Franklin Creek State Natural Area is located in Lee County, one mile northwest of the village of Franklin Grove and eight miles east of Dixon just north of Illinois Route 38. The beautiful Franklin Creek flows throughout the 882 -acre park. Several large natural springs, hardwood forests, bedrock outcroppings, and a large variety of flora and fauna comprise a pristine ecosystem.

History

Pioneer families in the 1830s found the Franklin Creek area to be an inviting new home on the sometimes unfriendly prairie. Large, cool springs provided ample amounts of pure drinking water and early refrigeration, hardwood forests provided construction materials, and the creek provided fish for food and water power to run saw and grist mills. The deep, pleasant valleys protected by limestone and sandstone bluffs made ideal homesites shielded from cold winter winds. The mill spring, the largest in the park, provided water power for the largest grist mill in Lee County, constructed in 1847. Still today, many ponds and rock outcroppings along Franklin Creek carry names given to them by pioneer families.

Natural Features

The park contains a 198-acre nature preserve which is an outstanding and diverse natural area in a uniquely beautiful setting. High, rocky bluffs shelter a perennial creek and create an environment in which a rich flora and fauna thrive. The preserve represents the initial acquisition by the State of Illinois in the area and, therefore, has been the cornerstone upon which Franklin Creek State Natural Area is built. With its dedication as a nature preserve in 1970, it became the 24th nature preserve in the State of Illinois.

The geology of Franklin Creek is of considerable interest as the valley is deep enough to expose three distinct rock strata. New Richmond sandstone, a soft rock of Lower Ordovician age, is exposed at the bottom of the gorge. This is the oldest rock formation anywhere in the state, dating back to 500 million years ago. Above the New Richmond sandstone lies the Shakopee formation, consisting of sandy dolomite and also being of Lower Ordovician age. This strata is capped with St. Peter sandstone, which is of Middle Ordovician age, approximately 460 million years old. Away from the outcrops along the creek, which have been exposed by erosion, the bedrock is covered with a deep till from the Wisconsin glaciation. Finally, this is mantled with a layer of loess from which the upland soil is developed.

The occurrence of vegetation is influenced by soil characteristics, topography and moisture. Low lying areas along the creek bed support a bottomland forest dominated by silver maple and hackberry. Slippery elm and Kentucky coffee tree also occur here. Ravines support mesic (intermediate between wet and dry) upland forest characterized by sugar maple and basswood. Paw paw, and understory shrub of more southernly distribution, is found here. On drier sites, a dry-mesic forest of white oak, red oak, black oak, shagbark hickory, and hop hornbeam is found.

A small glacial drift hill prairie remnant is present in the preserve. Indian grass and tall dropseed are characteristic plants of this habitat. Other prairie species present include false toadflax, flowering spurge, and hoary puccoon.

High quality, undisturbed cliff communities are present on the bedrock outcrops. Canada yew, an evergreen shrub of more northern woods, is common here. Bladdernut, bishop’s-cap, and shooting star are also found here, as well as several species of ferns.

The forested areas provide habitat for many species of nongame wildlife. Woodpeckers, flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, and warblers are among the breeding birds on the site. The area provides critical stop-over habitat for many more species during migration. Great blue herons and green herons have been observed here. Mammals utilizing the area include raccoons, chipmunks, gray and fox squirrels, beaver, and deer. Shrews, white-footed mice, weasels, and fox may also be seen. Nineteen species of fish have been recorded from Franklin Creek.

Formation

For years the Franklin Creek has been a favorite local recreation site. In 1970, Mrs. Winifred Knox donated 100 acres of land for wildlife preservation her pioneer ancestors had settled. Through the 1970s, the Natural Land Institute purchased additional properties as they became available. Franklin Grove area citizens, wanting to see the Franklin Creek area protected, organized in 1981 to form the Franklin Creek Preservation Area Committee. Since the Committee’s formation they have gained the reputation of being the first volunteer organization in the state to improve the idle state-owned land for park purposes through volunteer efforts. The committee secured donations of money and labor, along with assistance from the Franklin Grove Future Farmers of America, to construct roads, shelters, picnic tables, restrooms, run underground electric lines, drill wells, and clear hiking trails. Dedication services were held August 28, 1982 to officially open the park. In April of 1986, the State of Illinois appointed the first site superintendent to manage the new park.

Facilities

Picnicking: Norwegian Hill and Mill Springs Day Use Areas have two and three shelters respectively. Each shelter is complete with electricity, cooking grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking water. The facilities at Sunday’s Shelter are totally handicapped accessible. A walk-in picnic area with parking by Sunday’s Bridge offers four secluded picnic areas with picnic tables and grills. The Sunday’s, Bartlett, Hausen-Knox and Banker Shelters may be reserved by contacting the site superintendent.

Grist Mill: Since 1987 the Franklin Creek Preservation Area Committee has been continuing their volunteer involvement by working to reconstruct the Franklin Creek Grist Mill. The original early American corn meal and wheat flour producing mill, constructed in 1847, was the "largest and most complete" grist mill in Lee County.  The newly reconstructed Franklin Creek Grist Mill became operational in 1999.  It is open to the public Saturday and Sunday from Noon - 4:00PM from April 1st to November 1st. For more information call the Grist Mill at 815/456-2718 or the park office.  Now the Franklin Creek Preservation Area Committee has a long-term lease to operate and maintain the facility.  Along with milling demonstrations, the building serves as a visitors center for the natural area.  All four levels of the Grist Mill are handicapped accessible.

Trails

Hiking: Four and one-half miles of hiking trails are marked and maintained at the park. All trail markers are numbered and clearly shown on the park map to help you follow the trails. The Mill Springs Trail is a unique, concrete-surfaced trail suitable for people of all mobility levels. The trail leads to the beautiful Mill Spring and possesses an easy rating. Pioneer Pass is highly recommended to see the park’s unique, natural beauty.

Equestrian: The equestrian area contains twelve miles of trails. The Rock River Trail and Horseman’s Association have been instrumental in developing and maintaining this area. Equestrian facilities include a picnic shelter, restrooms, drinking water, and an outdoor show area.

Snowmobiling: Four of the six miles of equestrian trails serve as snowmobile trails after the hunting season closes and a four inch snow base exists.

Cross-Country Skiing: Two of the six miles of equestrian trails serve as ski trails winding through 65 acres of rolling wooded landscape. Trails possess a medium difficulty rating and are opened after hunting season closes.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed in the Franklin Creek on state-owned property. Use your park map to be sure you are on park property. Franklin Creek supports a population of smallmouth bass, channel catfish, carp, redhorse and rock bass when stocked

Hunting

A white-tailed deer reduction program is underway at the site. Hunting acreage has expanded to include 635 acres for archery hunting and 580 acres are open to firearm hunting. Hunters are encouraged to contact the site office for current information. Wild turkey hunting continues to be allowed north of Franklin Creek in the equestrian area in season.  Hunter Fact Sheet

PLEASE: This park is for all to enjoy, so help keep it clean. Put all litter in the nearest trash container. No plants or parts of any tree may be removed or damaged. If you have a question or need help, contact the site superintendent.

Directions

Franklin Creek State Natural Area is located between Rochelle and Dixon, just north of IL RTE 38. On IL RTE 38 on the west side of the small town of Franklin Grove, turn north on Daysville Road and go one block to Old Mill Road. Turn left (west) on Old Mill Road and proceed one mile to the State Natural Area.

From northerly parts, Franklin Creek State Natural Area is located 10 miles south of Oregon. On IL RTE 64 in Oregon, ½ mile east of the bridge over Rock River is the IL RTE 64/Daysville Road intersection (at the Traffic Light). At this intersection go south on Daysville Road 10 miles to the small town of Franklin Grove. At the northern edge of town, turn right (west) on to Old Mill Road and go one mile to the State Natural Area.

• While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
• At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
• Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
• We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.
• For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
• Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.