Grand Detour, IL

Travel Guide

John Deere would move here in 1836, build a house and a blacksmith shop. In 1837 he would make a ‘new improved’ plow out of steel that was shaped in such a way that the sticky black earth didn’t stick to it. His plow would eventually become so popular that he quit working as a blacksmith and instead dedicated all his time to making plows. In 1848 he would move his entire operation to Moline, Illinois, which is still the headquarters of the John Deere Company. John Deere would die in 1862 and would never see a motorized tractor which is what his company is known for. Our docent explained to us that most people have no idea that John Deere was a real person or that the company started with a plow!!
John Deere would move here in 1836, build a house and a blacksmith shop. In 1837 he would make a ‘new improved’ plow out of steel that was shaped in such a way that the sticky black earth didn’t stick to it. His plow would eventually become so popular that he quit working as a blacksmith and instead dedicated all his time to making plows. In 1848 he would move his entire operation to Moline, Illinois, which is still the headquarters of the John Deere Company. John Deere would die in 1862 and would never see a motorized tractor which is what his company is known for. Our docent explained to us that most people have no idea that John Deere was a real person or that the company started with a plow!!

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"Historic Grand Detour Victorian Home"

"Historic Grand Detour Victorian Home"

Dixon IL
The price is AED 1,157 per night from Mar 13 to Mar 14
AED 1,157
AED 1,394 total
13 Mar - 14 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this B&B in Dixon. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Lowell Park and Woodcote Cottage are located nearby.
"Historic Grand Detour Victorian Home"
Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb

Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb

2.5 out of 5
1133 N 7th St Rochelle IL
The price is AED 262 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
AED 262
AED 291 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rochelle. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (474 reviews)
I made the reservation for the wrong night of many nights on the road, they charged me for the night anyway!!!!!!!

Reviewed on 18 February 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rock Falls by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rock Falls by IHG

2.5 out of 5
301 E 2nd St Rock Falls IL
The price is AED 426 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
AED 426
AED 473 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rock Falls. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sinnissippi Park and Westwood ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (323 reviews)
Nice hotel but priced for the city when in a small town. Desk clerk was quite not overly friendly. Room had a slight smell think meant be clean smelling but came off a bit fake cover up. Fine for a night due to points I had cost me $10, if had paid the excess of $100 they charge would not stayed ...

Reviewed on 8 March 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rock Falls by IHG
See all 58 properties in Grand Detour
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Better than a hotel!

Better than a hotel!

Rock Falls IL
Stay at this apartment in Rock Falls. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Sinnissippi Park and Westwood Tennis Center are located ...
Better than a hotel!
1 Mi to Rock Riverfront: Pet-Friendly Retreat!

1 Mi to Rock Riverfront: Pet-Friendly Retreat!

Rock Falls IL
Stay at this vacation home in Rock Falls. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Westwood Tennis Center and Sinnissippi Park ...
1 Mi to Rock Riverfront: Pet-Friendly Retreat!
ROCK RIVER HIDEAWAY Grill, Fire Pit, Pet Friendly with fee of 30.00 per night

ROCK RIVER HIDEAWAY Grill, Fire Pit, Pet Friendly with fee of 30.00 per night

Oregon IL
Stay at this vacation home in Oregon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Castle Rock State Park and Conover Square Mall are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (146 reviews)
The host was super accommodating and had great communication. The home had everything we needed and was warm and cozy.

Reviewed on 3 December 2025

ROCK RIVER HIDEAWAY Grill, Fire Pit, Pet Friendly with fee of 30.00 per night
See all properties in Grand Detour
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

The Reagan family moved into this house in 1920 when Ronald was nine years old. They would live here for three years before moving. The family would live in Dixon for a total of 13 years and Ronald considered this his boyhood home and would visit friends here for the rest of his life.

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home

4.5/5(11 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Dixon with a visit to Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home

Dixon Historic Center

4.5/5(2 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at Dixon Historic Center, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Dixon. Discover the area's festivals and monuments.

Dixon Historic Center

Sauk Valley Community College

5/5(4 reviews)

Walk around the campus at Sauk Valley Community College during your stay in Dixon. Discover the waterfalls while you're in the area.

Sauk Valley Community College

Dixon Memorial Arch

4/5(14 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Dixon with a visit to Dixon Memorial Arch. Discover the area's festivals and monuments.

Dixon Memorial Arch

Lincoln Monument State Memorial

You can learn about the history of Dixon with a trip to Lincoln Monument State Memorial. Amble around the area's riverfront or experience its festivals.

Lincoln Monument State Memorial

Nachusa House

You can find out about the history of Dixon with a visit to Nachusa House. Wander the riverfront in this family-friendly area.

Nachusa House