The exterior of the John Deere Blacksmith building

John Deere Historic Site

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
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.

Simple line art illustration of a clock face

Hours

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

Holiday hours:
Closed New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve

The John Deere Historic Site is open March through December.

Simple line art illustration of a location pins on a traveled path

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 – 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