Legend whispers of a wagonload of salt spilling into the waters long ago. This is Salt Creek. It’s more than just a creek though. It’s a river.
Salt Creek flows for 48 miles. It begins in the northwest corner of Cook County. It meanders through eastern DuPage County. Then it returns to Cook County before joining the Des Plaines River near Lyons. Early maps called it the Little Des Plaines River. The name Salt Creek arrived in the mid-1800s. A local legend explains it all.
The Potawatomi people lived here long before American farmers arrived in the 1840s. Frederick Graue’s gristmill built in 1852 became a vital part of the community. It was more than just a mill. It served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. It’s now a working museum. For years Salt Creek powered mills. It provided ice for refrigeration. People enjoyed swimming in its waters.
Post-war pollution unfortunately changed things. Partially treated wastewater and storm runoff harmed Salt Creek’s ecosystem. A devastating flood in 1987 caused $150 million in damage. Community efforts in the 1980s and 90s thankfully began to reverse the damage.
Salt Creek’s history is rich and complex. It’s a story of human impact and resilience. It’s a testament to the power of community action to restore a vital resource. The creek’s journey reflects the changing landscape of Chicago. It reflects its history of industry and progress. Today Salt Creek is a vital part of the region’s ecological network. Its waters flow onward carrying stories of the past. The future of Salt Creek depends on our continued efforts to protect it. Let’s keep its story alive.