vacations that fall within your budget can be simple. The key is to travel back in time. That’s the advice from travel experts who say hitting museums, historical sites and similar destinations that celebrate years gone by can be a fun, educational and affordable way to get away. For instance, since 1997, more than 2 million people have visited a unique attraction celebrating the past, present and future of American ingenuity. In fact, with exhibits such as “Cornucopia,” “GPS - Satellite” and the fulllength movie “Anthem: A Song of the Land,” the 14,000-square-foot, glass- and steel-enclosed John Deere Pavilion in Moline, III1., quickly became one of the state’s top attractions. In 1848, John Deere located his first plow manufacturing plant on the banksof the Mississippi River. Soon after, farmers across the country used his plow to till the land and the shape of agriculture in the U.S. was forever changed. The Pavilion was created as a celebration of the past, present and future of agribusiness, and todayit is widely recognized as one of the world’s most comprehensive agricultural exhibits. Families that visit can learn about renewable energy sources of our future, see how a seed makesits way from the planting stage to the dinnertable, and view any numberof antique farming equipment. Sometimes, the best family vaca- tions are the onesthat travel into the past. Visiting History After visiting the Pavilion, families can head to the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour,III. The registered National Historic Landmarkis the original Illinois homestead of John Deere and the location where he built the first “selfscouring”steel plow that would later make him a household name. In the atmosphereof a friendly 19th century prairie village, informed tour guides provide visiting families with an entertaining and educational perspective oflife on the prairie. On-site exhibits include a preserved archaeological dig, a re-creation of Deere’s original blacksmith shop complete with blacksmithing demonstrations, and guided tours of Deere’s original home, which hebuilt in 1836. Otherrelated attractions include a gift store, tours of Deere’s later homes and even a golf course. The attractions schedule special events throughout the year. Visit www.JohnDeereAttractions.com for more information.
