The exterior of the John Deere Blacksmith building

John Deere Historic Site

Attractions

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    The John Deere Store

      Relive history!

      Hear the clang of the hammer. Feel the heat from the blast furnace. See the iron ore melt and take shape. 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

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      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

      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.
      Get Directions

      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.
      Get Directions

      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.
      Get Directions