The Grove

I took my kids here and we all loved the place. The volunteers were kind and amazing and let my kids pet a turtle and a snake. They saw their raccoon up close. The volunteer in the log cabin walked over and opened the Native American long house for us. The trails were fun and beautiful to wander around. It was amazing and worth the drive!!! I highly recommend on a beautiful day!!!

I am not so impressed. This place is not biker friendly or pets friendly. Also, it’s not very good for going on trails, since the trail is very short. When you first get there, it takes a bit of effort to find the main building, where they have bathrooms, exhibits and animal showcases.
The fish and turtle are in aquariums that are way too small. I am not sure if they also practice putting animal that would not otherwise be able to survive in the wild in their tanks, but even if they do their living habits are way too small. But most of the animals do not look like they have any reason to not be able to survive in the wild, unless if these were born into captivity.
Bathroom was also not very clean and needs some work. The plus is they have a water fountain with a water filter that you can easily use to fill up your water bottle.

Spectacular venue to have a wedding. Charming old home made in 1856. Full of history. Nestled on fifty acres of woods. Charming paths with gorgeous gazebo. Perfect setting to have a wedding.

This is not a family friendly place. The guide was inappropriate with my daughter. My daughter left in tears.

A scenic getaway. The staff/​volunteers we met at the log cabin and blacksmith’s were exemplary. Great for kids and the grounds were well-​maintained. We aim to come back several times before the Winter is upon us.

This is the best place for a sedate weekend field trip with your kids and stroll around under the trees. On pioneer days you see black smith demonstrations and historical reenactments and candle making and music and food and all under the shade and while walking In a relaxing location

This place is a national treasure. From the Indian settlement, to the cabin, to the doctor from Louisiana’s main house, and all the beautiful trees and greenery, this is the place to go in the summers in northern Illinois. It is such a peaceful and relaxing feeling.

The Grove is a timeless place where anyone can visit (for free) and enjoy over 100 acres of woodlands and ponds, an interpretive center full of live animals and historic/​prehistoric relics, helpful guides, and a bevy of historic structures, all key to providing the visitor with a deep sense of connection.
The Grove was once part of a larger tract of land owned by the Kennicott family. There is a ton of info on the family at the Grove, in both the interpretive center and in the archive building, but basically, the patriarch John was one of the area’s first settlers and became a well-​known doctor and horticulturist. His son Robert is perhaps the most well-​known member of the family, having been a famous naturalist and being influential in the US’s purchase of what was then known as Russian America (Alaska). He also helped form the Chicago Academy of Sciences. You can tour the original 1856 home John built, visit the small family cemetery plot, tour an «authentic recreation» 19^th century schoolhouse, original log cabin, and other structures, and tour the Native American village, which includes a hunting lodge (it is technically not a teepee although it resembles one) and a longhouse.
You’ll see a lot of Kennicott references here, but if you aren’t so much of a history buff, you’re sure to love the interpretive center. This building is particularly fun if you have kids with you. Which kids don’t love being able to see native snakes, turtles, amphibians, and birds? The highlight of the interpretive center is Al, the 150+ year old alligator snapping turtle (some reviewers have expressed concern for the turtle, claiming the tank he is in is too small. As a herpetologist, I can assure everyone that the enclosure is plenty large enough for the turtle, which is an ultra-​sedentary species normally found resting on the bottom of ponds and rivers in their natural habitat. Certainly, living as long as he has is directly due to being kept healthy and happy in captivity).
Walk the grounds — despite reviews claiming the Grove is prairie, it is actually mostly wooded, with some small patches of prairie. Yes, there will be mosquitoes in the summer. This is nature, not the mall. Put some repellent on and look for deer and fox, and walk along the boardwalk across the big pond and see and hear thousands of frogs calling in the springtime.
The Grove is available for weddings too. I was married here four years ago and it could not have been any better. The magic of the place is unlike anything you’ll ever experience at a hall or (dare I say) church. Choosing an outdoor location, in nature, is the best move you can make when it comes to planning a venue in my opinion.
I can talk forever about the Grove, but don’t take my word for it, check it out yourself.

What a beautiful hidden gem! We would always drive by it on our way to TGIFridays and I’m so glad my husband convinced me to go check it out! It’s got so much history, a nature center and plenty of room for trail walking. It’s perfect for families and best of all– it’s free! Our favorite little nature escape close to home.

The Grove is a National Historic Landmark for the buildings. It’s also a local treasure for short hikes/​long walks on level trails, birding, and observing the many creatures they have at the visitor’s center. Turtles? They’ve got those. Great huge snakes that swim in the water? Check! Seriously large snapping turtle that could take the hand off an unwary noodler? Yup. I think this place is great for all ages. We regularly walk here to bird. Even in the off seasons, it’s easy to get over 20 species here, and upwards of 35 during migration. And that’s without a high-​powered scope. In years past, I had birthday parties here for the kids. They do a great job with that, as well as school or Scout field trips. They also have clean bathrooms and a cute little gift shop. Many special events are held throughout the year, check their calendar. This place is also a wedding and special event venue. Stop by. You won’t be disappointed.

Wow !!! I can’t believe I was raised in Chicago & lived quite close to this place
& never had visited or even knew about it !!!
What a wonderful place to visit & take the kids, just make sure you are aware in the humid weather of the pesty critters, & be prepared !! My favorite part are the great walking /​hiking trails & all the cool things to see like the turtles, fish & interested artifacts !! Steve Swanson the Director is
Very helpful & does a great job! This would
Be an Awesome Location to have an event !!! Since the grounds are so beautiful!

Very nice and educational place for the family to visit and see animals. It’s true you do need to spray yourself with bug spray to keep away the mosquitoes but, it’s a park so, what do you expect? Good for a lazy Sunday morning or afternoon. I like this hidden little gem.

Beautiful place to be.
To separate yourself from the responsibilities of work, spend time with your family and kids is a plus. I’ve been here twice now and although the proximity to interstate and the constant rush of cars can break the feel of being away, it’s still a good place to be.
Drop by the interpretive center, see live animals, speak to a volunteer, check out recreations of a log cabin or a Native American village.
We’ll be back!

Great place to hang out with kids and other loved once :)

Who knew you could hike in Chicagoland? We hit the trails of the Grove yesterday with our 2 little ones strapped in the stroller. What we thought would be a nice little stroll ended up being a pretty good workout at times pushing our double stroller thru the dirt trails, but the beautiful surroundings made it well worth it. My only regret was that while I had lots of snacks for the kids, I should have packed a lunch for us grown-​ups because this is the perfect spot for a picnic.
While the peaceful walk was my favorite part of The Grove, my daughter couldn’t get enough of the fish and turtles located within the interpretive center. This really is a great spot to bring little ones because they’ll enjoy the animals and let off some steam running thru the trails. Both my kids slept like angels after our day here.
I’m bummed I waited until end of summer to check out The Grove, but hopefully we’ve got some sunny days ahead for a few more visits this year!

Beautiful place amidst the suburbs. It doesn’t bill itself as a nature center, but let me say that the nature-​center here is stronger than several others I’ve been to. In the middle of winter, you can come inside and: Pet a snake! Check out fish! Watch pond turtles eat veggies! Meet a rescued skunk!
One question: is that huge turtle OK with being in the tank? Do huge turtles need huge tanks? I’m assuming it’s OK because I’m sure many nature-​lovers have asked.
The trails are the most beautiful part of the experience. Wander them. They are flat, winding, and perfect for kids as well as simple meditative walking for adults. Note the historical buildings; sit inside a long-​house structure. Note the statues and circle areas over by the estate house. Note the moon-​themed stained-​glass window on the side of the house– it was designed for specific significance (google it and find out– I can’t remember the exact details right now). So cool!

I grew up with this place. I am in love with it. Is it dear to me.
+ The Interpretive Center: turtles! Snakes! Fish! Bugs! Frogs! Birds! A giant, really old turtle that barely moves! A stuffed brown bear (the seven-​foot kind)! Bones! Skins!
+ Owls. Chickens. Fearless quail. Raccoons that come up to you in broad daylight.
+ The Kennicott House. I had a couple tours of this building within the last year. I love this house — lots of character, a unique story, and a quirky, interesting tour guide.
+ The cemetery. I love cemeteries. You would pretty much miss this one if you didn’t take a few moments to wander the grounds towards the schoolhouse.
+ The one-​room schoolhouse. From what I remember, it’s not the actual schoolhouse they used but a replica. It’s a darn good replica. Very gothic-​looking with the central stove for heating.
+ The log cabin. I’m a HUGE fan of Little House on the Prairie and every time I go in the log house, I pretend I’m Laura Ingalls.
+ The teepees and Indian long house. Growing up, I loved knowing there was an Indian teepee nearby, and recently, I was able to step inside the long house and marvel at all the bones and skins and cots everywhere. It’s neat to see what homes were like for Native Americans.
+ Everyone who works here is incredibly nice and very knowledgeable about the grounds and the Kennicott family.
+ I love how this place is hidden away from the main roads.
Every time I come here, whether to look at the animals or wander the grounds, I always feel uplifted (and armed with dozens of cool nature photographs).
The events they have here are pretty spectacular, too. I attended last year’s fall festival and they had everything set up on the big yard behind the Redfield Estate: tubs of food, lots of apples, and many tents with crafts, pies, and unique things for sale. I’ve heard the Civil War re-​enactments are great, too (I have sadly not been around to see them).
Oh, and the best part about this place? I ended up getting married here!!! (You can check out my review of the Redfield Estate for more information on that.)

This is a hidden piece of heaven! I came here because I was feeling down but as soon as I started walking around I found it lifted me up completely!
Not only was there beautiful natural greenery, forests, and little romantic settings but also houses, a school house, a green house, and a few more buildings which brought me back to the 1600’s ! There are also a few little lakes and open fields! You won’t believe how big this place is!
I would recommend taking a walk mid afternoon, and wear bug spray! Don’t be scared of the bugs! It just means it’s a truly natural environment! I also recommend good walking shoes :]
Enjoy!

Not many people that I know, know about The Grove. There is a log home with some exotic animals inside, a building with fish, turtles, an owl and some snakes inside. There is a long nature walk that is beautiful, with prairies and natural ponds. Occasionally they have craft fairs and other events where you can buy stuff, and get yummy food.
I definitely recommend going to the Grove. If it’s for an event, or just to walk the nature trails. Beautiful!!!

Disclaimer … I have friends who work here. That being said, we have enjoyed coming to the Grove for many years now. It improves with age. The new Robert Kennicott Archives Building is really cool. It was built with a lot of attention to details and a very artistic eye.
The log building that houses the animal collection is my favorite. I wish I could live there. I love to sit and watch the turtles. It is like therapy.
The nature trails are well managed and full of visual wonder. This is a place where keeping your eyes open can really pay off. Wildlife is abundant and the flowers pepper the landscape.
There are all kinds of programs for children as well as adults, including Civil War reenactments during the Summer. If I had kids we would be spending a lot of time here. You sure don’t need kids to enjoy this place though, just unleash your sense of wonder and you will love it.