Independence Grove Forest Preserve

16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048

Boating

This scenic 1,114-acre preserve offers a wide range of outdoor recreation and education opportunities. Open sunrise to sunset, there are ample ways to enjoy this gem of Lake County.

Centered around a 115-acre lake reclaimed from a gravel quarry. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing (catch-and-release) and boating, a marina with boat rentals, a native garden and nearly seven miles of trails for hiking and biking, with connections to the Des Plaines River Trail. Shaded picnic grove and outdoor pavilion. The 19,000-square-foot Visitor Center features changing exhibits and an outdoor walk-up cafe. It can be rented for weddings and other private functions. An adjacent Lake County Forest Preserve Dog Exercise Area (on Milwaukee Ave.) is available for dogs. Only service animals are permitted at Independence Grove.

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