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Funks Grove Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 211 Google reviews · Running trail in McLean, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Funks Grove Nature Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular park with public restrooms and picnic tables, plus kid-friendly hiking trails.
What runners say about Funks Grove Nature Preserve
“There's lots of beautiful scenery along the way, and an Imagination Grove area for kids with a zipline and tree climbing!”
“A Peaceful Visit for a bit of food and "forest bathing" along the way.”
We love to go explore here, my dog gives it 5 stars as well. The grounds are kept pretty neat, although whoever runs an atv on them is ruining one side when it rains. Definitely is a location for boots and a mindset of dirt is okay. The kids area is very nice and seems to get better each year.
This is a nice short drive from the Bloomington/Normal area. The nature center and area has a few nice exhibits, mainly for the younger population but it's nice to go inside the nature center and check out the wildlife they have. The bird viewing area is nice to sit down and rest for a few.
This place was really pretty. We did some of the trails, had a picnic. Quiet and peaceful, easy to get to. There were some really neat areas to explore. It seemed smaller than I expected but I think it's because we weren't experienced with all the places to go to.
This a great place for walking. It has a variety of trails you can hike on. There's lots of beautiful scenery along the way, and an Imagination Grove area for kids with a zipline and tree climbing! The trails are different lengths and are easy to walk on. The paths are mostly wide except for a few spots.
Trail conditions & character
“There's lots of beautiful scenery along the way, and an Imagination Grove area for kids with a zipline and tree climbing!”
“We love to go explore here, my dog gives it 5 stars as well.”
“A Peaceful Visit for a bit of food and "forest bathing" along the way.”
Plan your run at Funks Grove Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near McLean
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Funks Grove Nature Spaces
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Relaxed preserve with a nature center and playground with a sandbox and stream.
West Interurban Trailhead
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Miller Park
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Zoo, playground, lake and splash pad complex, plus a golf course.
White Oak Park
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Modest open space with sports facilities & a playground, plus a paved track around a lake.
Franklin Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 195 reviews
Sandy playground and picnic-table-lined park featuring quiet benches, mature trees and shady spots for relaxing.
Brookridge Park
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