The exterior of the John Deere Blacksmith building

John Deere Historic Site

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      John Deere for Educators

        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.

          Simple line art illustration of a clock face

          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.

          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 – 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