the grove

Since childhood I have been visiting The Grove. It is a wonderful place to see, no matter what the season. You can visit the indoor nature center and see the turtles and fish, etc... or the teepee and learn about native American culture. At different times of the year The Grove holds special events like Folkfest, Civil War days, or the Holiday Craft Faire, which all provide a different flavor, or you can throw a birthday party for your kids which we have also done. Any time of year you can visit and simply walk the nature trails and explore the old Kennicott grounds. The Grove has so many things to offer! Once you pull off the busy road, it's like you've entered an entirely different place and time. I cannot recommend it enough!!!

Surrounded by residential and commercial enterprises, The Grove is a nature preserve and historic site that offers hiking trails and a superb interpretive center. Children and adults are mesmerized by the turtles vying for their space in the turtle pool. If you are visiting Glenview and would like to take a vigorous walk, this 2.5 plus trail loop is the place to go. A small retail shop and public washrooms make it convenient to spend a couple of hours or more.

Easy access and parking. Flat and well-maintained trails. A wonderful place for a quick walk in the woods. No big vistas, but it is a quick escape from people, traffic and noise.

The Grove is hidden away right off busy Milwaukee Ave. Just south of the overpass. Great walking trails, a nature center with turtles, fish and educational displays for the kids. Especially nice when they are having a special event, such as Grove Fest in October when the historic buildings are open.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature either by yourself or with your family, it's a great place! With its historic significance, it's certainly worth a stop! Easy in-out off of Milwaukee Ave. just south of Lake/Euclid in SW Glenview, it's accessible to all! It would also be lovely for a small-to-medium size wedding with its historic 1929 Redfield Estate building.

A gem: A well preserved example of the Illinois prairie along with exhibits on history and wild life of the area.

Very kool i recommend making it part of your day get a camera and take pics a lot of kool history there also go on the tour they have

The Grove provides an area for people, especially children, to get away and into the forest. It is not huge, but it is big enough to remove you from all the roads and buildings. There are trails, a nature center with different animals and fish inside, the Kennicott House, and many other things to see. They put on programs, reenactments, and educational programs throughout the summer.

There's a lot for your family to see and do at The Grove. This area was settled by the Kennicotts in 1836. To help you place it in time, "Little House on the Prairie" took place in 1869-70.What's missing in this complex is signage to direct you and to identify the various buildings. During our visit, three other family groups stopped to ask US (who were equally clueless) where things were. Also, buildings that were supposed to be open (according to the website and visitors guide) were rented out for private events and not open at all.The building with the air-conditioned gift shop was open.There are two parking lots -- east and west -- and either one is convenient to the attractions.There is a permanent map at the edge of the east parking lot, but after that you are basically on your own.The Archives Building has a number of excellent displays, including items from the medical practice and nursery business of Dr. John Kennicott. The doctor traveled on horseback and by foot to serve the community.There are chickens and guinea hens roaming free near the Kennicott House, the family home. The grounds also feature a tipi; a Native American Longhouse; a log cabin (moved from Michigan); a blacksmith shop; a school house; and a 1929 Tudor estate (with beautiful landscaping, garden urns, benches, etc). The Interpretive Center has local turtles, fish, etc.There are also hiking trails on the 135 acres.It's a lovely place to spend quality family time. Everything is free. I suggest that you call first --(847) 299-6096 -- to make certain that buildings will be open for your visit.