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!

Plan Your Visit plant your visit Relive history!
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.

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

  • 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.

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Hours

Seasonal:

Open April-October
(Closed 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
Email Us

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Exterior of the Childrens Museum of Illinois in Decatur, IL

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Directions to Children’s Museum of Illinois

Exterior of the Byron Forest Preserve in Byron, IL

Byron Forest Preserve – Byron, Illinois

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Directions to Byron Forest Preserve

Exterior of the Ingersoll Wetland Learning Center in Thomson, IL

Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center – Thomson, Illinois

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Directions to Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center