Funks Grove

Funk’s Grove, a National Natural Landmark, is bisected by Route 66. The grove is one of the Mother Road’s most scenic Illinois stretches. The grove’s continuing existence is due to the shared stewardship of the Funk and Stubblefield families, who own the grove. At 1,200 acres, it is the largest intact prairie grove in Illinois, and one of the largest remnants of virgin forest in Illinois.

The railroad, which by now you have probably noticed runs parallel to Route 66, was built by Irish immigrant laborers – hundreds of whom died in the effort from a cholera outbreak. Fifty-three Irishmen and three Native American men, all laborers, were buried in a mass grave in the Funk’s Grove Cemetery. The grave site is marked by an Celtic Cross that was erected in 2000.

While you are here, walk south down the trail to indulge in some contemplative respite at the serene Chapel in the Trees. If you want to keep hiking, head farther south, and eventually you will find a path to imagination grove, an accessible outdoor natural playscape, among many other prairie and wooded trails.