Spring Grove Fish Hatchery

In 1914, the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery became the first fish hatchery in the state of Illinois.  It was chosen because of its natural cold water springs which produced over 300 gallons of water a minute.  At its height, the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery produced as many as 35,000,000 fingerlings or small fish.  Now there are three other hatcheries in Illinois.  Today, the Fish Hatchery is being restored to a nature and interpretative center where visitors can learn about the history and workings of the hatchery, the natural environment and heritage of the area.