John Deere passports document legendary experience

WATERLOO, Iowa — Visitors to John Deere attractions now have an opportunity to participate in a legendary experience.

A new a passport program rewards those who visit John Deere sites located in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

“We designed this program to be fun and interactive for visitors to commemorate their trips to the attractions,” said Brigitte Tapscott, manager of John Deere attractions.

“It includes all of the John Deere attractions, but specifically we want visitors to go to the historic site in Grand Detour, the Tractor and Engine Museum in Waterloo and the Pavilion in Moline.”

The first time a person visits a John Deere site, guests request a passport at the visitor information desk and get an embossed seal. After collecting a seal at each of these three main sites, guests will earn a limited-edition John Deere hat.

“The hat is unique for this program,” Tapscott said. “On the back it says Legendary and the only way you can get this hat is through the passport program.”

“We launched the program on March 6, which was perfect timing with spring breaks happening,” Tapscott said. “I received some nice notes from people who went to the historic site and said how fun it was and they had no idea that seeing the live blacksmith demonstration and John Deere’s home would be that exciting.”

All John Deere attractions are free to visit including the factory tours and the John Deere homes.

“The special events at the attractions throughout the year are free, as well,” Tapscott said. “We try to have events that focus on families.”

The most recent event at the John Deere pavilion was duck hatching.

“This is a huge event that people come to every year,” Tapscott said. “That’s what’s important to us they’re having a great time.”

Participating John Deere locations are:

Those who complete the entire passport will receive an additional special gift.

“We are offering a hook that has been hand-forged by our blacksmiths at the historic site,” Tapscott said. “The hook is numbered, and it says Legendary John Deere Experience on it.”

In addition, the hooks come with a tag signed by the blacksmith and it features information about what was used it make the hook.

The gifts for the passport program may change in the future.

“Potentially the next gift could be something made at the John Deere foundry,” Tapscott said.

She already has received a completed passport from a family of five.

“They included a really nice note about how much fun they had while doing the passport program as a family and how much they learned along the way,” she said.

“I’m really excited about the launch of the passport program and its success so quickly,” Tapscott said. “We look to build on that.”

To learn more about the John Deere Attractions passport program, or to plan a trip, call 309-765-1000 or go to www.VisitJohnDeere.com.