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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
While you’re here
Upcoming Events
- April 1: Opening Day
- June 3: Vintage Base Ball Event — 1858 rules exhibition | 1pm CST | Oregon Ganymedes vs. DuPage Plowboys
- September 9: 74th Annual Grand Detour Arts Festival
- October 14 & 15: Fall Fest
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.
Hours
Seasonal:
Open April-October
(Closed Easter Sunday & July 4th)
Regular hours:
Sunday: 1pm–5pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 1pm–5pm
Wednesday–Saturday: 9am–5pm
While you’re in the area
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
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
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