Is your class interested in learning about pioneer life in the 1800s? 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, Joseph 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 grist mill in the state. The grist mill is operational from April through October.
The Grist Mill is also home to a wildlife 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 Franklin Creek.
Your field trip can be customized with outdoor lessons, butterfly releases, custom scavenger hunts and more.
The gift shop will be available to students during the trip. Sack lunches are welcome at the mill.
This trip is ideal for 3rd-5th grade public, private and homeschool students and Scout groups.
If your group is interested in taking a tour of the grist mill, please contact us.
For program cost contact us at 815-456-2718 or by email.
Learn about the history of our national mammal, the bison and how the Native Americans used every last bit of the bison. Students will get to see tools and accessories made from bison.
View a collection of animal bones gathered from the Midwest prairies and woodlands. What can we learn from looking at the bones of different animals? Are they similar to us, are they similar to each other? Compare a deer skull to that of a rabbit and see what they have in common.
Learn what types of animals live in the prairie, why fire is essential to preserving and maintaining our natural areas, and some of the more common prairie forbs and grasses.
You’ve just been stranded in the woods! What are the first steps you should take? Learn different strategies to help you survive in case of an emergency and practice your shelter building skills.
Enjoy this short activity in any natural environment using fallen materials from trees or other plants to make a unique creation. Learn more about different ways to create art from nature.
Explore the diverse woodlands at Franklin Creek to learn more about the different trees, soil, and wildlife that live here.
What is a macroinvertebrate anyway? Students will learn about the small organisms thriving in the Franklin Creek and how to determine the quality of water based on who lives there.
Franklin Creek has exposed rocks that date back to 480 million years ago. Students will learn more about the rocks in this area and what life looked like long ago.
Is your class interested in giving back to the natural area? We can find a project that’s right for your group!
Franklin Creek Conservation Association’s newly created Junior Naturalist Program is geared toward getting children engaging with the environment and understanding the natural world around them. These activities cover a variety of topics, from water ecology to butterflies! Children age 8-14 are encouraged to take part in this program with their friends and families. Printed copies of all the activities will be available at the Mill, and digital copies are free to download from the list below.
To receive a certificate, participants must earn a minimum of 30 points by choosing which activities they would like to complete (one service hour is required). Upon completion of these activities, participants will earn a certificate which grants them the official title of Franklin Creek Conservation Association Junior Naturalist.
Tree Identification (3 pts)
Butterfly Exploration (3 pts)
Bird Scavenger Hunt (3 pts)
Mosses, Lichen & Fungi Micro Hike (3 pts)
Ecological Restoration Service Hours (5 pts/hour)
Habitat Program (5 pts)
Is your scouting or home school group looking for an outdoor class? Look no further! Choose an activity your group would like to learn more about, fill out this form, and our staff will get in touch with you regarding price and available dates.
Private programs are a minimum of $150. There is an additional fee of $10 per person over 20 people with food included in the program; or $5 if you provide your own meal. Maximum 30 students.
If you would like to schedule a visit with our staff/volunteers, please fill out the form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you’re interested in having us as a guest speaker at your event, fill out the form below describing your groups needs. A volunteer or staff member will get back to you as quickly as possible. Topics include History of the Mill, Things to do at Franklin Creek, Every Bit of a Bison, and other nature related programs.