Independence Grove Beer Garden Open on Weekends
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring scenic views and craft brews, has reopened for the season. The venue at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville features a variety of local craft brews on tap and in cans, wines and hard ciders, nonalcoholic beverages and packaged snacks. Casual lakeside seating is available at the family-friendly picturesque setting.
Fire pits and free firewood — first-come, first-served — are available for use along the lakefront. S'mores kits are on hand for purchase. Beer flights and tastings are also in the lineup.
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove is again offering its seasonal menu through Untappd, a geosocial networking service used through a mobile app. Menus are updated weekly on the app, and users can receive notifications and check out a calendar of upcoming events.
"The beer garden has truly become a beloved spot," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "It offers families a unique recreational experience and a wonderful chance to enjoy time spent in nature as the weather turns warmer."
Seasonal Hours
Tentative hours pending staffing levels and weather:
• 1-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday
• Special hours: 1-9 p.m. Monday, May 27
• Beginning May 28: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday
New Brew Festival
Celebrate Lake County's vibrant brewery scene at the inaugural Brews & Views from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 31. Participants can purchase a $20 punch card to try 10 different brews, each served in a 3.5-ounce pour, as well as an appetizer. Local breweries include 9th Hour Brewing Co., Glunz Family Winery, Harbor Brewing Co., Liquid Love Brewing Co., Mickey Finn's Brewing, Phase Three Brewing Co., Ravinia Brewing and Roaring Table Brewing. Nonalcoholic options and food will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome at the Beer Garden but tastings are for adults 21 and over.
Beer Garden Details
Parking is free for Lake County residents. Nonresidents are charged per car from spring through fall: $6 Monday through Thursday; $12 Friday through Sunday and holidays. After Labor Day, parking fees are collected on weekends only.
For weather updates or to learn if the Beer Garden is open, view the status map at lcfpd.org/check-status-of-independence-grove-activities.
With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.
Offering panoramic views of the lake and preserve, the Beer Garden can be reserved for special events such as birthday parties, reunions, picnics, corporate retreats and other celebrations. Available to rent late spring through late fall, the Beer Garden features semiprivate and full buyout options, and plenty of casual lakeside seating. To reserve the space for an event, fill out an event inquiry form or call (847) 968-3473. For catering arrangements, contact Relish Events at Independence Grove at (847) 665-9221 or info@relisheventsig.com.
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at (847) 968-3110.
The entrance to Independence Grove is located on Buckley Road, Route 137, just east of Milwaukee Avenue, Route 21, and west of River Road in Libertyville.