Independence Grove Beer Garden open on weekends
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove is reopening for the season, welcoming visitors back to its scenic lakeside setting. Located within Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, the venue offers a rotating selection of Lake County craft brews on tap and in cans, along with wines, hard ciders, no-alcoholic beverages and packaged snacks.
The family-friendly beer garden features ample outdoor seating and picturesque views, making it a relaxing spot to gather. Fire pits along the lakefront are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with complimentary firewood. S'mores kits are available for purchase.
The Beer Garden is once again sharing its seasonal menu on Untappd, a mobile app that connects craft beer fans. The menu is updated weekly, and users can receive notifications and browse upcoming events.
“The Beer Garden is a perfect spot to unwind and experience the beauty of the forest preserve,” said Jessica Vealitzek, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “It’s a space where visitors can slow down, take in the scenery and make lasting memories together.”
The Beer Garden’s tentative hours — pending staffing levels and weather — are:
• Through May 26: 1-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday and Memorial Day, May 26; plus 5-9 p.m. May 5, for Cinco de Mayo.
• Starting May 27: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1-9 p.m. Friday through Sundays and holidays.
The entrance to Independence Grove is on Buckley Road just east of Milwaukee Avenue and west of River Road in Libertyville.
Café Reopening
The Relish Cafe outdoor pickup window is now open with limited hours. Stop by from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays to grab a snack or beverage. The walk-up window is on the north side of the Visitors Center, across from the playground.
Starting May 26 on Memorial Day, expanded hours and services begin, including the option to order light meals and snacks for delivery to your table at the beer garden. Hours may vary based on weather and customer demand.
Tasting Festival
Celebrate Lake County's vibrant brewery scene at Brews & Views from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Local breweries include 9th Hour Brewing Co., Black Lung Brewing Company, Half Day Brewing, Harbor Brewing Company, Liquid Love Brewing Co., Mickey Finn's Brewing, Phase Three Brewing Company, Roaring Table Brewing, Steep Ravine Brewing and Tighthead Brewing Company.
No advance registration is required for this relaxed tasting event. Punch cards will be available for purchase at the festival for $30 each. Cards include 10 4-ounce tastings and a souvenir tasting cup. A snack bite from Relish Café is included as an option with the punch card.
Live music will add to the festive atmosphere. Food and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. The normal parking fee will be waived for all visitors on May 30.
Tastings are limited to adults 21 and older. All ages are welcome at the beer garden.
Punch cards are limited to the first 600 tasters. Guests without a punch card can still enjoy the regular food and drink offerings as well as live music.
Independence Grove Parking Fee and 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 online, at lcfpd.org/beer-garden-at-independence-grove, 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.