Franklin Grove: Lincoln Highway, History and Nature

Franklin Grove brings together several distinct interests for trip planning: the history of the Lincoln Highway, living history experiences, and outdoor activities. The H. I. Lincoln Building is part of the town’s history and houses an interpretive center about the highway; Franklin Creek State Natural Area lies northwest of town. Chaplin Creek Historic Village offers another form of living history. If you’re looking for hotels in Franklin Grove, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Lincoln Highway: Buildings, Center, and Landmarks

The Lincoln Highway Interpretive Center is located in the H. I. Lincoln Building. Built in 1860 from natural limestone, the building originally housed a general store. Today, it houses the Lincoln Highway Association National Interpretive Center, which shares the history of the Lincoln Highway as the first transcontinental highway. The building brings together two layers of history: the history of the building itself and the history of the highway presented by the center. Travelers interested in the highway’s development will find a clear connection to the town’s history here.

A 1928 Lincoln Highway concrete marker stands in front of the building, while a Lincoln Highway mural is across the street. The marker and mural offer two distinct visual points of reference for the highway’s history around the building, while the Interpretive Center shares the story of the highway.

An older route of the Lincoln Highway also runs near Franklin Grove. An original concrete section lies alongside a steel truss bridge for vehicles; the bridge is awaiting restoration. Here, the former road alignment is made tangible by the concrete section and bridge, while the Interpretive Center shares the highway’s history. For trip planning, these offer two different perspectives on the same subject: a section of the older route in the surrounding area and the historical interpretation at the center.

History at Chaplin Creek

Chaplin Creek Historic Village offers a different focus. As an outdoor living history site, it lets visitors experience Illinois history in an authentic setting. Tours of Chaplin Creek Historic Village are available by appointment only. The focus is on a guided history experience that you can plan for in advance.

Nature and Activities Around Franklin Grove

Franklin Creek State Natural Area lies northwest of Franklin Grove and covers 882 acres. Natural springs, hardwood forests, and rock outcrops characterize the area; recreational opportunities include hiking, seasonal cross-country skiing, snowmobile trails, and horseback riding trails. Your choice of destination may therefore depend both on your interest in the landscape and on the activity you’d like to do. If you plan to cross-country ski, take the seasonal nature of the activity into account when planning your trip.

Access the Headwaters Trail from North State Street in Franklin Grove; Franklin Creek State Natural Area lies northwest of town. This makes the trail access in town and the larger natural area two distinct reference points for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Dixon

For the broader travel overview: Lee County.