Today was our third visit to Franklin Creek State Natural Area this year (with yet another visit planned two days from now with a different set of friends), and it was our third way of experiencing this Northern Illinois gem.
Pictured: Johnsons at Mill Spring in December 2020.
With each visit to this park, we have found that Mill Spring is the favorite for the kids. The children enjoy the cold water, searching for crawfish and walking back and forth across the stone path over the water.
Pictured: Two boys searching for crawfish at Mill Spring. July 2021.
There is something for everyone at Franklin Creek State Natural Area, so I'll share what we have explored.
Pictured: Map of Franklin Creek State Natural Area.
Each time we visit, we park near Sunday's Shelter off Old Mill Road. Not only is there a shelter for picnicking, but there are also pit restrooms available. From there, there is a paved, 0.3 mile path that leads to Mill Spring. It is stroller and wheelchair friendly. There are also benches along the path that would allow for a rest if members of your party needed to sit prior to arriving at the spring.
Pictured: Johnson boys holding hands along the 0.3 mile paved path to Mill Spring. May 2021.
The path ends with a boardwalk to the right and a dirt trail straight to the spring. If travel companions use a wheelchair or a stroller, this will be the end of the journey for them. Fortunately, the sidewalk ends at the spring, so enjoying its peaceful sounds is possible from this point. There are also picnic tables and garbage cans, so we enjoy taking our picnic on the go.
Mill Spring is crossable via stepping stones, but the stones are slippery, and the water is cold.
Pictured: Families crossing the spring via a stone path. May 2021.
Once your party has crossed the spring, your adventure into the park continues. There are numbered markers along Pioneer Pass (numbers 1-26 on the map). The Johnson family has only made it 1-15 since we first traveled this path in winter, and we weren't up for fording an icy creek!
Pictured: Johnsons in front of an icy Franklin Creek at path marker #15. December 2020.
In addition, this path is moderate in difficulty. There is a significant amount of climbing involved and the stairs on the path are challenging. Use the handrails or a hiking stick.
Pictured: A stair step path through the woods. December 2020.
The beauty of this natural area cannot be understated, and it's well worth a visit, even if you aren't able to hike much of it. However, if you're game, grab a reliable pair of shoes and your stick, and see what you can find! It is an out and back (not a circle path), so know when you need to turn around before you get too tired! I would very much like to go back and and park at the Norwegian Hill Day Use Area and try to hike the trail backward!
Video: Children hiking along the Pioneer Pass. July 2021.
All in all, this is a great day hike and is close enough to the Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Nachusa Grasslands that it makes for a fun day exploring Northern Illinois.
Let me know if you have hiked more of Franklin Creek State Natural Area and whether or not you were able to see the bison up close at the grasslands. We thoroughly enjoy how close this is to our home and love visiting and exploring!
Pictured: Children smiling along Pioneer Pass between markers 2 & 3. July 2021.
Until next time, travel is out there, even in your own backyard! Explore everything and choose your own adventure!
-The Johnsons
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