-
February 2024 by Jonathan H.
The tour was a little long, but it was free and a lot of the info was very interesting. It was neat to learn about the Deere family. The houses (you go in two different ones) are both very elegant and ornate. It's worth checking out if you're in the Moline area, but probably not very exciting for kids.
-
July 2021 by Dan Haughey
Fun and educational for families— excellent place to visit for history, plant life, and culture!. —danact3.com
-
January 2021 by Kim Baker Nickels
Beautiful historic homes, well maintained, great history of the John Deere family.
-
September 2019 by Linda Shearer
The historic buildings are more interesting when you can get a guided tour. The QC is indeed fortunate to have such beautiful mansions dedicated to culture, art and community service. They held the first Porch Party and opened up a tour of the tunnel from Butterworth house to the "garage" today, too!
-
September 2017 by Dee J.
Even just walking around the outside during a Sunday early morning, it was still worth the time. Interesting grand place!
-
October 2010 by Laura P.
A stunning example of turn of the century luxury that has been preserved! Went here for a business meeting, actually the Butterworth center, and was just in awe. We kinda got lost initially and walked over to the Deere mansion. Wow, just walking around the perimeter was beautiful with a million dollar view of the river and a porch that encompassed the entire back exterior and was enclosed!! The grounds are meticulously kept down to the coach house.... After finding out that our meeting was at the Butterworth center across the street I was a little disappointed because I really wanted to explore the interior of the manse. When I heard 'center' I thought, oh great, some crappy new construction pole barn/building where everything smells new and is beige..... To my surprise, the Butterworth center is actually ANOTHER mansion that was owned by the daughter of John Deere and her husband. We didn't know where we were going and that was really great because we walked down what I can only assume to be a private entrance for carriages and now cars.....alright....here we go!! Entered in through clear glass doors with gorgeous wrought iron detailing that made me weak...then in front of me....an actual coat room. Yes, a room for coats. Just coats, with built in racks and a marble top dresser for ancillary details (I assume). My thoughts immediately went to the naughty things that may have occurred there over the years.... But I digress....I walked up one flight of stairs that were protected with gorgeous persian rugs to find a floor that was converted into a meeting center with banquet chairs hiding the true glory of what looked to be an entire floor of a parlor. Kept walking to the back of the room where I found the diagonal parque oak floor and a baby grand piano that was anything but 'baby'...... Not sure if I was to be exploring as much as I did but it was fun to imagine living there and the grand parties they had. Our meeting was REALLY in the carriage house behind the lovely gardens. That was nice, it was obviously partially a horse stable complete with hay loft, that had been updated and modernized with coats of white paint and cheap dry wall.... I like old things I guess. After our meeting we ate lunch in the gardens and we were lucky enough to be able to speak with a gardener who had done her internship at the estate. She gave detailed explanations of the flower beds and some secrets I can't divulge.... Not sure what type of events they host here on a regular basis but it sure has a grand feeling with enough space for your guests to mix and mingle in a professional setting yet has enough whimsy to feel festive!
