New Offerings Debut At Independence Grove Beer Garden

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — The Beer Garden at Independence Grove is scheduled to open Friday.

The venue at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville will continue to serve up a variety of local craft brews this summer, and among the new offerings this year are beer flights and tastings. Fire pits and free firewood are available on a first-come, first-served basis for use along the lakefront.

"The beer garden has been a very popular destination," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "The venue provides a fantastic opportunity for family fun as the weather begins to improve."

The venue offers plenty of casual lakeside seating in a "family-friendly picturesque setting."

Also new this year, the beer garden at Independence Grove will offer its seasonal menu through Untappd, a geosocial networking service that can be used through your phone app. Menus featuring local breweries will be updated weekly on the app, according to a news release. The app will also feature a calendar of upcoming events and notifications that can be sent to users.

"This will greatly improve the customer's experience at the beer garden," said Dan Stearns, chief business development officer.

Seasonal Hours

The hours of operation for the beer garden in May are tentative and are based on staffing levels. On Friday, Independence Grove will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. Throughout May, the beer garden will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day.

Starting on May 30, the beer garden will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and from 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Independence Grove Entrance Fee and Beer Garden Details

Entrance is free for Lake County residents. Nonresidents are charged $12 on weekends and holidays and $6 during the week beginning the week after Memorial Day.

After Labor Day, entrance fees are collected on weekends only.

For weather updates or to learn if the beer garden is closed, view the status map here.

Pets Not Permitted

With the exception of service animals, dogs, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.