The Beer Garden at Independence Grove, featuring scenic views and craft brews, is scheduled to open Friday, May 5. The venue at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville features a variety of local craft brews on tap and cans, wines and hard ciders, along with packaged snacks. Plenty of 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. Non alcoholic beers are available. Beer flights and tastings will again be included in the lineup this season. 

For the first time, the Beer Garden at Independence Grove is offering its seasonal menu through Untappd, a geosocial networking service used through your phone app. Menus featuring local breweries will be updated weekly on the app. A calendar of upcoming events is another feature as well as notifications sent to users. "This will greatly improve the customer's experience at the beer garden," said Dan Stearns, chief business development officer.  

"The beer garden has been a very popular destination," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "The venue provides a fantastic opportunity for family fun as the weather begins to improve." 

Seasonal Hours

Tentative May hours pending staffing levels and weather. Check the LCFPD.org website for the remainder of the season. 

May 5:                Friday                                               1–9 pm 

May:                   Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day     1–9 pm 

Starting May 30: Tuesday through Thursday                   5-9 pm

                          Friday through Sunday, holidays          1-9 pm 

Independence Grove Entrance Fee and Beer Garden Details

Entrance is free for Lake County residents. Nonresidents are charged $12 on weekends and holidays and $6 during the week beginning the week after Memorial Day. After Labor Day, entrance fees are collected on weekends only.

For weather updates or to learn if the beer garden is closed, view status map here.Group rates and reservations are available at the beer garden. Email IndependenceGrove@LCFPD.org for details and pricing or fill out an event inquiry form on our website. 

Pets Not Permitted

With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.

Host an Event

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 private celebrations. There are semi private and full buy-out options available, and plenty of casual lakeside seating. Fill out an events inquiry form or call 847-968-3473.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at 847-968-3110.

Directions

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. 

Media Contact: Dan Stearns, Chief Business Development Officer, dstearns@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3485

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