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 has a variety of bikes, boats and other small watercraft to choose from. The marina also sells bait, tackle, 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 18 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. Participants 16-17 years of age may rent boats or bikes with a signature of a parent or guardian regardless of their presence on preserve grounds. Ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult when on the water. There are no age restrictions for passengers.
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Marina Hours - Weather depending |
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October–April |
Monday–Sunday |
Closed |
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May |
Weekends Only |
6:30 am–one hour before sunset |
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Memorial Day–Labor Day |
Monday–Sunday |
6:30 am–one hour before sunset |
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September |
Weekends Only |
6:30 am–one hour before sunset |
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.
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Fishing Hours: 6:30 am to sunset, daily
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Marina Hours: 6:30 am to one hour before sunset, unless otherwise poste
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Stay on the trails
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Leave nature as you find it for others to enjoy
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Deposit litter in proper receptacles
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Park in lots only. Loitering in lots is prohibited. Vehicles left after closing will be towed at owner’s expense
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No alcohol consumption within 100 feet of parking lots or in conjunction with any water-based activity
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In-line skating, skateboarding and scooters are allowed on paved trails only, and prohibited in the Plaza, Native Garden and North Bay Pavilion
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Wading, swimming, fishing, and ice fishing are permitted in authorized areas only, and with proper registration or permit if required
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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
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Launching personal water craft on the preserve lake is not permitted
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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 Rentals
Rentals are available seasonally. Pricing does not include sales tax.
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Fishing |
2 hours |
Each additional hour |
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12-foot rowboat |
$18 |
$9 |
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14-foot rowboat |
$23 |
$11 |
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Trolling motor |
$17 |
$7 |
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Small Watercraft |
1 hour |
Each Additional Hour |
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Pedal boat |
$18 |
$9 |
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Canoe |
$14 |
$7 |
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Kayak, 1-person |
$14 |
$7 |
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Kayak, 2-person |
$20 |
$9 |
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Stand up paddleboard |
$24 per hour |
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Pontoon |
1 hour |
2 Hours |
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Pedal pontoon (see restrictions below) |
$60 |
$110 |
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Seat cushions |
$2 per rental |
*Pedal pontoons can accommodate a maximum of six adults or a combination of adults and children not to exceed eight people and 1,200 lbs.
Bike Rentals
Rentals are available seasonally. Pricing does not include sales tax.
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Bikes and Trikes |
Per hour |
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Quadricycles |
$35 |
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Comfort bike |
$15 |
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Adaptive trike |
$15 |
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
Your Adventure Starts Here
The marina at Independence Grove make it easy to get outside, with seasonal rentals including bikes and a variety of watercraft. Read more in the summer issue of Horizons.
Parking
FREE for Lake County residents. Driver's license is required for proof of residency.
Nonresidents (spring-fall)
$6 per car, Mon–Thu.
$12 per car, Fri–Sun and holidays.
Vehicle window sticker available
$5 for Lake County residents only. Allows entry without having to verify Lake County residency. Purchase at Visitors Center. Sticker is good for the life of the vehicle's window and is not transferable.
Concert Nights on the Water
Enjoy the concerts while cruising the lake at sunset aboard a pedal pontoon or other watercraft. Advance reservations are recommended. Stop by the marina or call 847-968-3499 for details or to reserve.
Concert Details
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. The marina sells bait, tackle, snacks and beverages.
Learn More
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 »
Images © Michael Brady, John Konstantaras, Justine Neslund, Ray Flores