FRANKLIN CREEK CONSERVATION 1893 TWIST ROAD, FRANKLIN GROVE, IL 61031 815-456-2718
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  • Home
  • About
    • About FCCA
    • What's Happening at Franklin Creek
    • Board of Directors & Staff
    • Mission & Goals
    • Franklin Creek History
    • Publications/Archive
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Franklin Creek State Natural Area >
      • Directions
      • What to see
      • Trails >
        • FCSNA Trail Maps and descriptions
        • Larry Dunphy Storybook Trail
        • Husar Trail
        • Seasons of Change
      • What's in Bloom?
      • Invasive Species
      • Great Rocks
      • Birds on the Wing
      • Critters in Sight
    • Grist Mill >
      • Directions
      • Grist Mill Activities & Hours
      • Grist Mill Rental
      • Corn Grinding
      • Recipes at the Mill
    • Franklin Creek Headwaters
    • Other Attractions and Places to Stay
  • Programs & Events
    • Guided Hikes
    • Evenings at the Mill
    • Field Trips and Outreach >
      • K-12 Education >
        • Field Trips
        • Junior Naturalist
        • Scout and Home School Programs
      • In the Classroom
      • Presentations
    • Escape Trail
    • 2023 Grist Mill Grind 10K
  • Volunteer
    • Join FCCA
    • Volunteer Application
    • Land Stewardship >
      • Stewardship Workdays
      • Stewardship Activities
    • 1480 Old Mill Road >
      • Workdays
      • Progress
    • Education Committee
  • Donate
  • Store
  • Contact

Franklin Creek Grist Mill


We operate the Franklin Creek Grist Mill, as the welcome and education center for the State Natural Area.  Grist Mill visitors can obtain information about the hiking trails and the animals, plants and geology along the trails. They can tour the historic Grist Mill, a reproduction of a mill located on site over 150 years ago, and witness water power in action, view early construction techniques, see how corn was ground, and learn about the importance of the mill in the early life of the community.
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The Grist Mill houses educational exhibits as well. As of 2019, our woodland exhibit —“Illinois, More than a Prairie State” - explores the history of woodlands in Illinois, the economic and the environmental importance of trees, animals and plants that depend on the woodland habitat, how trees are portrayed in art, philosophy and poetry, and tree identification. ​
Picture
Woodland Exhibit
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Our first floor exhibit educates visitors about bison, which can be viewed roaming freely at the neighboring Nachusa Grasslands. Visitors can view, up close, a real ​stuffed bison mother and calf, as well as a bison skeleton. Also featured is the history of bison in America, bison art, and artifacts that show how bison products were used by the Native Americans.
Become a Mill Docent

The Grist Mill is open April through October:
Fridays: 12:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. (June 1st–August 31st)
Saturdays: 12:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. 
Sundays: 12:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.
Demonstration grinding occurs on the last Saturday of the month for the public.
​
The Grist Mill is available for school and group tours by appointment. 
We look forward to helping you plan and schedule an outing uniquely designed for your group.
​
The beginning fee is $75.00 for specially-scheduled group tours. As a nonprofit organization, we thank you for understanding and supporting FCCA’s mission! ​
GRIST MILL RENTAL INFORMATION

Location


Franklin Creek Conservation Association

1893 Twist Road
Franklin Grove, IL 61031

815.456.2718
engage@franklincreekconservation.org

Grist Mill Hours | APRIL 1ST – OCTOBER 31ST

Friday: Noon–4 pm | JUNE 1ST – AUGUST 31ST
Saturday: Noon–4 pm
Sunday: Noon–4 pm

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