john deere historic site

Although this is a great site if you are a tractor lover, any living history buff would like it. A tour of the homestead was interesting and there are plenty of things to climb on or poke around in for kids. The entry fee was reasonable and the location is easy to get to with lovely views across the highway of the river. Several festivals go on during the summer with craft fairs, demonstrations and music. A worthwhile no stress, inexpensive activity for couples and families with kids.

The Historic site is open everyday except Monday and Tuesday. I had passed this place a couple of times, and always wanted to stop but it was a Monday...It was a beautiful Sunday morning when we stopped, there was only one other car in the parking lot and the guy who took our money, locked up and took us into the Historic center that houses the excavated remains of John Deere's blacksmith shop. We also got to see a ten minute movie in this area. Next we went to the blacksmiths shop which is a recreation of what it would have looked like back in the period of 1837. The blacksmith in residence, Rick, explained all the tools and equipment and then proceeded to make a leaf.He was amusing and friendly and really made the stop worthwhile.After that, onto the house. This is a restored to period house. Interesting but nowhere as amusing as the Blacksmith.

Really enjoyed the tour of the home John Deere built for his family. Impressed to see Deere's blacksmith shop that was uncovered by Illinois students. We wrapped up with a tour to the blacksmith shop. The blacksmith made a beautiful leaf from iron right there. The tour of the actual home is brief. The movie was my favorite part.

This years trip to Illinois was all about my husband. Having pasted this museum on many occasion thinking this would be so interesting to Kevin, this year we both made the visit. I was expecting to go along for the ride, by we both found it interesting and interactive. Great to get your own group guide and the trip to the forge was great. The blacksmith was interesting and entertaining.

This is the place the learn how John Deere settled in Iliinois and how he built the business as blacksmith and a replica of his house. The place offers guided tour to learn John Deere and the blacksmith prop is interesting to see how the artifacts are made. Patty as our guide is knowledgable and the blacksmith Rick is excellent making the leaf and illustrating everything in the prop. This place completes my John Deere experience.

This is a must see place. It tells a story of John Deere the man. Included In the site are his first home, the excavation of his blacksmith shop and a recreation of his blacksmith shop. I do not know if blacksmiths are there every day but there was one there the day we went. It was interesting to watch him work and tell stories. This would be of great interest to children to watch a leaf or whatever they are doing that day formed out of a steel rod. The tour guides are pleasant and tells the history of Grand Detour and John Deere. It is totally amazing to see how they lived over 160 years ago. When there you should cross the street to see the remnants of his first factory. (one he owned with a partner) You should also take time to read the stone tablets at the roadside in front of the park where the remnants of his factory are.

This museum shows you the life of John Deere, a man who changed the farming in the US, who changed the way the US interacted with the wotld, and changed the wotld itself with his invention of the self-scouring plow. A plow that allowed the farming of the vast US prairies, turning the US into the breadbasket of the world, an the arsenal of the world.If you learn nothing else from this museum, learn the value of integrity and hard work.A visit with, the blacksmith is fun and educational.

JMJ Did you know that John Deere probably would have grown up to be a tailor if his Father had not been lost at sea returning from England when John Deere was 4yrs old? The wave of enterprise that flowed from his inventing a better plow is phenomenal!! The new movie in a very modern style theater gives you some of the history of the John Deere success story. There is a $5. admission fee but the blacksmith demonstration and the archaeological finding of the original foundry are well worth the price. The period home on the spot of his original home is so beautiful and make sure you check out the pie/bread keeper and the "ice" box; along with many other beautiful pieces The tour guide brought history to life and added the extra everyday touches to make for a fuller picture of life in the 1800's. We were lucky to come the first week-end in Aug and the area was filled with John Deere tractors and their enthusiastic owners. Next year it will be blacksmiths showing off their talents. . To see more of the John Deere story take a drive on to Moline and see what that John Deere site has to offer. The grounds are very well kept, the flowers and trees are beautiful also.

For a nominal fee you can visit John Deere's home and the excavated site where he made the first steel plow. There is a resident blacksmith that demonstrates blacksmithing. A great historical site with a guided tour. This is life from the 1800's.

Step back in time when you visit the John Deere Historical Site. There is an onsite Blacksmith Shop with a demonstration in smithing. There are quite a few historic relic's in and around the blacksmith shop.The grounds cover 7 acres. I enjoyed the home tour, but it is kind of short.The house itself is small.. we didn't go upstairs. The Interior is furnished very nicely. The grounds look nice, I was there on a picture perfect day and took almost 200 pictures. A gift shop is on site.Another building houses what used to be the space for JD's original blacksmith shop. Many artifacts are on display in the building and short video on the life of John Deere is shown.It was well worth the money to see and photograph this lovely place.I would love to go back in the fall sometime.They are closed Monday & Tuesdays.

Learned a lot about the man, John Deere and his humble start. The grounds are well maintained, staff very friendly. We especially enjoyed Rick in the blacksmith shop. He is very fun to watch and listen to. Worth the travel and time to visit.

This is a great stop for all those interested in John Deere tractors, farming or early manufacturing. Tours run continuously so no matter when you arrive you can join a tour right away. Tour lasts about an hour, children will not get bored. If you have time take in the gardens also. After the tour drive around this very charming village. In Spring, Summer and Fall many of the home flower gardens are spectacular.

What a great historical site! For $5 (under 12 is free) you get a tour of the place where John Deere developed the first steel plow. Even better, you get a blacksmith demonstration by Rick, a personable and funny blacksmith who explains the equipment and the process. He's great with kids but I was there without any kids and loved it, too. If you're in the area (10 minutes from Dixon) do not miss this! Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

a short ride out of dixon on rt.2 is john deere site. very nice tour from the blacksmith to dig site all was very interesting to think of how things must have been so long ago good for all ages

Wow, This was very educational. It amazing how much work it took to stay alive durning 1800's.The plow john invented made life to people the that era much easier.His home life etc... and all that farm items ... Amazing...Very much worth the trip... Fun for kids and adults.... there is also a gift shop....The staff is very friendly and answer all questions.Check this out you won't be disappointed.Also if you visit Ronald Regan boyhhood home there is a discount 7.oo Total...