Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beautiful (22) great (18) park (16) fishing (15) trails (15) bike (13) lake (13) family (13) Great (13) walking (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 David The Apple Tech G. 1 year ago on Google
    The Forest Preserve is amazing. I love biking from Wheeling all the way to Sixflags on the Dis Plains River Trail and I also enjoy kayaking the river aswelll. I recommend going in October bike or hike because of the trees are all orange and pretty.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phia V. 3 months ago on Google • 491 reviews New
    It's a very beautiful park. We were glad that we got to see autumn 🍂 leaves. The park has a lot of parking space. Clean and spectacular view all over. We love it. ...
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bang T. 3 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Picturesque view in the Fall. Paddling, kayaking, and fishing available except for winter. Free entrance for IL residents. Must go in Fall.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 老张 in C. 10 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful place! Nice trails, lake, green meadows, making it one of the best kept secrets in Libertyville!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy G. 2 years ago on Google
    Immediately fell in love with this place. I initially went there last fall to do a maternity photography shoot that was so fun that I decided to do a second lifestyle and branding photo shoot for a yoga instructor. My next goal is to do an engagement shoot there! Stunning environment, especially during the fall season! Highly recommended :)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tatiana B. 7 months ago on Google • 251 reviews
    The park is really well maintained and has a lot to offer. Plenty of hikes to choose from and all trails are well marked. Lots of things to do too - kayaking, fishing, bbq and family playgrounds. Restrooms, cafe and beer garden. Parking/entrance is not free.

  • 5/5 Luke W. 1 year ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Beautiful forest preserve with amazing colors in the fall! Some great amenities and events along with a beach area and a very nice beer garden! Plenty of wonderful picnic areas with great scenic views! The beach area also has firepits as well! Definitely recommend visiting! Biking is great too!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David Z. 2 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful park/forest preserve. I’ve been going since I was little and it’s always been beautiful and well-maintained. Never any litter or anything, and plenty of things to do. Lots of picnic areas, an amazing playground for kids, a nice beach, and a place to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. Fishing is catch-and-release. I bike there all the time! If you’re lucky you can catch an otter or beaver in the lake.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin C. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful, laid-back place. Great for picnics, families, and hanging out outdoors. Lots of picnic tables and open fields. Never too crowded.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura Kayler (Laura E. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking, very large preserve, beautiful lake , play ground for kid's, also has a cafe. Huge a gorgeous forest preserve. Great for biking, walking, having a picnic. I highly reccomend 😊
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Estrella C. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful place to spend an afternoon! Activities such as paddle boating, biking, hiking and fishing are available here (bikes and boats available to rent). There is a children’s area for the kiddos to spend time at as well. I was surprised to see that this place has beer garden! Kind of a nice way to end your visit after all your activities are finished. The seating area has a gorgeous view of the water.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jordan W. 3 years ago on Google
    Real nice place
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcus H. 1 year ago on Google
    The greatest place in the world to bring you family! Lol you can rent fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, standing paddle boards etc. Theres trails, a park and awesome scenery! Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ann H. 3 years ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J S. 9 months ago on Google
    Relaxing, clean, and beautiful environment... walking and bike trails, kayaking, paddle boats, catch and release fishing, BBQ areas, volleyball, and so much more. Went for a walk here with my boyfriend and enjoyed all the views.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Choi Yee L. 10 months ago on Google
    Great place for nice walk with beautiful nature scenery
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dmitriy F. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice and clean place to walk, bike, have a family picnic. Open for all right now with no entrance fee. Enjoy while weather permits!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Malley G. 8 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Love coming here. They have bike rentals, peddle boat rentals, fishing boats rentals and more. Love walking around the lake as well. The beer garden is my favorite place to relax and listen to the music played here.

  • 5/5 N W. 6 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    This place is Beautiful took my dad here for his 75th birthday, We rented a pontoon boat also went fishing and had a picnic

  • 5/5 marcin o. 6 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Great place for family time/ activities/ picnic , beer garden etc , beautiful naturę, Bike trail, walking , u name it all there, fishing, kayaking

  • 5/5 Tanisha S. 7 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    My go-to meditation, mental health check, and cardio space. For years, this has been a great place to unleash and enjoy nature. It's always clean, and staff and safety officers are always in view, and there is always something to do. You can always find an area to be alone or to be near others. The summer months, on Tuesdays, there's a perfect lineup of concerts. They've added a beer garden where you can purchase some great items. You can bike ride, run, walk, hike, or sit and watch the sun come up or down, take family portraits, and more. It's beautiful! Always!

  • 5/5 Linda Z. 10 months ago on Google
    great playground for the kids. walking paths and there are restrooms! i was expecting more spring bulbs because the landscaping is always so beautiful. the visitors center doesnt have the animals anymore either.

  • 5/5 Bianca H. 3 years ago on Google
    This park is beautiful!! The layout was well thought of. We definitely will be back!

  • 5/5 Aurelio G. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place for a run or bike ride

  • 5/5 오재화 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's perfect for walking, biking, and in-line riding, and it's great for family outings. There are many parking lots and it's free. The regrettable thing is that there are no toilets and drinking fountains ^^^ (Original) 걷기와 자전거,인라인 타기 안성맞춤이며 가족 나들이로 아주 좋습니다 주차장은 여러곳에 있고 무료입니다 아쉬운 점은 화장실과 식수대가 없는것 같습니다^^^

  • 5/5 Ken F. 3 years ago on Google
    You have to go here to appreciate lake county preserves

  • 5/5 Stephen J. 1 year ago on Google
    So beautiful and peaceful! Nice to walk, runa or ride your bike. Fish cookouts and they have a volleyball net. I live to broling family and friends here to gather. I especially enjoy riding my bike. A must visit.

  • 4/5 Walter H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great day fishing

  • 5/5 betty o. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I love this place, we visit it every year in the fall because we see the colors change in the trees and there are beautiful views. In these times of social distance it is perfect to stay safe. (Original) Me encanta este lugar, lo visitamos cada año en el otoño porque vemos el cambio de los colores en los árboles y hay unas vistas hermosas. En estos tiempos de distancia social es perfecto para mantenerse seguros.

  • 5/5 Sue L. 2 years ago on Google
    Our favorite park. The boys have a great time. Just please clean up after your dogs its the one frustrating thing. When some don't pay attention and either pets poop and not cleaned or pets start trouble. Watch your pets. Enjoy nature. Put the phone away unless it just for taking pictures.

  • 5/5 Naresh Reddy R. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park with a lovely lake. There is a beer garden and you can find the spacious kids play area. The trail is 3 mile long and all sorts of ages surely enioy this spot.

  • 4/5 Blake E. 1 year ago on Google
    Very beautiful park. I have to say it's one of the best in the area and the trails are very well maintained. If I could have anything done to it would probably apply more of a stocking effort but I know fishing isn't for everyone and that's more money out of their pocket so it probably won't happen. Until then it will remain a very low density fishable lake system. So if you're here for hanging out, hiking or biking trails, or just want a nice little picnic it's great. If you want to do some fishing there are definitely better places around.

  • 5/5 Juansta847 3 years ago on Google
    This place is best in the fall.

  • 5/5 Dominik P. 5 months ago on Google
    Great place to relax and enjoy the great weather we are having

  • 5/5 Tim 8 months ago on Google
    Great place to visit with a family or by yourself. Need to be a lake county resident in order to get in for free, otherwise a small fee will be charged. You can rent different types of boats, bikes there. Pedal boat is 14 dollars per hour.

  • 5/5 Satish C. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful & picturesque. If you are looking for a run, walk or picnic with family & friends then it's a nice place. Entrance is free if you are a Lake county resident otherwise it's $6.00 and license is required as proof. Plenty of things to do here, boating & beer gardens are also available.

  • 4/5 Finn R. 8 months ago on Google
    It is a very nice, and very well kept park. The playground for the kids is great, and the plants were very beautiful

  • 5/5 Crystallann G. 7 months ago on Google
    Independence Grove is so beautiful and is great for bonding with your family. We loved stopping here!

  • 2/5 Lisa B. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Love coming here for Saturday morning walks. Been great until someone this morning decides he can play the bongos and disturb the peace and tranquility. If he was good, I might reconsider. But he’s terrible….

  • 5/5 Tatiana R. 6 months ago on Google
    I LOVE this place! This place is so peaceful and beautiful, we rented a kayak we cooked out and just spent the day relaxing and enjoying nature! This is an amazing get away spot! It’s $8 if you are non residential but way worth it if you enjoy nature! You can rent bikes, boats, go walking etc

  • 4/5 James B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk, and fish.

  • 5/5 Moutaz K. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Butteyfll lake (Original) Butteyfll lake

  • 5/5 Christopher S. 3 years ago on Google
    Love it, many reasons why we are moving to Grayslake

  • 4/5 Luis L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to relax and enjoy nature

  • 5/5 Adriane H. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautifully designed. Love the walking trails.

  • 5/5 Abby F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great trails, marked well. Even has signs posted to stay single file if crowded due to covid.

  • 5/5 Twyla B. 3 years ago on Google
    Always a great walk! Some trails paced and some gravel.

  • 5/5 Kyle C. 3 years ago on Google
    Everything you could need in a forest preserve and more.

  • 5/5 tarun a. 3 years ago on Google
    clean quite nature!!!

  • 5/5 Ed G. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome for a walk or fishing with the kiddos!

  • 5/5 Leslie C. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful year round

  • 5/5 Jim W. 3 years ago on Google
    We've visited here twice. Once bicycling and yesterday we walked the lower trail closest to the lake. The pavilions aren't 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 we've visited, this one is by far the most impressive. Not knocking the others, at all, but this one must be the crown jewel!

  • 5/5 Sarah T. 3 years ago on Google
    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 :)

  • 5/5 Rebecca S. 3 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Ann C. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and serene. Very clean paths and would be great for a bike ride as many do. Look forward to returning.

  • 5/5 Reflections of a simple m. 3 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 4/5 Michael F. 3 years ago on Google
    ❄️This is a gorgeous, picturesque preserve where the community can retreat to when they need to take a walk, jog, or just to relax in nature 🍃

  • 5/5 Ryan M. 3 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Steve M. 3 years ago on Google
    Pretty

  • 5/5 Chili B. 3 years ago on Google
    This FP has a lot to offer. The main path around the lake is plowed in the winter for a good, brisk walk.

  • 5/5 vinod k. 3 years ago on Google
    It’s nice place for jogging and biking. Kids play area also nice. Good place to spend with family 😀

  • 4/5 Bob K. 3 years ago on Google
    Get place for fall colors!

  • 5/5 SH S. 3 years ago on Google
    Good

  • 5/5 Edward M. 3 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the open area and clean park.

  • 5/5 Melissa N. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and well kept.

  • 5/5 jen e. 3 years ago on Google
    Peaceful and beautiful

  • 4/5 Patricia B. 3 years ago on Google
    Fresh air, good hiking trails, great place to recharge

  • 5/5 Andrew H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great park to come and enjoy the outdoors whether on foot or bike.

  • 5/5 GRAYSON B. 3 years ago on Google
    I love this place

  • 5/5 Aleksandra N. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place

  • 5/5 Lee F. 3 years ago on Google
    So peaceful and friendly people walking on a bonus, GORGEOUS day in November!

  • 5/5 Dorothy C. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely walking good social distancing. Multiple trails to choose.

  • 5/5 RUFG A. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful spot for a hike or bike ride or wedding!

  • 3/5 James G. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice and clean place to walk! Kids play area also nice!

  • 5/5 Dimitry 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to go to enjoy the outdoors there's a beach, biking, strolling and all around picnicking areas, not to mention fishing.

  • 5/5 Kirk P. 3 years ago on Google
    Stopped over to eat lunch and look at the water


Call (847) 968-3499 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Gooseberry Falls State Park image
1
Gooseberry Falls State Park
State park
1,682-acre park with scenic waterfalls & diverse wildlife, plus campgrounds, trails & picnic areas.
4.80 (9.1K reviews)
Split Rock Lighthouse image
2
Split Rock Lighthouse
History museum
Tours of a landmark lighthouse & keeper’s home by guides in period garb displaying 1920s daily life.
4.70 (4.9K reviews)
Illinois Beach State Park image
3
Illinois Beach State Park
State park
This 4,160-acre park with diverse scenery & wildlife offers camping, fishing, hiking & boating.
4.50 (4K reviews)
Showcase of Citrus image
4
Showcase of Citrus
Tourist attraction
Citrus fruits are picked by visitors at these scenic groves featuring an old-timey country store.
$ $$$
4.50 (3.8K reviews)
Tettegouche State Park image
5
Tettegouche State Park
State park
Scenic park offering miles of hiking trails, camping, trout lakes, rock climbing & a visitor center.
4.90 (3.8K reviews)
Last updated:
()