Days of Iron

On a recent trip out Lil' Nick and I went up to Grand Detour for the John Deere Green Iron days.  It's a gathering of tractors and vintage farm equipment from all over the state and beyond. The weather was perfect, the crowds were substantial and the displays were enough to make any farm boy drool with envy. Big tractors, small tractors, combines, harvesters, riding tractors, you name they had it. In various shades of green and yellow, some in nothing But yellow, and we even spied one future farmer on one in Pink.  There was a lot of fantastic restored equipment that looked factory fresh and other showed their years in faded green and rusty iron. 

There wasn't just farm equipment though. Grand Detour is the site of John Deere's first forge in Illinois, the place where his company with its trademark steel plow got its start. On site is a living history museum with replica blacksmith shop in addition to the original Deere homestead. There's also a short film available in the theater which overlooks the first forge, discovered in an archaeological dig a few years ago as well as displays of artifacts discovered while excavating the ruins of the blacksmith shop. There's SO Much to see and do you better plan on an entire afternoon for your visit. If you missed Green Iron days this year be sure to watch for it Next year. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and by the way, admission is Free!