John Deere Pavilion

Imagine a place where the power of giant machines meets the cutting-edge technology of the future. This is exactly how the Pavilion in Moline greets its guests. It is not just a museum of the legendary John Deere company, but a modern visitor center in the USA that has become a symbol of innovation and agricultural progress.

Located on the historic site where the company's first factory once stood, the pavilion welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually. Inside this impressive glass and steel building, you will find a unique collection ranging from antique tractors from the beginning of the last century to massive modern combines that amaze with their size.

A special pride of the pavilion is its interactivity. The "For Generations" exhibit allows guests to literally touch history and see how machinery helps people in every corner of the planet. This place is perfect for a family getaway, offering an exciting immersion into the world of engineering completely free of charge.

For information about special events or group tours, you can use the official communication channels:

The first thing that catches your eye when approaching the pavilion is the legendary "Big Green Tractor", which greets guests at the entrance and serves as the perfect backdrop for photos. Inside, you can do more than just look at the equipment; you can feel like a real farmer: visitors are allowed to climb into the cabs of many machines and examine their inner workings. The scale of modern tractor wheels impresses even adults, while children are absolutely thrilled by the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of these giants.

For the curious minds, there is the "For Generations" multimedia exhibition. Using touchscreens and interactive presentations, you will learn how modern technologies, including GPS navigation and automated systems, are applied in the agribusiness today. Interactive zones allow you to "launch" the history of machinery and see it in action in fields across the globe.

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop located nearby. It features a huge selection of merchandise: from collectible models and toys celebrating their centennial to stylish merchandise with the recognizable logo. You can wrap up your visit in the cozy lounge areas or head out to explore the surroundings, with restaurants and the waterfront within walking distance.

Finding the Pavilion is easy: it is located in the heart of Moline at 1400 River Dr, right on the scenic banks of the Mississippi River. For those arriving by personal or rental car, there is ample free parking behind the building.

If you are traveling from other states, the nearest transport hub is Quad City International Airport. The trip from the terminal to the attraction takes only 10–15 minutes by taxi or rental car. Travelers from Chicago can enjoy a scenic drive of about 170 miles through endless cornfields, which takes on average 3–3.5 hours.

The facility is located in a well-developed tourist area, making it easy to reach on foot from nearby downtown hotels. Popular restaurants and the Vibrant Arena are also in close proximity, making the logistics of your visit as convenient as possible.

The history of this place dates back to the mid-19th century. The Pavilion was built on the historic site where the John Deere Plow Works factory was established in 1848. It was here that the foundations of an agricultural empire were laid, starting with blacksmith John Deere's invention of the steel plow in 1837, which forever changed land cultivation on the American plains.

The modern pavilion building opened its doors in 1997. The project became a key element of a large-scale urban renewal program for Moline. The center's success was so impressive that it served as an example for other global corporations, such as Coca-Cola and Caterpillar, when creating their own exhibition spaces.

Special attention in the exposition is paid to the continuity of generations. One of the most touching parts of the collection is the "Out of the Toy Box" exhibition, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of toy machinery models. These miniatures clearly demonstrate how the brand became part of family history for millions of people worldwide.

Today, the pavilion is recognized as one of the most visited attractions in the Quad Cities region. Every year, over 150,000 people come here to witness the evolution of machines: from the first tractors of the early 20th century to ultra-modern combines powered by artificial intelligence.

To take your time exploring all the exhibits and enjoying the interactive zones, most visitors need about 2 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time to study both historical models and modern agricultural machinery, as well as to visit the official gift shop.

If you are planning a family visit, it is worth setting aside about 4 hours. Children often spend a lot of time exploring tractor cabs and participating in educational activities. Additionally, the pavilion's central location makes it easy to complement your trip with lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

When planning your visit to the Pavilion, please note the operating schedule, which allows for convenient time management throughout the week:

• Monday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Please note that admission to the pavilion is free, but keep the closing time in mind so you have enough time to explore all the interactive exhibits and visit the gift shop.

A visit to the exhibition center can be perfectly combined with a walk around the area. The waterfront district offers many interesting locations that will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of Illinois and the history of this industrial region.

Below are the sites located within walking distance or a short drive from the pavilion: