John Deere Historic Site, Prairie State Travel Guide

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Discover the birthplace of innovation at John Deere's original homestead and blacksmith shop in Grand Detour, Illinois.

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John Deere Historic Site

Visit the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois, to experience the origins of the world-renowned John Deere company. Tour John Deere's original 1836 home and a replica of his blacksmith shop, where he invented the self-scouring steel plow that revolutionized agriculture. Explore the archeological site of Deere's first shop and discover the story of a man whose ingenuity transformed the American Midwest.

A brief summary to John Deere Historic Site

8334 S Clinton St, Dixon, Illinois, 61021, US
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Tuesday 1 pm-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring John Deere Historic Site.

The site is open seasonally, from April to October. Check the website for specific dates and hours.
Admission is free, making it an affordable and enriching experience for all.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the home, blacksmith shop, museum, and grounds.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions, such as Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home in Dixon.

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Explore John Deere Historic Site on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near John Deere Historic Site, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The John Deere Historic Site is located at 8334 S Clinton Street, Dixon, IL 61021. From Interstate 88, exit onto IL-26 S towards Dixon and continue for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto W 1st St, then right onto S Clinton St. The Historic Site will be on your left. Parking is available on-site and is free.
Public Transport

To reach the John Deere Historic Site via public transportation, take a Greyhound bus to the Dixon Reagan Transit Center. From there, take a taxi or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) to the site, approximately 4 miles away. Taxi fare could range from $10 to $15. Transit Van Shuttle also provides door to door service in Dixon. Greyhound tickets vary depending on departure point and availability.
Bicycle

Cyclists can ride from downtown Dixon to the John Deere Historic Site. Head south on S Galena Ave, turn onto W 1st St, then onto S Clinton St. The ride is approximately 4 miles.

Discover more about John Deere Historic Site

The John Deere Historic Site, located in Grand Detour (near Dixon), Illinois, marks the spot where John Deere launched his legacy. In 1837, Deere, a Vermont blacksmith, crafted the first commercially successful steel plow here, designed to conquer the Midwest's sticky prairie soils.A visit to the site offers a glimpse into Deere's life and work. Tour his 1836 home, furnished with period pieces that illustrate pioneer life. Explore a replica of Deere's blacksmith shop, complete with live blacksmithing demonstrations. The on-site museum showcases artifacts unearthed during the archeological excavation of Deere's original shop, providing tangible connections to his groundbreaking invention.The John Deere Historic Site is more than just a collection of buildings; it's a testament to American ingenuity and the transformative power of innovation. It's an inspiring destination for history buffs, agriculture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the roots of a global icon.