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!!
Tru By Hilton Dixon

Tru By Hilton Dixon

2.5 out of 5
1806 S. Galena Ave Dixon IL
The price is 2.987.872 ₫ per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
2.987.872 ₫
3.315.940 ₫ total
15 Mar - 16 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! (64 reviews)
Great place! Very clean and nice breakfast.

Reviewed on 28 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 2.382.853 ₫ per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
2.382.853 ₫
2.644.489 ₫ total
15 Mar - 16 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! (648 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
Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb

Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb

2.5 out of 5
1133 N 7th St Rochelle IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is 1.975.225 ₫ per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
1.975.225 ₫
2.192.104 ₫ total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. ...
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 Feb 2026

Comfort Inn & Suites Rochelle - DeKalb
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.
Riverfront Dixon, Illinois, Vacation Rental!

Riverfront Dixon, Illinois, Vacation Rental!

3 out of 5
Dixon IL
Stay at this cottage in Dixon. Enjoy free parking, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Veterans Memorial Park and Loveland Community ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Peaceful nature getaway!
Fabulous cabin on the river! Awesome nature views and sunsets were amazing. Whole front of house including the master bedroom is all windows for breathtaking views. Relaxing, peaceful, hot dogs and s'mores by the campfire along the lake....can't beat it!

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2023

Riverfront Dixon, Illinois, Vacation Rental!
Downtown Rochelle Apt - Walk to Restaurants!

Downtown Rochelle Apt - Walk to Restaurants!

3 out of 5
Rochelle IL
Stay at this apartment in Rochelle. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Rochelle Railroad Park and Chicagoland Skydiving Center are ...
Downtown Rochelle Apt - Walk to Restaurants!
1 Mi to Rock Riverfront: Pet-friendly Retreat!

1 Mi to Rock Riverfront: Pet-friendly Retreat!

3 out of 5
Rock Falls IL
Stay at this cottage in Rock Falls. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Westwood Tennis Center and Sinnissippi Park are located ...
1 Mi to Rock Riverfront: Pet-friendly Retreat!
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

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

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

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