Sugar Grove Nature Center
(including Funk's Grove & Thaddeus Stubblefield Grove Nature Preserves)

McLean County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
​40.348169278, -89.13339312

4532 N 725 East Rd
McLean, IL  61754
309-874-2174 

Official Websites
http://www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org/
https://www.facebook.com/sugargrovenaturecenter/?ref=page_internal
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5mcleanfunksgrove.html
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area5mcleanthaddeusstubblefieldgrove.html

Activities: 
Trails (hiking)
Programs (educational, volunteer)
Winter (cross-country ski)
Other (view wildlife, picnic)
 
Season/Hours:  
Open Seasonally (check website) 
 
Dog Friendly:  
Leashed pets allowed only in areas that are not dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve areas.
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online: 
Online: 
http://www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org/SGNCTrailMap.pdf
On Site:   unknown
 
Parking:  parking lots
 
Amenities:  benches, shelter, picnic tables    
 
Restrooms: unknown
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps: 
All Trails     
Trip Advisor
 
Cost:  free (donations appreciated)                         
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  historical; birding hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access:  forest, hills, prairie, open grass space
 
General Description:  1100-acre natural area that includes Funks Grove Nature Preserve (portions dedicated as National Natural Landmark), Thaddeus Stubblefield Grove Nature Preserve, 6 miles of trails, nature center, blacksmith forge, astronomical observatory and various gardens. 

OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  

Access (via trail) to Funk's Grove Nature Preserve is through Sugar Grove Nature Center.

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Sugar Grove Nature Center Trail Map & Info (PDF)
​

More Information:
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2023-02-08/reorganization-at-sugar-grove-nature-center-raises-outcry-and-concerns-over-transparency

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/site.htm?Site=FUGR-IL
​
https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/photos-explore-sugar-grove-nature-center/collection_e9d9bbbf-6f47-50dd-a3e9-a5dbd55a69b4.html#10

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1056903

https://sugargrovenaturecenter.org/nl/SGNC%20AprMayJun%202018.pdf

https://herald-review.com/news/local/syrup-and-honey-a-sweet-deal-at-sugar-grove-nature-center/article_70f21090-5fc6-11e3-9ce0-001a4bcf887a.html

https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/illinois-grand-prairie-protecting-and-re-creating-the-tallgrass-ecosystem

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funks_Grove,_Illinois

https://www.jwpaudubon.com/explore

https://www.visitbn.org/visit/2213/sugar-grove-nature-center/

https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/sugar-grove-nature-center?gclid=CjwKCAjwoZWHBhBgEiwAiMN66fmM0Bh801YOB66gaKIaVrUzYmN5sP68C4LyDtxuJrZcyvRrKNolbhoCyHcQAvD_BwE

https://www.chambanamoms.com/2021/05/04/visiting-imagination-grove-near-bloomington-normal/

Managed by:
​Sugar Grove Nature Center
4532 N 725 East Rd
McLean, IL  61754
309-874-2174