shop, and a preserved archeological dig site. Tour guides lead all school group tours. The entire tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and can be scheduled year-round.

        Schedule a Tour about School group tours

        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 – Bryon, 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