| The Grove National Historic Landmark |
| The Grove | A Brief History | Buildings & Grounds | Programs | School Programs | Group Programs Grove Events | Redfield Estate | Birthday Parties | The Grove Store | Get Involved |
The Grove National Historic Landmark
| Address: | 1421 Milwaukee Ave Glenview, IL 60025 (847) 299-6096 |
Hours: | Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4:30 pm Sat.-Sun.: 9 am-5 pm (Closed New Year’s Day, July 4, Christmas) |
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Step into the past at the area’s most unique outdoor history and nature museum. Venture out on trails through mature oak forests past wetland pools and stop to watch a family of turtles sunning themselves on a log. Learn first hand about the Native American tribes who lived on this land and the settlers who followed them and the tremendous impact they had on this community and beyond. Welcome to The Grove.
What Is The Grove?
The Grove is 123 acres of ecologically diverse prairie grove land preserved and maintained by the Glenview Park District.
The Grove was the home of visionary horticulturist and educator Dr. John Kennicott who brought his family from New Orleans to settle on this land in 1836. It was here that Dr. John’s son Robert Kennicott developed his love of nature that led to such accomplishments as exhibiting his plant and animal specimen collections at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., founding the Chicago Academy of Sciences and the exploration of Russian America that led to the purchase of Alaska.
Because of its rich history, The Grove was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1976. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Grove is a partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Chicago Wilderness.
The Grove Experience
- Tour the restored 1856 Gothic Revival House built by Dr. John Kennicott
- Attend a wedding or host a party at the historic 1929 Redfield Estate
- Perform pioneer chores in an authentic Log Cabin
- See how Pottawatomie really lived in the Native American Longhouse
- Take part in a class in a replica of the original Grove One-Room Schoolhouse
- Learn about native plants, animals and natural history at The Grove Interpretive Center
- Discover the delicate balance of wetland ecosystems in the Wetland Greenhouse
- Volunteer to help preserve this remarkable site
Young or old, history or nature lover, whatever your age or interest, you’ll be enchanted by The Grove. Click on the topics above to learn more about what we have to offer. Then stop by soon and discover what’s waiting for you!
The Grove Natural Science Classroom
Come learn and discover in the Natural Science Classroom at The Grove's Interpretive Center. Nature videos, science equipment, environmental displays, self-guided activities, and trail walks are just some of the resources available to you. Grove staff and volunteers will be happy to assist you on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. Upcoming themes include:
- February - Birds of Prey
- March - Snakes
- April - Spring
- May - Birds
For a downloadable Visitors' Guide to The Grove National Historic Landmark, click here.
Care of Injured Wildlife The Grove frequently receives calls from concerned people who have found injured wildlife and want to help. While The Grove is not authorized to care for such animals, there are other resources available. For information on what to do when you find an injured animal, please go to one of the following websites: Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation or the University of Illinois Extension's Living with Wildlife in Illinois. |
The Grove Team
(click on team member names to email)
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| Steve Swanson Director (847) 299-6096 |
Lorin Ottlinger Assistant Director (847) 299-6096 |
Kris Van Voorhis Program Supervisor (847) 299-6096 |
Carol DiLorenzo Redfield Rental Coordinator (847) 298-0095 |
Judy Ksiazek Environmental Education Supervisor (224) 521-2105 |




