Faraway in a forgotten fork of central Illinois, fall’s fabulous fireworks fill up the Funk. It’s almost too false to be fact. Fancy, if you will, a fantastic forest featuring white oaks framed by faultless yellow foliage. For real, the Funk should find its fame even as far as Florence. Fortunately, it might be fate for you to faithfully find the Funk.
A micro-adventure in Funks Grove is not merely a visit , but rather a pilgrimage. The 1,000 acres of virgin white oak forest provide nothing short of a spiritual experience. Your first step is to go.
The second step begins with the cultivation of wonder. Wonder lets us truly see beauty in all things. John Muir once said, “God’s love is manifest in the landscape as in a face,” and this is no more evident than in the Chapel of the Templed Trees at Funks Grove.
Take the third step to build momentum. Do this by leaving your vehicle. “We have agreed not to drive our automobiles into cathedrals, concert halls, art museums, legislative assemblies, private bedrooms and the other sanctums of our culture; we should treat our parks with the same deference, for they, too, are holy places.” -Ed Abbey. Outside of my car, I can smell the fallen leaves, hear the great horned owl call, and feel the wind blow. On a stroll through the soaring trees of Funks Grove, my senses restore my soul. I found it hard to be angry. I found it hard to be stressed. I found it hard to remember the cares of the rest of the world. The yellow leaves shone as if the sun had come to earth to wrap me in light. That was all that mattered in the moment. Leave your car behind, I guarantee it will add an hour or two to your life.
The fourth step is to become a kid again, even if only for a few minutes. It takes this many steps (maybe four?) to dance and what kid doesn’t love to dance? In the book of Matthew, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” On your quest at Funks Grove dance with your inner child again at the “Imagination Grove.” It is quite possibly one of the most creative natural playgrounds in Illinois.
Whatever your reason, find yourself favored to have found Funks Grove. Who knows? By fluke or faith you may find your reason and be found.
Visit: Funks Grove | McLean County, IL | Just south of Bloomington-Normal, IL.
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/INPC/Pages/Area5McLeanFunksGrove.aspx
Consider: Discover the Sugar Grove Nature Center. Explore the blacksmith forge, beekeeping operation and much, much more! Take a long, slow drive through history and link up with historic Route 66. Don’t miss Funks Grove Maple Sirup. Why is syrup spelled that way? Find out for yourself! https://www.funkspuremaplesirup.com/. Visit at night to see the stars with the naked eye and through their observatory!
Enjoy!
