Grand Detour offers quiet streets along the Rock River
Named after a bend of the Rock River that wraps around three sides of the community, Grand Detour offers secluded waterfront living in Ogle County. "We are a very small town, and everyone kind of knows each other," says Catalina's Tavern owner Bennet Catalina, who grew up in Grand Detour. "It's pretty quiet. I mean, we don't even have streetlights here." Residents spend time outdoors on the water, and get together for annual events at the John Deere Historic Site. It's also a quick trip to central Dixon to go shopping or to grab a bite.
Residents in Grand Detour enjoy the community's small town feel.
The Rock River goes through Grand Detour, and offers residents with an array of outdoor activities on the water.
Sign in Grand Detour tells some of the history in this area.
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Outdoor recreation includes paddling, walking trails and golf
Although there aren't any community parks, a small green space off state Route 2 has waterfront gazebos and a paved trail that leads to a public launch for kayaks and canoes. “People get on the river a lot here,” Catalina says. “You can rent canoes from White Pelican in Oregon and ride the river back down to Grand Detour.” Lowell Park is 9 miles west and includes a playground, wooded trails and public boat ramps. Lost Nation Golf Course in Dixon offers an 18-hole course open to the public.
Lost Nation Golf Club is a popular choice for golfers in Grand Detour.
Residents of Grand Detour often enjoy days on the water with friends.
Disc Golf at Lowell Park in Grand Detour is a popular way to spend the afternoon.
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House styles from 18th-century farmhouses to 20th-century ranches
Grand Detour primarily consists of single-family homes. The community is filled with mid-18th through early 19th century houses, mostly in the Colonial Revival, bungalow and farmhouse styles. These sit back from narrow residential roads, along with 20th-century ranch and split-level homes. Mature trees provide shade for the quarter- to half-acre lots, and yards are typically unfenced. Depending on size and condition, homes sell between $100,000 and $400,000. Grand Detour has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Century-old farmhouses can be found in Grand Detour.
Grand Detour offers a variety of homes along the Rock River.
Homes in Grand Detour are nestled among mature trees and landscaping.
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Residents make trips into central Dixon for restaurants and retail
Catalina's Tavern has been the local watering hole for almost 80 years. The casual bar has a pool table, slot games and hosts occasional live music. Residents head into central Dixon, 6 miles southwest, for more robust options. “That’s where we do most of our shopping and eating out,” Catalina says. Groceries are available at Aldi, and Walmart Supercenter covers retail needs. Downtown Dixon provides a selection of independently owned boutiques and restaurants with cuisines ranging from Thai to Italian to Mexican.
Pati O's Irish Pub in downtown Dixon is a favorite haunt for Grand Detour residents.
Grand Detour residents head into nearby Downtown Dixon for options like Walmart.
Residents of Grand Detour find all their grocery needs nearby at Aldi in Dixon.
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Historic site draws visitors and hosts community events
Grand Detour is home to the John Deere Historic Site, the former workshop of the now household name. Visitors can take tours of the grounds and watch live blacksmith demonstrations. The site hosts several gatherings, like the Grand Detour Art Festival in early September. It is also the starting point for the annual Golf Cart Parade on the Fourth of July. “Everyone in the community comes out for that one,” Bennet says. Along with golf carts, bicycles, four-wheelers and ATVs cruise around the community’s outskirts to celebrate the holiday.
Grand Detour is home to the John Deere Historic Site.
The entrance to the John Deere Historic site welcomes residents and visitors alike to Grand Detour.
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Dixon High School offers career and technical education
Students attend schools in central Dixon, which are a part of the Dixon Unified School District No. 170. Niche gives the district a B-minus rating. Dixon High School offers career and technical education courses. The program allows enrolled students to earn high school and college credits while exploring career pathways like business and agriculture.
Reagan Middle School welcomes kids form Grand Detour and scores a C+ on Niche.
Grand Detour children commute to nearby Dixon High school for higher learning.
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Getting around on State Route 2
State Route 2 is the main thoroughfare, connecting residents to downtown Dixon, home to OSF Saint Katherine Medical Center. The route also leads 18 miles southwest to Sterling, and northeast into Rockford, where planes fly out of Chicago Rockford International Airport.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Photography Contributed By
Matt Pangman
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jenny Kirchner,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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