There Are Endless Options For Outdoor Fun At This Illinois Forest Preserve
By Melissa Mahoney|Published March 03, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
Covering the expanse of 1,151 acres, Independence Grove Forest Preserve offers visitors innumerable opportunities for some outdoor adventure and fun. What was once property belonging to a gravel quarry has been reclaimed and transformed into a recreational hub in Lake County. This park may hit its busiest peak in the summer, but there is plenty to do here all year long! Let’s have a look.
Independence Grove is part of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The land of this preserve surrounds a 115-acre lake that was once a quarry. The lake is now used for an endless amount of activities and fun!
The park is open daily from 6:30 a.m. until sunset.
The preserve features a 19,000 square foot visitor center that hosts exhibits and a cafe with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. The center is open 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily unless posted otherwise.
There are approximately 6.25 miles of picturesque hiking trails around the preserve. Loop around the lake on either the 2.3-mile Independence Grove Lakeside Trail or the 2.5-mile Overlook Trail. You'll have the best views of water, woodland, and prairie along these trails.
If you don't want to go hiking, take a ride along one of the bike trails instead. The Des Plaines Bike Trail system makes its way through the preserve, so if you would like a longer ride and explore other areas, then hop onto this paved path.
You must get out on the water if you have a beautiful lake like this at your disposal. Rent a fishing boat, kayak, pedal boat, canoe, or SUP board at the Independence Grove Marina. It's always fun getting out on the water!
In the winter months, ice fishing may be done here as long as the conditions are right.
Your next adventure awaits you at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. With so many options, there are endless hours of fun. But you can always just relax on the beach too!
What activities would you like to do at this gorgeous preserve? For more information, visit the Independence Grove webpage on the Lake County Forest Preserve website.
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