Events at Independence Grove makes for a beautiful wedding venue for those looking to tie the knot in Chicagoland.

For inspiration to plan your special day, let’s take a look at two beautiful outdoor weddings we hosted recently at North Bay Pavilion:

John & Denise’s Wedding

In perfect wedding tradition, John and Denise  joined their friends and family together for a beautiful evening of celebration. A short ceremony was held by the lake, followed by cocktails, a buffet dinner, delicious desserts, and of course—dancing. Not to distract from the natural allure of the outdoor setting, their simple and traditional elements set the tone and mood for this fun and lovely wedding. Their dinner choices were Catering by Michaels’ take on their favorites:  seafood for her and steak for him!  The North Bay Pavilion was honored to be a part of their journey toward the next chapter of their lives together.

Here are some gorgeous shots from Michael Delott Photography:

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June 21st officially marked the first day of summer, and we want to kick off the week by sharing all the fun-filled happenings at Independence Grove. It’s that time of year for picnics in the park, lazy boat rides on the lake, and soft serve ice cream.

Independence Grove is open to the public and plays hosts to tons of fun activities: swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and so much more. The park is centered around a 115-acre lake, making the preserve a favorite summer hangout spot for all outdoor recreation and nature education.

Consider Independence Grove’s many amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy:

Amenities:

• Picnic Tables
• Fireplace
• Flush Toilets
• Playground
• Sand Volleyball Court
• Fishing Pier
• Public Parking
• Trails

Activities:

• Biking
• Boating
• Swimming
• Exhibits
• Dog Park
• Hiking
• Canoeing/Kayaking

But that’s not all….

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Summer really is the best time to enjoy all that Independence Grove Forest Preserve has to offer.  

Opening May 25: Independence Grove Cafe

Overlooking a 115-acre lake, it’s the perfect backdrop for family picnics, a romantic date, or a relaxing day out with friends. Grab some blankets and pack a picnic, or swing by the cafe for a light dinner, snacks, and beverages.

The afternoon can be spent splashing around: swimming, fishing, or boating on the lake. With over six miles of trails, you might also consider taking on the dry land: hiking, biking, or in-line skating. After you’ve worked up a good sweat, cool off with some cold, sweet ice-cream from the cafe.

Operated by award-winning Chicagoland catering company, Catering by Michaels, opening day for the cafe is May 25—just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. The menu include a delicious assortment of snacks, gourmet salads, thin crust pizzas, grilled & deli sandwiches, sweets, and beverages. The cafe is located on the north side of the visitors center and has a convenient walk-up window if you want to grab and go enjoy all that Independence Grove has to offer.

Cafe Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 10:30 am — 4:00 pm
Fri-Sun: 10:30 am — 6:00 pm
*Open Until 9:00 pm on concert evenings

Starting In June: Live Concerts 

Summer at Independence Grove will be especially entertaining on Tuesday nights, when the Plaza outdoor concert series kick-offs. From rock ’n’ roll oldies to funky reggae to cool bluegrass, you’re invited to come enjoy free outdoor concerts in the park. The concert series goes from mid-June to early August.

2018 Summer Lineup 

Tuesdays, June 12-August 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. No rain dates & no concert on July 3.

• June 12 | Rockin’ Fenderskirts | Rock ‘n’ Roll Oldies
• June 19 | Rico | Santana Inspired
• June 26 | The Giving Tree Band | Blue Grass & Americana Rock
• July 10 | Gizzae | Reggae
• July 17 | Adam Ezra Group | Roots Rock
• July 24 | Mississippi Heat | Blues
• July 31 | Black Masala | Brass, Dance Sound
• August 7 | Morry Sochat & The Special 20s | Swing Chicago Blues

If you’re coming to Independence Grove on the day of a concert, make sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot, as cars are turned away when parking is full!

Summertime is upon us and there’s plenty to do at Independence Grove. Plan your trip—we’re excited to see you soon!

Spring wedding season is in full swing so we wanted to share one of our past favorites!

Katie & Jay’s Independence Grove wedding kicked off our beautiful spring weddings last year. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day with amazing sunshine and gorgeous spring florals.

From their first look and ceremony in the Native Garden to their wedding reception in Audubon Hall, every aspect of their fairytale day was absolute perfection.

All photos captured by the very talented Kristin La Voie Photography.

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Summer is the perfect time for an outdoor picnic! Company picnics are a great way for corporate businesses to promote team building, boost company morale, and give back to employees. If you’ve been chosen to plan your company’s picnic, then you’ve come to the right place. 

There are many reasons why companies choose to host their summer picnics at Independence Grove, but the primary reason we hear most often is because we’re a one-stop shop for all their needs. Not only do you get a unique venue and a dedicated Event Coordinator, but also award-winning catering from Catering by Michaels. Win win!

THE ULTIMATE PICNIC EXPERIENCE

We understand that it’s not always realistic to carve out extra time to plan a company-wide event when you still have your regular job duties to attend to. That’s why one of our extremely talented Event Coordinators will work closely with you to choose the perfect space (North Bay Pavilion or the Grassy Knoll), design a delicious menu, and plan entertainment and activities based on the style and theme of your picnic. From your very own carnival rides and antique style concession stands to authentic Chicago-style hot dog and pizza carts — we guarantee an unforgettable experience for your guests.

CURATE A TASTY MENU

You can’t have a corporate picnic without an exciting spread of food. And remember, the food you select should positively reflect your company’s brand. If budget is tight, and we know it always is, make sure to cut from anywhere but catering. Providing a high quality, delicious meal conveys one very important message to employees: we care about you! 

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We were honored to host Kyle & Katie’s gorgeous wedding reception at Independence Grove. Our 1,000 acre nature preserve with it’s pristine beauty and secluded setting was the perfect backdrop for this ultra stylish and chic couple.

The very talented Jordan Imhoff Photography captured these stunning images of their magical day:

The Native Garden

Check out that vintage diamond cuff! Whoa.

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Is there a better fairytale ending than that of a Disney movie? Perhaps not for Jonathan & Emily, a lovely couple who hosted their enchanted disney themed wedding at Independence Grove based on their favorite fairytales.

Their attention to detail was obvious in every aspect of the ceremony and reception, including a fairytale wedding program, glittering princess heels, fresh floral details, gold embellishments, their favorite Disney movie quotes, and of course, a prince waiting for his bride at the end of the aisle.

Photographer Melissa Marie captured these magical images of the day:

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Fall is upon us and we couldn’t be more excited to take advantage of the season’s gorgeous colors and delicious fall-inspired cuisine.

From the spectacular fall foliage that surrounds the entire preserve (all 1,100-acres) to the flavorful and unique seasonal ingredients we get to creatively incorporate into our menus — this really is the most beautiful time of year at Independence Grove.

Here’s a sneak peak of Independence Grove’s vibrant colors during fall:

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Events at Independence Grove: Quick Facts

Events at Independence Grove is the exclusive caterer and event management partner of Independence Grove Forest Preserve, and is a Catering by Michaels company. The venue opened in March of 2001, and was specifically designed with a premium visitor experience in mind. It is open year-round to host various events and celebrations.

Independence Grove is located in Libertyville, Illinois in a 1,100-acre nature preserve and recreation area. People know it for its pristine beauty and secluded setting. It’s been described as a Midwestern one-of-a-kind treasure because of its natural calmness, beautiful grassland and stunning lake views. Because of this, hosting an event at Independence Grove will provide a truly unique and memorable backdrop for any type of wedding, social or corporate event.

Weddings
Independence Grove is perfect for your special day, offering the most stunning indoor and outdoor settings with spectacular gourmet catering and event design.

Social Events
Independence Grove has flexible options and different spaces for all types of social events, including:

• Bridal showers
• Mitzvahs
• Birthday parties
• Family reunions
• Fundraising event
• Graduation parties

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Welcome summer by enjoying a fun-filled day at Independence Grove, a 1,100-acre nature preserve and recreation area located in Lake County. The pristine and secluded forest preserve is situated on a 115-acre lake and features hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, a sand beach, marina, and cafe.

The Cafe at Independence Grove

The Cafe at Independence Grove reopens this Friday, May 26th, and is a delicious attraction that you may not have known about. The cafe is run by Catering by Michaels, so the menu is all freshly prepared, made-to-order food. It’s unlike what most people would expect at a park or forest preserve.

Menu items include thin crust pizzas, gourmet salads, and classic Chicago Style Hot Dogs and Italian Beef Sandwiches. Snack on Asian Sesame Chicken Wings or Spicy Onion Straws, topped with parmesan-garlic buffalo sauce. Cool down with an afternoon sweet treat of soft serve ice cream or relax with a glass of wine.

A special ‘Kids Corner’ menu includes a Turkey “Korn-Dog” and PB&J “Uncrustables.” The cafe is open 7 days a week to the public: Mon-Thurs 10:30am to 4pm, Fri-Sun10:30am to 6pm, and until 9pm on concert evenings. 

Free Summer Concerts 

The lake and cafe alone makes your trip worthwhile, but you might as well stay for the whole day. The summer concert series is a guest favorite and begins on June 13th with a live performance by the New Invaders (60’s Rock & Roll). Concerts take place in the preserves outdoor amphitheater, Millenia Plaza, and continue through August 8th. See the full concert schedule.

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