Preserve Picnic Shelters

Independence Grove: North Bay Pavilion

This rustic outdoor event setting is situated on the scenic North Bay at Independence Grove. A striking cedar pavilion and adjacent open area are perfect for a corporate picnic, outdoor wedding or any other lakeside special event.

The site can accommodate up to 500 guests and offers its own parking lot, picnic tables, stone fireplace and sand volleyball, private pier, bicycle, hiking, roller blading and jogging trails. There is ample open area nearby to set up amusements and entertainment. For an additional charge, your guests may access the beautiful swimming beach and have use of the pedal boats on the lake.

PLEASE NOTE: Dogs and other pets are not allowed at this Preserve.

Making Your Reservation

Permits for the North Bay Pavilion at Independence Grove are booked through Picnics, Inc., a Catering by Michaels Company (a licensee of the Lake County Forest Preserves). Call (847) 966-6555 for rates and availability. 

Basic Information

Permits are required for reserved use of all picnic shelters and for any group size of 25 or more, regardless of whether or not a shelter is used.

All Forest Preserves are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Main gates to Forest Preserve open at 6:30 am and close at sunset. Click here to find sunset time for date desired.

Picnic tables are 6’ x 3’ and seat six adults. Handicapped tables are 8’ x 3’ with a 6’ bench.

Rules and Regulations

• Leash and pick up litter from pets.
• Decorations permitted for events – use only tape and/or thumbtacks. You may put up signs directing people to your shelter. All decorations and signs must be removed when event is finished. Do not attach anything to Forest Preserve signs.
• Please clean up shelter area before leaving.
• Alcoholic beverages are permitted; must be 21 years of age. You may not consume any alcoholic beverage upon or within 100 feet of any parking area. Host liquor liability insurance is available but not mandatory.
• Park only in lots.
• Service roads are for unloading and loading only. Do not leave vehicles parked on service road. If you need use of the service road, please place a request for the gate to be dropped at the time you reserve the shelter.