This scenic 1,151-acre forest preserve offers a wide range of outdoor recreation and education opportunities centered around a 129-acre lake reclaimed from a gravel quarry. Visitors can enjoy 7.5 miles of trails, fishing and boating, a marina with boat and bike rentals, a native garden and the Beer Garden at Independence Grove. The spacious Visitors Center features exhibits and a café. It can be rented for weddings and other private functions. 

BEER GARDEN

The outdoor Beer Garden at Independence Grove features a variety of local craft brews on tap, along with packaged snacks and other beverages. Plenty of casual lakeside seating is available. Open seasonally. Check 
LCFPD.org/Beer for full details, hours, menu and prices.

SUMMER CONCERTS

Relax outdoors at our summer concert music series in the Millennia Plaza overlooking the lake. Pack a picnic or buy dinner and beverages at the café. Enjoy a variety of music by talented bands playing originals and classics.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR RENTAL VENUES

Offering panoramic views of the lake and preserve, Audubon Hall, the Millennia Plaza, and the North Bay Pavilion can be reserved for weddings, banquets, reunions, picnics and other private celebrations, corporate meetings and retreats, and community functions. For catering arrangements and reservations, contact Events at Independence Grove at 847-247-1111.

The Visitors Center offers a café, open seasonally. Located on the north side of the building, the café sells snacks, light entrees, beverages and ice cream from a convenient walk-up window.