Funks Grove: Pure Maple Sirup on Route 66

Drop by drop sticky sweet sap falls into the metal bucket hanging on the spout inserted into the maple tree. On a good day a bucket fills in 10 to 12 hours. It takes 30 to 50 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of maple sirup, something the Funk family has been doing since the 1820s. They began selling it commercially in 1891, 35 years before Route 66 was commissioned. Located near the midpoint of Illinois’ portion of Route 66, you can visit the Funks Grove farm and pick up some sirup for yourself if your timing is right.

Funks Grove Route 66 SignFunks Grove sirup season generally runs from mid-February to mid-March, and they begin selling in March. When temperatures are above freezing during the day and below freezing at night the sap begins to flow. They sell the sirup until the supply is depleted, usually August or September,and then they close the doors for the year. We visited at the end of September last year, and managed to snag some of the last available light amber sirup.

Barn quilt at Funks GroveAccording to Debby Funk, partner in the business, light amber sirup is considered premium, made from sap collected earlier in the season and not cooked as long, but it doesn’t last as long either. The longer the sap is cooked and the later in the season it’s gathered, the darker it will be.

Debby FunkAt Funks Grove you can choose light, medium or dark. You can tell the difference in the taste, too. The darker the sirup, the heavier the flavor. Debby said the darker sirup is excellent for cooking. The maple syrup that you purchase in the store is usually a blend.

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Maple sirup, maple syrupYou may have noticed that I’m spelling the word “sirup” instead of the commonly used “syrup.” Family ancestor Hazel Funk Holmes, who took the reins of the company in the 1920s arranged protection for the timber and farmland in her will . She also expressed her wish for the sirup to be spelled with an “i,” at the time the preferred spelling by Webster’s. And so it has stuck.

Maple sirup sign with blocksFunks Grove Pure Maple Sirup is located between the towns of Funks Grove and Shirley, Illinois, on Route 66, or between I-55 Exits 145 and 154. Check the web site for store hours and other details.

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5 thoughts on “Funks Grove: Pure Maple Sirup on Route 66

  • May 3, 2015 at 9:12 am
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    So cool. I’m glad you told me why you were spelling it sirup, I was wondering if I had always spelled it incorrectly!. It’s breakfast time here and now I want something with sirup!

    Reply
  • May 3, 2015 at 9:33 pm
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    Ben and I will have to visit Funks grove (cool name btw) when we road trip the US

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  • May 3, 2015 at 11:26 pm
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    That sounds intriguing! I don’t mind stopping by there! Sweet, thanks for the post!

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  • May 4, 2015 at 10:24 pm
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    This definitely looks like it’s worth a stop on route 66!

    Reply
  • May 4, 2015 at 10:37 pm
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    Looks like a halt worth the time. Interesting find on the road. I like stopping amid the journey and experiencing these little fun things. Makes the whole way just so nice and pleasurable.

    Reply

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