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Founded and supported by the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, Chaplin Creek Village is an evolving, full-scale historical restoration project depicting a prairie settlement typical of the middle 19th century. The village is being developed around a crossroads named Timothy and Taylor, as many small communities did at that time. The name for the village, “Chaplin,” comes from the first settlement in the area, which was originally located just north of the historic site at the intersection of Lahman and State streets in Franklin Grove. As of today, several historically significant buildings and artifacts have been relocated to Chaplin Creek Village from the surrounding area serving as the focal point for the development. The first building was a blacksmith shop moved from Ashton, Illinois. Next came a saltbox-style house built in the middle 1800s and relocated from the west of Rochelle. A typical country schoolhouse from north of Ashton followed the saltbox house. Chaplin Creek Village is the home of the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, the Chaplin Creek Drafters, the Chaplin Creek Muzzle Loaders, and the Illinois Atlatl Association.
OPEN during the HARVEST FESTIVAL in August or by appointment.
While the historic site is generally open to the public to drive through, there are no specific hours of operation to access the many buildings. If you would care to schedule a tour or inquire about other special events, including the use of the facility for weddings, family reunions, and picnics… please write to us at .
