John Deere Historic Site (Grand Detour, Illinois)

 museum, place with historical importance, historical marker, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, historic city center, historic landmark, historical building, archaeology/history education, historic site

 Upload a photo

8334 South Clinton Street
Grand Detour, IL 61021
(815) 652-4551
www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/corporate/our_company/fans...

Open May - October
Wednesdays - Sundays
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Special group tours can be arranged during the winter months.
Admission is $5 USD for visitors age 12 and older.

In 1836, John Deere, a blacksmith from Vermont, set up shop in the small Rock River town of Grand Detour, Illinois. Deere was an enterprising and innovative man. After meeting many farmers who were discouraged by their efforts to cultivate the sticky Midwestern soil, he was sure he had the answer: a self-scouring plow, highly polished and properly shaped. In 1837, using a discarded saw blade, he forged that plow. His "self-polishing" plow grew in popularity, and as it did, so did the company that bears his name.

Here, at these very grounds, is where it all began.

Experience the history of farming on the prairie. Take a trip back in time to the days when John Deere worked in his blacksmith shop in Grand Detour, Illinois. Stroll through his restored home and the grounds. See the sparks fly in a working replica of his shop. And, be sure to visit the gift shop.