FRANKLIN CREEK CONSERVATION 1893 TWIST ROAD, FRANKLIN GROVE, IL 61031 815-456-2718
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  • Home
  • About
    • What's Happening at Franklin Creek
    • About FCCA
    • Board of Directors & Staff
    • Mission & Goals
    • Franklin Creek History
    • Publications/Archive
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Directions
    • Franklin Creek State Natural Area >
      • What's in our State Natural Area
      • Trails >
        • Trails at FCSNA
        • Headwaters
        • Husar Trail
        • Seasons of Change
      • What's in Bloom?
      • Invasive Species
      • Great Rocks
      • Birds on the Wing
      • Critters in Sight
    • Grist Mill >
      • Grist Mill Activities & Tours
      • Grist Mill Rental
      • Corn Grinding
      • Recipes at the Mill
    • Chautauqua
    • Nearby
  • Programs & Events
    • Guided Hikes
    • Evenings at the Mill
    • Movies in the Park
    • K-12 Education >
      • Field Trips
      • Junior Naturalist
      • Scout and Home School Programs
    • Outreach >
      • In the Classroom
      • Presentations
    • BioBlitz
    • Art Show
  • Volunteer
    • Join FCCA
    • Land Stewardship >
      • Stewardship Workdays
      • Stewardship Activities
    • 1480 Old Mill Road >
      • Workdays
      • Progress
    • Education Committee
  • Donate
  • Store
  • Contact

Field Trips

Picture
Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant

Field Trips 

Is your class interested in learning about pioneer life in the 1800s? If so we have a trip for you! Travel back to 1847 and learn about the Franklin Creek Grist Mill renovation and the original Lahman Mill. Pioneers settled around the Franklin Creek for its fresh spring water and shortly after Joeseph Emmert and his son-in-law, Christian Lahman, built the original mill. Christian Lahman eventually bought the mill from his father-in-law. The mill at Franklin Creek was the largest in Lee County and a center of pioneer social life. Today the Franklin Creek Grist Mill is the only fully water-powered gristmill in the state. The gristmill is operational from April until October. If your class is interested in taking a tour of the gristmill please call us at 815.456.2718. This trip is ideal for 3rd-5th grade students and Scout groups. ​
The gristmill is also home to a bison exhibit, a woodlands display that includes 43 varieties of wood paneling and a water exhibit that looks at the different water and geological structures surrounding the Franklin Creek. If you would like to include a short outdoor education lesson in your tour that can be arranged as well. You can choose from the list below or classes can be discussed on a case by case basis.
  • Osteology Lab
  • Prairie Ecology
  • Surviving the Woodlands
  • Nature Art
  • Water Ecology
  • Woodland Ecology
  • Geology
  • Service Project
  • To view class descriptions click here
If you would like to donate photos from the trip, please fill out and return the correct photo release form below.
Photo Donation Release

Photo Model Release
Picture
Field Trip cost is $3/student with teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers admitted for free. One adult is required for every 15 students. For a tour of the mill, plan for an 1.5 hour visit. If you would like to include other programming, the cost is subject to change depending on class size. ​The gift shop will also be available to students during the trip. Bag lunches are welcome at the mill.

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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