Shirley, IL Homes for Sale & Real Estate

Shirley, Illinois, is a small, unincorporated community and census-designated place in southwestern McLean County, located along historic Route 66, roughly halfway between Chicago and St. Louis. Founded in 1854 as a farm and railroad settlement, it was officially platted in 1866 by John M. Foster, who built a store and house near the Chicago & Alton Railroad. With a population of about 135 as of the 2020 census, Shirley remains a quiet, rural hamlet with a rich history tied to the Funk family, known for their cattle ranching and the Funk Prairie Home & Gem and Mineral Museum, which showcases antiques, fossils, and Native American artifacts. The community’s quaint charm, historic Christian Church, and proximity to the scenic Funk’s Grove make it a notable stop for Route 66 travelers.