Tags:
Lake County Illinois Forest Preserves ,
Libertyville Illinois Dog Parks ,
Libertyville Illinois Parks ,
Libertyville Illinois Swimming Beaches ,
Libertyville Illinois Trails
Welcome to the Independence Grove Forest Preserve a place where recreational opportunities are numerous! The preserve offers a 115 acre lake which not only allows for fishing but also boasts a 400 foot swimming beach with shower facilities as well as places to rent chairs and umbrellas. Please note that the lifeguards are only on duty for a limited number of hours. The preserve also boasts over 5 miles of multi-purpose trails including access to the Des Plaines River Trail. The preserves North Bay pavilion is available for rent and is a popular place for weddings and other events. Boats and bicycles are also available for rent here. Some of the fish to be caught include largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, bluegill, pike, crappie, and yellow perch.
Preserve History: The land that is now Independence Grove Forest Preserve was once the site of an old gravel quarry that was 3,500 feet across and 75 feet deep. It was purchased by Lake County in 1978. Throughout the 1980's and 1990's plans were discussed as to how to best restore the land. They created the preserve's lake from the old gravel quarry and used conveyor belts to mine what was left. The money made from the mining was put into a special fund to help reclaim the land and shelves were created along the mining walls to make for wildlife habitat and a safer shoreline. One of the greater challenges was to create a habitat suitable for fish. The county placed trees, fish cribs and concrete pipes at the bottom of the quarry before creating the lake.
The preserve finally opened to the public in 2001 and today it offers habitat for raccoons, deer, possums, muskrats, owls, and other creatures. Come on out and explore.
To contact the office please call 847-968-3499.
Independence Grove Forest Preserve
16400 Buckley Road
Libertyville, Illinois
60048
United States
42.309310, -87.953539
Map:
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