Glenview Park District  •  2400 Chestnut Ave. •  Glenview, IL 60026  •  (847) 724-5670  •  glenviewparkdist.org

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)
Phone:  


For a downloadable Visitors' Guide to The Grove National Historic Landmark, click here.


The Grove

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.

 

 

 

 

Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Birth of Robert Kennicott

One of Glenview’s most famous native sons, Smithsonian scholar and a founder of the Chicago Academy of Sciences.

June 5-October 3, 2010
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays, 11 am-3 pm through August 15
Saturdays & Sundays only, August 21-October 3

Robert Kennicott (1835-1866) was one of nineteenth century America’s consummate explorer-naturalists. Perhaps best know for his role in the exploration of Russian America that led to the purchase of Alaska, Kennicott had a unique gift for observing and chronicling his natural surroundings. The Grove’s new exhibition offers a glimpse into his remarkable life, his notable achievements and his enduring recognition.

Exhibition Grand Opening - Sat. & Sun., June 5 & 6, 10 am-4 pm

  • Special tours of Robert’s laboratory in the Kennicott family home and special anniversary exhibits in the Interpretive Center and Archives Building
  • First-person interpreters, family activities & craft projects
  • Lecture on Robert’s life and contributions to science by Grove Director Steve Swanson at 1 pm both days


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Megatherium Lecture Series

In conjunction with the 175th Anniversary Celebration, The Grove will present a special series of lectures featuring noted naturalists & scientists.

Thursday, June 3, 7 pm – The Last Expedition

World renowned forensic anthropologist Dr. Doug Owsley of the Smithsonian Institution presents findings from his 2001 autopsy of Kennicott’s remains. This lecture will be held at the Oakton Community College Performing Arts Center, 1600 East Golf Road, Des Plaines. Call (847) 299-6096 to register.

Additional lectures will be held on June 15, June 22 and July 6 in The Grove’s Program Barn. Click here for more information.


New Robert Kennicott Book Solves 150-year-old Puzzles


Why did Robert Kennicott, an aspiring, energetic young Chicago scientist, die at age 30 during an expedition to establish a telegraph line along the unexplored Yukon River?

Now, a new book, A Death Decoded: Robert Kennicott and the Alaska Telegraph, by Sandra Schlachtmeyer, reveals the answer to this mystery which has puzzled family members and Smithsonian associates for almost 150 years. Using original letters, diaries, and reports, Schlachtmeyer not only details Kennicott’s last two years and reveals his cause of death as determined by a 2001 autopsy, but also opens a window into the age of expansion and exploration in America.

Copies of this fascinating book will be sold at The Grove Store, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL 60025 and also by mail order. Cost is $19.95 plus tax and shipping. For information on how to order your copy, call 847-299-6096.

A Death Decoded: Robert Kennicott and the Alaska Telegraph
A Forensic Investigation

Sandra Spatz Schlachtmeyer
160 pages; illustrated with period photographs, drawings, etchings, & maps

 

 

 

The GroveWhat 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

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!

 

Summer Hours

Kennicott House - Log Cabin - One Room Schoolhouse - Native American Longhouse

June 15 - August 15
Open to the public Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun.: 11 am-3 pm

Trained staff in period costumes demonstrate the crafts, chores, games and daily activities of
the people who once lived in this area. Demonstrations vary daily.



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:

  • May - Birds
  • June - Turtles
  • July - Insects
  • August - Trees

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)

Steve Swanson, Director Lorin Ottlinger, Assistant Director Kris Van Voorhis, Program Supervisor Carol DiLorenzo, Redfield Rental Coordinator Judy Ksiazek, Environmental Education Supervisor
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