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!!
"Historic Grand Detour Victorian Home"

"Historic Grand Detour Victorian Home"

Dixon IL
The price is SAR 1,181 per night from Jan 26 to Jan 27
SAR 1,181
SAR 1,431 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
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"
Tru By Hilton Dixon

Tru By Hilton Dixon

2.5 out of 5
1806 S. Galena Ave Dixon IL
The price is SAR 397 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
SAR 397
SAR 440 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Dixon. Enjoy free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and John Deere Historic Site are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (57 reviews)
Room was very clean, desk person Logan was very helpful. Breakfast also good.

Reviewed on 4 January 2026

Tru By Hilton Dixon
Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb

Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb

2.5 out of 5
1133 N 7th St Rochelle IL
The price is SAR 268 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
SAR 268
SAR 297 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (467 reviews)
We always feel so comfortable when we stay here. The staff is always amazing and caring..

Reviewed on 19 January 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb
See all 59 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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Great stay in Rock Falls.
Enjoyable stay. Very clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on 12 November 2024

Better than a hotel!
Unique Victorian Cottage Close to Town

Unique Victorian Cottage Close to Town

Oregon IL
Stay at this cottage in Oregon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Conover Square Mall and Lowden State Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Loved the old charm, very spacious and clean. The big desk was great for work. It snowed quite a bit, lots to shovel, plow came but was later in afternoon. Bathroom could use a remodel but clean. Basement was very clean for laundry. Great stay overall.

Reviewed on 10 December 2025

Unique Victorian Cottage Close to Town
Duplex overlooking Rock River

Duplex overlooking Rock River

Byron IL
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Byron. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Stillman's Defeat ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
We had a wonderful stay! Communication with Ann was very easy and reliable. We appreciated how clean and accessible everything was.

Reviewed on 2 January 2026

Duplex overlooking Rock River
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

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

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

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

Loveland Community House and Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Loveland Community House and Museum in Dixon. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's festivals.

Loveland Community House and Museum

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

Dixon Memorial Arch

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