Grand Detour Travel Guide

Tourist 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 AU$521 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$521
1 Mar - 2 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"
Tru By Hilton Dixon

Tru By Hilton Dixon

2.5 out of 5
1806 S. Galena Ave Dixon IL
The price is AU$178 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$178
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (63 reviews)
Clean room, friendly staff and check in was a breeze. Thanks!!

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Tru By Hilton Dixon
Quality Inn & Suites Dixon near I-88

Quality Inn & Suites Dixon near I-88

2.5 out of 5
136 Plaza Dr Dixon IL
The price is AU$146 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$146
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Dixon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Ronald ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (647 reviews)
We were not given the room we had reserved,, they offered a substitute but at an uncharge, they didn't make their mistake right. We were given a smaller room at the same rate as our reserved suite.

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Quality Inn & Suites Dixon near I-88
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.
Getaway Cabin on the Rock River, enjoy kayaking, canoeing and fishing

Getaway Cabin on the Rock River, enjoy kayaking, canoeing and fishing

Oregon IL
Stay at this holiday home in Oregon. Enjoy patios, in-room jetted baths and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Castle Rock State Park and Conover Square ...
10/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
Amazing cabin with plenty of beds if bringing a large family. Very quiet area. Which i loved

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025

Getaway Cabin on the Rock River, enjoy kayaking, canoeing and fishing
Why stay at a hotel, when you can stay here!

Why stay at a hotel, when you can stay here!

Rock Falls IL
Stay at this apartment in Rock Falls. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Sinnissippi Park and Westwood ...
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Apartment was clean, down to earth (literally, lol...semi-basement apartment, but totally comfortable and plenty of air and light), both furnished and kitchen stocked with the basics, neighborhood was quiet, and bed was comfortable. Considering the sketchy reviews of hotels in the area and that the ...

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Why stay at a hotel, when you can stay here!
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!
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 holiday in Dixon. Discover the area's festivals and monuments.

Dixon Historic Center

Sauk Valley Community College

Explore the campus of Sauk Valley Community College during your visit to 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 during your trip to Dixon. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's festivals.

Loveland Community House and Museum

Dixon Welcome Center

Dixon Welcome Center is just one of the places to see in Dixon, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's festivals and monuments.

Dixon Welcome Center

Dixon Memorial Arch

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

Dixon Memorial Arch