By Kate Kopatich and Brad Burton
Published: Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:51 PM CDT|Updated: Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:11 PM CDT
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - The Quad Cities will welcome Gathering of the Green, a national conference celebrating the legacy of John Deere and its impact on American agriculture.
This year’s theme is “An American Original” which aligns with America’s 250th anniversary and will highlight the innovation and influence of John Deere equipment across generations.
The muti-day event will kick off on Wednesday at 8 a.m. at the RiverCenter, 136 E 3rd Street, and feature educational seminars, restored tractor displays, rare memorabilia, tours, and social events connecting collectors, restorers, and fans from around the world. The event will run through Saturday.
Officials with Visit Quad Cities say the event is expected to bring up to 2,000 attendees to the Quad Cities with a projected economic impact of $583,190 that will include 1,500 plus hotel room nights generated, with five counties being represented, including the United States. There will be 26 international attendees traveling from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and South Africa.
A variety of scheduled events will be taking place that include the following, according to event organizers.
Wednesday schedule:
Tours will be available on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon, pre-registration is encouraged.
Cinnamon Ridge Farms will be doing tours for $50 per-person.
“Visit Cinnamon Ridge Dairy Farms and see farming at the cutting edge,” officials said. “Hosts John and Joan Maxwell will guide you through their innovation operation, featuring a 250-cow, prize-winning Jersey herd milked robotically, high-yield 400-bushel-per-acre corn fields, and delicious cheese samples. The Maxwells welcome groups from around the world and have expanded this tour to showcase the latest on their farm. Get ready for an informative and hands-on day exploring modern, sustainable agriculture in action.”
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum will be offering tours at $50 per-person. The fee is for transportation from the RiverCenter to I-80 and back, officials said.
“Step into the world of trucking at the Iowa 8- Trucking Museum, home to one of the largest collections of big rigs, vintage trucks, and trucking memorabilia in the world,” officials said. “Explore historic vehicles, interactive exhibits, and learn about the evolution of the trucking industry from past to present. This tour offers a fascinating look at America’s trucking heritage and the people who keep the country moving.”
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is free, officials said.
From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. John Deere Homes, John Deere Pavilion, and the John Deere Store will offer tours for $50 per-person.
“Discover the story of John Deere through the homes that shaped his legacy and the innovations that define the brand today,” officials said. “Explore historic residences, engaging exhibits, and interactive displays that highlight John Deere’s enduring spirit of craftsmanship and progress.”
Event highlights:
Additional information on tours for Thursday and Friday can be found on the event’s social media or at this link.
According to Gathering of the Green’s website, “The Gathering of the Green is not affiliated with the John Deere Company.”
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