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Funk Prairie Home and Gem & Mineral Museum: A Step Back in Time

Explore a Civil War-era home and dazzling gem collection at this Illinois historical site and museum; a unique journey through time and nature.

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Discover the charm of history and nature at the Funk Prairie Home and Gem & Mineral Museum in Shirley, Illinois. Explore a beautifully preserved Civil War-era home and an impressive collection of gems and minerals, offering an immersive experience into the region's heritage and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Funk Prairie Home and Gem & Mineral Museum

Local tips

  • Call in advance to reserve your spot on one of the free guided tours of the home and museum.
  • Visit between Tuesday and Saturday, as the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
  • Allow at least two hours to fully experience both the home and the gem and mineral museum.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Funk Prairie Home and Gem & Mineral Museum is located at 10875 Prairie Home Ln, Shirley, IL 61772. From Interstate 55, take exit 165 for IL-51 N toward Decatur. Continue on IL-51 N for about 1.5 miles, then turn right onto E 1300 N Rd and continue for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Prairie Home Ln, and the museum will be on your right. Parking is available on-site for free.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    If you're in Bloomington or Normal, a taxi or rideshare (Uber, Lyft) to the museum at 10875 Prairie Home Ln, Shirley, IL 61772, costs approximately $20 to $30, depending on traffic and distance.

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Discover more about Funk Prairie Home and Gem & Mineral Museum

The Funk Prairie Home and Gem & Mineral Museum offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century Americana and the natural wonders of the world. The Funk Prairie Home, built between 1862 and 1864 by LaFayette Funk, a co-founder of the Chicago Union Stockyards, showcases a beautifully restored Civil War-era residence with original family furnishings. Visitors can explore thirteen rooms filled with period pieces, including rosewood and walnut furniture shipped from Philadelphia, offering a captivating look into the lives of the Funk family. Adjacent to the home, the Gem & Mineral Museum houses an extensive collection of rare gems, minerals, fossils, and Native American artifacts. The museum, established in 1975 to showcase the collection of LaFayette Funk II, features a floor-to-ceiling wall of illuminated translucent mineral slabs and various geological specimens from around the globe. The museum's exterior is also notable, with walls coated in 30 tons of rocks embedded in concrete. The Funk family's legacy extends beyond the museum's collections. Isaac Funk, the family patriarch, settled in Funks Grove in 1824 and amassed 25,000 acres, becoming a prominent figure in Illinois agriculture and politics. The Funk family has been recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit, educational contributions, and humanitarian efforts. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of both the Prairie Home and the Gem & Mineral Museum, providing insights into the Funk family's history and the museum's collections. The tours are free, but reservations are required.

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