LIBERATION OF ROME
BREAKOUT FROM ANZIO
WWII PUBLIC BATTLE REENACTMENT
AND ENCAMPMENT
MAY 15, 16, 17, 2026
For More Information 815973-1474
Event will be held at the Chaplin Creek Historic Village site located at 1715 Whitney Road in Franklin Grove, Illinois 61031. The Village buildings will be turned into an Italian town of Castelli Romni. The Battles will be reenactments of the many small actions that occurred as part of Operation Diadem which started on May 11, 1944 resulting in the breaking of the German Gustav Line in the Liri Valley resulting in the Liberation of Rome on June 4-5 1944.
Event will open to reenactors on Thursday May 14, 2026 for encampment and display setup. Friday May 15, 2026 will be junior high school children tours for local students starting at 10:30 am to 1:30 p.m. No reenactor personal vehicles will be allowed in the village between 10:00 – 2:00 p.m. There will be two public battle reenactments on both Saturday and Sunday.
Amenities include Potable water, firewood, flush toilet and shower facilities.
Friends of Nachusa Grasslands
VISITOR CENTER
Open dawn to dusk 7 days a week
2075 Lowden Road
Franklin Grove, IL
Nachusa Grasslands Site
Nachusa Grasslands is a 4,100-acre habitat restoration project in Franklin Grove, IL. The project aims to reconnect the remaining prairie, woodlands, and wetlands to create one of the largest and most biologically diverse grasslands in Illinois. The staff at Nachusa Grasslands work hand-in-hand with Nature Conservancy staff to collect and plant seeds, manage invasive species, repair wetlands, and conduct controlled burns. Together, our goal is to preserve, protect, and share this precious endangered ecosystem.
Franklin Creek State Natural Area
1872 Twist Rd, Franklin Grove, IL 61031
(815) 456-2878
Grist mill, Equestrian trails
Picnic shelters, Hiking Fishing/hunting
Visit IDNR website
Franklin Creek State Natural Area is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Franklin Grove, IL. Known for its hardwood forests, limestone bluffs, large natural springs and historical 1847 grist mill, Franklin Creek Natural State Area is a must-see location for tourists to Lee County, IL. Visitors to the Franklin Creek State Natural Area can now enjoy the Franklin Creek Headwaters, an 80-acre protected area created by the convergence of three separate streams.
Lincoln Highway Association
H.I. Lincoln Building
136 N Elm St., Franklin Grove, IL
(815) 456-3030
Gifts, Souvenirs
Located in H. I. Lincoln Building in Franklin Grove, IL, the Lincoln Highway Interpretive Center is the gem of Lee County, IL. Constructed in 1860 by Abraham Lincoln’s cousin, H.I. Lincoln, the building once served as dry goods store, but later expanded into a hospital, Post Office, a newspaper publishing building, and a storage building. Today, Lincoln Highway Interpretive Center is the Headquarters of the Lincoln Highway Association. It offers a wide variety of gifts an souvenirs related the historic Lincoln Highway.
Chaplin Creek
Historic CVillage
1715 Whitney Rd
Franklin Grove, IL 61031
Located just outside of Franklin Grove, IL, Chaplin Creek Village depicts life in a 19th Century prairie settlement. Over the years, caretakers have relocated several historically-significant buildings and artifacts from the surrounding area. Today, Chaplin Creek Village is home to the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, the Chaplin Creek Drafters, and the Illinois Atlatl Association.
L.H.A.E.A.
Living History and Antique
Equipment Association
1674 Whitney Rd.
Franklin Grove, IL.
LHAEA.org
The Living History Antique Equipment Association (LHAEA) holds their annual antique equipment show on the first weekend of August each year. Located on Whitney Road in Franklin Grove, IL, LHAEA also holds other events in Lee County, IL.
Flat Iron Park
Corner of North and Elm St. in Franklin Grove, IL
Flat Iron Park is located at the corner of North and Elm Streets in downtown Franklin Grove, IL. It was donated by the Franklin Grove Women’s Club. It is Ideally situated next to busy railroad tracks, Flat Iron Park is a great place to photograph trains. It also has a very cool cannon and a dedicated veterans memorial.
Atlasta Park
501 S State St
Franklin Grove, IL 61031
Atlasta Park is an outdoor destination for tourism in Franklin Grove, IL. Located on South State Street, Atlasta Park features lush greenery, a play area for kids, disc golf, shelter, and a covered pavilion for family gatherings. The addition of disc golf (Frisbee golf) is an added attraction for tourism in Lee County, IL.
