Home Visit John Deere Historic Site 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! 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. 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. 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. While you’re here 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Plan your visit 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 July 4th) Regular hours: Sunday: 1pm–5pm Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1pm–5pm Wednesday–Saturday: 9am–5pm Directions To plan your trip, please Check the map. Contact us John Deere Historic Site 8334 South Clinton Street Grand Detour (Dixon), IL 61021 Email Us 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 Products & Support Equipment Find a Dealer Buy Online Build Your Own Company Information About Our Company Our Higher Purpose Innovation Sustainability Diversity Equity & Inclusion Careers Governance Investor Relations News & Publications News and Announcements Newsroom The Furrow The Dirt The Landing Worksite Journal Power Connect Connect with John Deere Factory Tours John Deere Historic Site John Deere Pavilion John Deere Store John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum John Deere Kids John Deere Rewards United States Site Map Privacy and Data Cookie Statement Terms of Use Accessibility Contact Us Copyright © 2021 Deere & Company. All Rights Reserved. Cookies and Related Technologies on This Site By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy Accept All Cookies Reject All Cookie Preferences