Lakeside Trail

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Views

The preserve's main entrance is on Buckley Road (Route 137), just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21), and west of River Road. Pets are not permitted in the preserve.

Situated on the scenic North Bay, this striking pavilion and adjacent open area are perfect for a corporate picnic, outdoor wedding, family reunion or other lakeside event. The pavilion accommodates up to 500 people and offers a stone fireplace, picnic tables, drinking water, electricity, parking, toilets, trail access, fishing pier, playfield and sand volleyball court.

This 2.3 mile loop is mostly gravel (with a shorter asphalt sections) and connects to the Des Plaines River Trail at the north side of the preserve.

Though personal watercraft are not allowed on the lake at Independence Grove, you can rent fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and pedal boats at the marina spring through early fall. You can also rent comfort bikes, quadracycles and adaptive trikes. Approved flotation gear and bike helmets are provided.

The marina also sells bait, tackle, fishing licenses, snacks and beverages. The beach offers 400 feet of sand along the lake's South Bay. An adjacent beach house offers washrooms, showers and lockers. The walk-up café located at the Visitors Center sells snacks and beverages. Season beach passes offer unlimited use of the beach and are available for purchase at the Visitors Center.

Located on the north side of the Visitors Center, the café is open seasonally and sells snacks, light entrees, beverages and ice cream from a convenient walk-up window.The Children's Grove adjacent to the Visitors Center, is a sensory-rich play environment with handicap-adaptable equipment and wide paved pathways makes access comfortable and enjoyable for all visitors. All Forest Preserve playgrounds are smoke-free environments.