Larry Dunphy Memorial Storybook Trail

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The Larry Dunphy Memorial Storybook Trail featuring the children’s book Miss Maple’s Seeds is located along the trail near the Hausen-Knox Shelter. Each of the 16 panels displays a page from the book. 

Larry was an impassioned champion for not only maintaining and enjoying our natural world, but also encouraging reading for education and pleasure. In partnership with his dear wife, Carolyn, they founded Books on First, a true gem in downtown Dixon. His service on the board of the Franklin Creek Conservation Association was a task in which he took great pride. Emboldening children to value nature and literacy, this trail is in sincere dedication to Larry, and a gift from him for all to enjoy.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Miss Maple's Seeds, stop into the Franklin Creek Grist Mill or Books on First, where they continuously stock books for nature lovers!

A HUGE thank you to all that made the creation and installation of the Larry Dunphy Storybook Trail possible: Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau, Larry Dunphy Family and Friends, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the dedicated volunteers of the Franklin Creek Conservation Association.

Map of the Larry Dunphy Memorial Storybook Trail. The trail begins at marker 1 and ends at marker 16.

Directions to Hausen-Knox Shelter
​Coming From the East (Rochelle area) - Take Route 38 West to Franklin Grove, Turn Right on Daysville Road. Turn left (first left) on Old Mill Road. Go approx. 1 to 1.5 mi until you see a Park sign. Turn left at the sign to go down the gravel entrance road to the Norwegian Hills Day Use Area.

Coming From the West (Dixon area) - Take Route 38 East to Franklin Grove, Turn Left on Daysville Road. Turn left (first left) on Old Mill Road. Go approx. 1 to 1.5 mi until you see a Park Sign. Turn left at the sign to go down the gravel entrance road to the Norwegian Hills Day Use Area.

Entrance Road: 1602 Old Mill Rd. Franklin Grove, IL 61031
GPS to Hausen-Knox: 41.845330, -89.323750