We toured several of the John Deere factories during our trip to Illinois and Iowa. As some of the other travelers remarked, I was just along for the ride with my husband who is quite the tractor enthusiast. The tour was professionally conducted on a tram, guided by a retired John Deere factory employee who had a microphone headset so everybody could hear him. I expected the tour to be hot and a bit uncomfortable, but I was willing to endure it for my husband. As it turns out, it was very pleasant and comfortable. I learned a lot but not nearly as much as my husband did. He absorbed it like a sponge and loved every minute. What struck me as so impressive were two things in particular: first, the volunteers/employees seemed so genuinely happy to be there and second, the quality control measures implemented by John Deere to turn out a reliable, trustworthy product.

There are three Deere tours, and the Deere museum, in the area so you can easily make a full day, or if you want two days, out of this one company. This tour is somewhat difficult to understand if you’re not a gear head because the guide talks repeatedly about the various engine parts that meant nothing to me. Also, the tour goes backwards through the assembly at times so it is difficult to grasp the production process. Environment is clean and, for an assembly factory, not uncomfortably noisy. Check tour times because plants are sometimes closed to tours for various reasons and it may not be apparent on the website. Recommend calling, or writing, ahead also because tour times can fill. Easy for elderly or mobility challenged with the tram ride through factory. Not recommended for children, say under twelve, who may get bored and can’t leave the tram. Tour lasts about ninety minutes and is free, with ample free parking. A few displays about the company in the entryway and a brief video were more informative for me and worth the time.