Independence Grove Forest Preserve — Attraction in Libertyville

Nestled in the heart of Lake County, Illinois, Independence Grove Forest Preserve spans approximately 1,151 acres and offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities. Centered around a 129-acre lake reclaimed from a former gravel quarry, the preserve provides visitors with a tranquil setting for various outdoor activities.

Key Features & Activities

Trails: The preserve boasts 7.5 miles of trails suitable for walking, biking, and in-line skating. These paths meander through scenic woodlands and prairies, offering picturesque views and connections to neighboring communities.

Lake & Marina: The central lake is designated for catch-and-release fishing, with species like largemouth bass and bluegill. While personal watercraft are not permitted, the marina offers seasonal rentals of boats and bikes, allowing visitors to explore the lake and surrounding areas.

Visitor Center & Café: The 19,000-square-foot Visitor Center features educational exhibits and a café serving light meals and beverages. Operating seasonally, the café enhances the visitor experience with a welcoming spot to rest and refresh.

Beer Garden: Open from late spring through early fall, the Beer Garden offers a selection of local craft brews, snacks, and casual lakeside seating—a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene environment.

Summer Concerts: The preserve hosts a summer concert series at Millennia Plaza, overlooking the lake. These events feature a variety of musical genres, adding a lively cultural touch to the natural setting.

North Bay Pavilion: This scenic lakeside pavilion accommodates up to 500 guests and is available for events such as weddings, family reunions, and corporate gatherings. It offers amenities like picnic tables, a stone fireplace, and a sand volleyball court.

Pet Policy

Pets, including dogs and horses, are not allowed within the main areas of the preserve to protect wildlife and ensure a safe environment for all visitors. However, a designated Off-Leash Dog Area is available nearby on Milwaukee Avenue (permit required).

Hours & Accessibility

Operating Hours: The preserve is open daily from 6:30 AM to sunset.

Accessibility: Facilities are designed to accommodate visitors of all abilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for everyone.

Location & Contact

Address: 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048

Phone: 847-968-3499

Independence Grove Forest Preserve stands as a testament to successful land reclamation and conservation, transforming a former industrial site into a vibrant natural haven. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, educational experiences, or a peaceful retreat, the preserve offers a diverse array of activities for...

I can spend all day talking about how wonderful this place is. My son graduated from boot camp. We came in a few days early to scope out different areas of interest that we could present to him as places to spend some time together as a family when he was on leave. We had a list of five different places we planned to visit that day, first on the list was Independence Grove. We never made it to the other four because we knew the minute we stepped foot on the property here that this was the place. It's amazing. It's beautiful, spacious, clean. There's a beer garden and a cafe. You can rent bicycles, even including a handicap accessible bicycle operated by a hand pedal. There are hiking trails. A beach with fire pits and swimming. There's plenty of seating out on the wooden deck that oversees the lake. Fishing is amazing. There's a little shop that sells most of what you could possibly need. Oh and the playground? Amazing. I couldn't think of one thing bad to say about this place. Whoever designed it knew what they were doing. And the staff was amazing. The friendlyest and kindest people you could ever want to meet. It's free to residents. It's the hidden gem. Definitely the most recommended place to visit in Illinois from this...

We always go to Independence Grove because is so close to our home and my son who is quadriplegic cerebral palsy enjoys the nature while we push him on his wheelchair we were there last Friday and we enjoyed our afternoon as always so we decided to invite my sister and nephew who live in Chicago to join us for another walk and show them the beautiful forest preserve and the beer garden on Saturday we had a good time but when we were ready to leave we decided to use the bathrooms since we were in the parking lot we went into the bathrooms that are located in the main building that's when a very rude lady from the office approached us and said that we couldn't use the bathrooms because the building was closed even though there were people sitting on the bench inside, we decided to leave because I didn't want to cause problems and used the bathrooms near the bear garden those bathrooms were so filthy! The soap dispenser didn't work and feces on the toilet seat . I felt so embarrassed definitely the management has to do a better job training the people who work in the office don't be rude and being sure that the bathrooms are kept clean all the time, our tax dollars are use to maintain the forest preserve and the...