Very expensive forest preserve. Modern utilities and restrooms. Great spot for hiking and fishing. Good place to take your kids. Perfect spot for a picnic.

Very beautiful park & forest preserve, to spend quality time with friends and family. Also great settings for photoshoot and workout( walking, jogging and biking)Multiple waterbodies are connected via trails and walkways. There is a small beach area for swimming, which is guarded by life guards during summer. There is entry fee for people outside lake county. ( but this time of the year, the park is open to all, with no entry fee)Crystal clear water is another highlight.Absolutely enjoyed the place. Watching Sunset from Independence Grove was absolutely delightful.

It is surprised good. It is very large park with well maintained trails and you can ride a bicycle . All facilities are closed, like toilets, cafe. Be prepared.

I would post a bunch of pics of this park but i don’t wanna expose my gorgeous face. i can describe it in words tho. anyways, this place is actually the BOMB dot com ok first of all the paddle boarding is amazing and super fun, water is clean, volleyball nets r great and the trails are rly rly smooth. i caught a turtle here and named it jeffery but don’t worry i let it go asap!! having picnics here with family and friends were some of the best memories :))) everyone come here it’s soo beautiful but not as beautiful as me.

Beautiful and serene. Very clean paths and would be great for a bike ride as many do. Look forward to returning.

Nice and clean place to walk, bike, have a family picnic. Open for all right now with no entrance fee. Enjoy while weather permits!

Lucky enough to live close to this gem! Great open spaces and designed to replicate ecosystems native to the Midwest. Miles of trails to explore by foot or by bike. In season, without the pandemic, they offer kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, paddleboats, and bicycles for reasonable rental fees. The staff are always friendly, though it would be nice to see people of different backgrounds employed :)

Weve visited here twice. Once bicycling and yesterday we walked the lower trail closest to the lake. The pavilions arent open yet so there are no bathrooms, etc. But catch and release fishing is allowed. The DesPlaines River Trail connects with the walking paths so you can get there from the north or south by car or riding/walking the DRT. Good amount of parking but because of the size of this preserve your best bet is going early on weekends. Beautiful landscaping, room for everyone. Pavilion rentals as well as small day sailing boats when things open up. Beautiful trees! Fall color will be a treat. Of all the Lake County Forest Preserves weve visited, this one is by far the most impressive. Not knocking the others, at all, but this one must be the crown jewel!

I absolutely love this place. Several trails to walk out ride on. The scenery is amazing and there is a bunch of wildlife to observe as well. I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a picnic or some outdoor recreation.

Great place to walk around. You can even have a picnic lunch.

This place is terrible me and my cousin went to fish they charge 10-20$ to get into the forest preserve depending on what county you are from. Don’t waste your money to go fishing here because there is absolutely no fish, only places where there is a lot of big fish is south bay but fishing there is prohibited. don’t believe reviews people it’s out dated.

This looked like a great place to spend an afternoon biking and hanging out with my feet in the lake. I was shocked when they tried to charge me $12 to get in because I was not from lake county. I had never heard of such a thing at an Illinois forest preserve!

It’s nice place for jogging and biking. Kids play area also nice. Good place to spend with family

The lakes are very nice. Atmosphere is also good. Greenery very nice. The seagulls, geese and ducks are good. Totally the forest is good and it is very big one so the social distance issues not bother.

Love independence grove. Its my favorite preserve in lake county. Form the man made beach, the trails, the park and picnic area all very lovely, clean and family friendly.

Great place to go to enjoy the outdoors theres a beach, biking, strolling and all around picnicking areas, not to mention fishing.

It is incredibly well kept, nature and views are fantastic. Lots of native species, open and clean. A wonderful place.

For us, this was a hidden gem, no idea it was there! It is such a gorgeous Forest Preserve! It seems to go on forever. We looked up and it says there is 6 miles of trails. It feels like there is more, but that is what their website said. We will definitely be making this a regular chill spot. Given the current climate of the world, things have changed there. Normally, you can rent multiple items for the lake, they have concerts at their amphitheater, there is a concession stand, and much more. Right now, you are still able to enjoy the sunshine, walk around, and bask in the beauty of this world!I believe if you are a Lake County resident, admission is free into the park.

We came for fishing this place is OVERRUN by weeds and Lilly pads all along the border of every pond you can’t fish anywhere...we used to be able fish at the little pond towards the back of the park but it’s covered with Lilly pads we just turned around after walking all the way down there. But don’t worry there’s guys making sure plenty of mulch is around the trees...

Nice and clean place to walk! Kids play area also nice!

This park is beautiful!! The layout was well thought of. We definitely will be back!

Beautiful location, lots of spots for fishing. Water is clear. Kids had a great time playing around in the sand. Good spot for a picnic as well.

Beautiful place to spend a day of relaxing, walking, biking & picnic.

Perfect small park for family picnic. They have nice beach, marina for paddle or trolling motor boats and playground. Reasonably priced for boat and bike rentals. My boys love to go there to fish on a boat! For Lake county residents, parking is also free!

The place is huge and can accommodate a lot of people. It is very pretty. Please remember that there is a $12 parking fee for non lake county residents.

Lovely walking good social distancing. Multiple trails to choose.

Great hiking, rentals for paddle boats, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats, bikes up to quad bikes. Huge kids park, beach w grill rentals. Food stand. Bike and walking paths. 10.00 to park for non residents cheaper for lake county residents. Beautiful and huge.

Beautifully designed. Love the walking trails.

One of the best parks I have seen in Illinois!! It was so beautiful my boys had so much fun!!

Social distancing, fresh air, bike-run-walk. Bring the family, have a cookout or picnic. We are here 7 days a week. Never a problem. ️

Wow! This place is outstanding! Nature is so beautiful, and you can have a pleasant picnic on a sunny day. The river is great to look at and to relax. (You cant swim there, however) I love it! Hopefully Ill go there again to relax.

So peaceful and friendly people walking on a bonus, GORGEOUS day in November!

Love it, many reasons why we are moving to Grayslake

Its a great place for Social Distancing with your children while showing them that there is still Natural Beauty in this world

Easy access to trail. Beautiful scenery. You loop around the lakes. Some of it is paved and its an easy hike. You can bike the trail here as well.

What a great find. Took the whole family here to canoe and paddle boat. They have Kayaks, Pontoon Paddle Boats, Paddle Boards, and little John boats with trolling motors. They also have Bike rentals. After you’re tired from that, head on over to the beach area or picnic area and enjoy your food. What?!!! Didn’t bring any food? Well they’ve got you covered with a nice cafe as well. Will be returning here all summer !

Huge park with mutiple water bodies. Well maintained.Plenty of parking and amenities. Beautiful trail by the Des Plains river.

One of the best places around to enjoy a beautiful day! Bring your bike and fishing poles.

Very well layer out area that used to be a deep quary is now a lake! And walking are

Beautiful walking/biking park. The beach and paddleboat area was closed, but there was still plenty of areas to hang out. Lots of people fishing and picnicking.

Family picknic spot great. not for fishing.They should keep some small rowing boats there.

We were at Independence Grove to commemorate Mary Vasseur.The size of the banquet room was perfect for the number of people who attended. It was easy to socialize without being crowded.Heavy appetizers were served buffet style. The selections were varied, fresh and delicious. The serving plates were refilled efficiently as needed.The service staff was exceptional, empty dishes were quietly removed within minutes. The bar had a wide variety of beverages and again the service was very efficient.Overall, Independence Grove helped make remembering Mary a pleasant and memorable occasion.

Very nice place for a stroll or jog or just relax but no hammocks allowed though

We were really glad to get out and enjoy a beautiful day. There were quite a few people out and about, which made it feel almost like the good old days. Please note: All facilities - including restrooms - are closed. But that was a minor inconvenience.

This place is very scenic with plenty to offer however today I was a bit disappointed. Based on our home address, we were charged $6 to enter the forest preserve today. Unfortunately, all of the facilities within were closed. Going forward, if the facilities are closed maybe there should be no admission.

Love this Forest Preserve. Its big and beautiful. You can walk, bike, swim or fish. They rent canoes, small boats and more. There is a beach for families to enjoy the water and picnic.

This is a beautiful park to walk or ride bikes. However, with the Covid-19 issue, there are no bathrooms, no playground, no boat rentals. So thats disappointing.

Its a really great place to go for a walk. While I havent explored all, or really much, of it, I can still say theres a lot to do and many great adventures to be had. Even though Ive only walked there, I plan on going on the boats, having fun at the beach, going on a picnic, or maybe even fishing. Cant wait to come here again!

Beautiful Forest preserve with lots of walking trails and shelters. Ample parking space. This has a small beach. You can do boating here. The shelters can be rented for any events. It has a superb kids park too.

Great park to come and enjoy the outdoors whether on foot or bike.

Beautiful park with lots of space. Mostly clean, cleaner than most parks.

It was okay the park was opened to walk around but the bathrooms were closed. So if you have kids and they want to use the bathroom you will have to go somewhere else.

Really vast forest preserve! Perfect place to get active or just relax. Definitely will go back again!

Its beautiful! A nice paved path thats handicap friendly!

Always refreshing place. Hiking, fishing, boating & many more... most beautiful is 3 wheeler bike ride with full family.last but in d list is grilling...... huge area for kids playing

Very big and beautiful place to go hiking, bike riding, have a picnic. You can go swimming and kayaking in their lake, but due to covid 19 it is temporary closed from what I know.

A truly beautiful place. Tons of trails for runners/walkers. Lots of place to do activities from cycling, biking, or just hiking.Their trails have both paved and gravel /dirt trails.If you are looking to connect with the nature. This is definitely a great spot.

I was at Independence Grove for a wedding its an absolutely beautiful Forest Preserve. The building thatt the reception was held in was gorgeous everything went very smoothly and the wonderful wedding planner made the day go smoothly and calmed the bride down many times. the next time Im in town I plan to go back and just enjoy all of the amenities like the swimming areas the fishing pond and all the trails.

Beautiful spot for a hike or bike ride or wedding!

Just as awesome as when i was a kid! Very clean and well maintained. Lots to do and great amounts of space and fishing is always good!

Beautiful! Plenty of parking and enough space to socially distance.

So beautiful and relaxing. Made me remember why I moved to Lake County in the first place.

Beautiful Forest preserve. Walking paths, picnic areas, and a beach. Not everything is open now. They usually rent kayaks and paddle boats but I didnt see them this year.

Great park with fun trails that go along the Des Plaines River. If you can, rent a paddle boat and go around the lake. Walk, run or bring the bikes.

One of the most beautiful places. All year round. Constant change of scenery. Doesnt get any better than this!

Fresh air, good hiking trails, great place to recharge

A Lake county gem, expansive walking paths and pavilions. Very well thought out and maintained-

Excellent and beautiful place!

Went for a family memorial luncheon in the visitor center, sat over 100 people with room to spare, great staff was friendly and respectful of the occasion... a sad event was made as nice and comfortable as it could be. Beautiful and easy to access nature trails with diverse plants and wildlife... the trails which the departed loved walking provided a glimpse into their life and a chance for peaceful reflection. Picture is of one of the many late summer flowers along the easy paved walking trail around the lake.

Nice place to relax and enjoy nature

I was there for the Northern Illinois Food Bank 5K. Except for the pouring rain everything was very nice

Love love love this place, took engagement photos here. It was perfect

The Views are wonderful a great scene for family photos

An awesome place for peace! I just visited this for the first time, i felt like i just dont wanna move from here ! It felt sooo goood !! A WORTHY PLACE TO GET SOME CHANGE FROM YOUR NORMAL ROUTINE!!

Independence Grove is so peaceful and relaxing. Love taking walks along the water and enjoying nature with friends and family!

I ran the arctic frog 50k race here and they have awesome trails

Enjoyed the open area and clean park.

Awesome for a walk or fishing with the kiddos!

Peaceful and full of Gods creatures

Nice view but couldnt find open restrooms. Thats a necessity

Open space.can go for a walk.near water.picnic facility.beautiful bridges etc.go try it out.atleast just go for a drive.

Plenty of parking. Beautiful vista and a great place to walk and have a picnic.

Beautiful and serene.....even on weekends when its super busy it never feels that way. The space is wide open, you never feel crammed.

Beautiful and clean. Free parking for lake county residents.

Very nice place for spending time with kids and family.

Peaceful and beautiful

Lovely place for family fun time.... Kids had a great time and the walk around the lake with the fall colors was unbelievable!!!

Lots of things to do here and fun place to fish

Fathers day. Love my Isabella

This is a great place. Large playground for kids of all ages. Park is clean and well kept. The lake area has a beach, boat rentals, bike rentals. Access to the Des Plains trail, lots of parking. There is a cafe with water front seating. Clean restrooms. Friendly staff. Great place for the whole family. A large dog park with dog lake is around the corner.

Beautiful preserve with about 7miles of trails, stocked lakes. However, $20 if not a Lake County resident

Great day fishing

Really nice park if you like carpfishing thisis place to go....

This place is best in the fall.

Really nice place for pretty much everyone; kids, and adults. It is very nicely maintained. The bathrooms were a little dirty, but I was pretty surprised how less dirty they were compared to other similar places. Overall we had a great time. There is a playground for kids, boating for families, trails to walk on, and is very scenic. Highly recommended!!

This is a beautiful grove with lots of options for families. Theres a small beach, plenty of picnic locations, a nice playground, options for hiking, cycing, canoeing, paddle boarding, sand volleyball, etc. So many things to consider.

Wonderful place. You can relax with the whole family. Delightful nature.

This is one of my favorite forest preserves. It has a lake you can rent boats, beach for the kids on a summer day. Bike paths, childrens playground you can barbecue etc. Cool place. Oh and if you are a lake county resident it is free to enter no charge for parking.

Stopped over to eat lunch and look at the water

Scenic, clean, lots of trails and paths, what more can I say? Ive loved coming here since it opened a few decades ago!