Independence Grove Marina

IG_Marina

Marina Hours - *Weather depending*
October–April	Monday–Sunday	Closed
May	*Weekends Only*	6:30 am–one hour before sunset
Memorial Day–Labor Day	Monday–Sunday	6:30 am–one hour before sunset
September	*Weekends Only*	6:30 am–one hour before sunset

Preserve is open 6:30 am–sunset, daily

Before heading out to Independence Grove, click below for current status updates. You can also call the Independence Grove Hotline at 847-968-3499.

Check Current Status (Open/Closed)

The Marina at Independence Grove

Whether you want to fish, paddle solo or take the family for a bike or boat ride, the marina at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville has a variety of bikes, boats and other small watercraft to choose from. The marina also sells bait, tackle, fishing licenses, snacks and beverages. The marina is located along the south bay of the preserve's 129-acre lake.

Though personal watercraft are not allowed on the lake at Independence Grove, you can rent fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and pedal boats. You can also rent comfort bikes, quadracycles and adaptive trikes. Approved flotation gear and bike helmets are provided with use.

Must be age 16 or older to rent boats or bikes. Ages 12–15 may rent with a signature of a parent or guardian who is present at the preserve. Ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult when on the water. There are no age restrictions for passengers.

Pets

No dogs, horses or other pets are allowed in the preserve or preserve facilities.

Service Animals

Qualified services animals are allowed throughout the preserve and in all preserve facilities.

Marina Regulations

Fishing Hours: 6:30 am to sunset, daily
Marina Hours: 6:30 am to one hour before sunset, unless otherwise poste
Stay on the trails
Leave nature as you find it for others to enjoy
Deposit litter in proper receptacles
Park in lots only. Loitering in lots is prohibited. Vehicles left after closing will be towed at owner’s expense
No alcohol consumption within 100 feet of parking lots or in conjunction with any water-based activity
In-line skating, skateboarding and scooters are allowed on paved trails only, and prohibited in the Plaza, Native Garden and North Bay Pavilion
Wading, swimming, fishing, and ice fishing are permitted in authorized areas only, and with proper registration or permit if required
Dogs, horses, snowmobiles, camping, collecting, firearms (except as permitted by the Concealed Carry Act), releasing animals or non-native plant species, and off-road or motorized vehicles are not permitted
Launching personal water craft on the preserve lake is not permitted
Permits are required for use of the North Bay Pavilion and for use of open area for groups of 25 or more people. Permits can be purchased at the Visitors Center

Boat & Bike Use Fees –– Gift Cards Available

Boat Rentals (available seasonally)
Fishing	2 hours	Each additional hour
12-foot row boat	$15	$6
14-foot row boat	$19	$8
Trolling motor	$15	$6

Small watercraft	1 hour	Each additional hour
Pedal boat	$14	$6
Canoe	$12	$6
Kayak, 1-person	$12	$6
Kayak, 2-person	$16	$6
Stand up paddleboard	$22

Pontoon	1 hour	2 hours
Pedal pontoon boat *(see restrictions below)*	$55	$100
Seat cushions	$2

*Pedal pontoon boat can accommodate a maximum of six adults or a combination of adults and children not to exceed eight people and 1,200 lbs.

Equipment Rental Agreement Form

Bike Rentals (available seasonally)
Bikes and trikes	Per hour
Dual Rider	$30
Comfort bike	$10
Adaptive trike	$10
Available upon request: Quickie Mach II hand-powered tricycle and Versa-Trike recumbent bike.

Bike Rental Agreement Form Dual-Rider Rental Agreement Form

Group Use

Groups of 15 or more, visiting Monday–Friday, can reserve boats and bikes in advance to assure that equipment is available upon arrival.

Regular boat and bike use fees above apply. Group rentals may include reserved use of a large covered picnic area with tables, which makes a great gathering place for snacks or lunch, and free bus or van parking without residency requirement.

How to Reserve
Group use reservations are required and must be made at least 10 days or more in advance so that we can ensure proper staffing and equipment. Please fill out the form to get started.

Group Use Request Form Group Rental Agreement Form

Reserve Pontoon Boat for your Summer Concert Cruise

Enjoy our Concerts in the Plaza summer concerts while cruising the lake aboard a pedal pontoon boat available for use on concert nights. It's a great way to enjoy live music on the lake at sunset. Advance reservations are required. Stop by the marina or call 847-968-3499 for details or to reserve.

Fishing

We've transformed a sterile quarry with step sides into a rich aquatic ecosystem with gently graded slopes and underwater islands. Musky, northern pike, black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, bluegill and yellow perch are found here. Game fish are periodically stocked. Fishing is not permitted in the preserve's south bay.

A mandatory catch-and-release fishing program here makes it recreational for anglers and beneficial for nature. Anglers are encouraged to use barbless, non-stainless steel hooks. State fishing licenses are required and are available at the marina, along with nightcrawlers and a limited stock of tackle. The marina also sells snacks and beverages.

Canoe Launch

Bring your own canoe or kayak and launch it on the Des Plaines River. Located near the preserve's North Bay Pavilion, the launch offers shoreline fishing, a trail connection to the Des Plaines River Trail and parking. If you put in here, the next ramp, Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch, is 2.7 miles downstream. Learn more »

Stand-up Paddle Board Rental Agreement Form

Parking

Free for Lake County residents. Driver's license is required for proof of residency.

$6 per car for nonresidents, Mon–Thu, $12 Fri–Sun and holidays

Vehicle window sticker available

$5 for Lake County residents only. Purchase at Visitors Center.

Sticker allows visitors to bypass showing the required proof of county residency on each visit. Just point out your sticker to the gate attendant to be waved through. Sticker is good for the life of the vehicle's window and is not transferable.