address

1421 Milwaukee Ave.
Glenview, IL 60025

contact hours

Interpretive Center
M-F 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sa/Su 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grounds open daily, dawn-dusk.
No dogs allowed.

tours

Free docent-led tours of the Kennicott House and historic buildings.
Available Sa & Su, 11 am-3 pm.

With 150 acres of ecologically diverse land preserved and maintained by the Glenview Park District, The Grove is one of the Glenview Park District’s busiest attractions.

In 1836, visionary horticulturist and educator Dr. John Kennicott settled on the property from New Orleans. His son, Robert Kennicott, became a prominent early naturalist and kept part of his plant and animal specimen collection at The Grove. Robert Kennicott also founded the Chicago Academy of Sciences.

In 1976, The Grove was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a partner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Chicago Wilderness.

Experience Glenview’s most unique outdoor history and nature museum at The Grove. Venture on trails through the oak-hickory savanna, past wetland pools, and stop to watch a family of turtles. Learn about the Native American tribes and pioneer settlers who lived on this land and the tremendous impact they had on our community.

The property that is now known as The Grove National Historic Landmark was once owned by the Kennicott family. Dr. John Kennicott brought his family here from New Orleans in 1836. They first lived in a log cabin before building the Kennicott House in 1856. Kennicott’s son Robert became a pioneer naturalist and explorer.

By 1973, the land and remaining buildings were slated to become a large development of high-density residential units. To prevent this, a group of dedicated individuals, formed the Save The Grove Committee to ensure the historical significance of the land was not forgotten. Affectionately known as the “Frog and Fern Ladies,” the Committee played a vital role in preserving this important historic site, and in 1973, The Grove was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1976, the Save The Grove Committee became the Grove Heritage Association, the same year the land was designated a National Historic Landmark. Since then, GHA has donated thousands of volunteer hours and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit The Grove.

In 1995, an additional 41 available acres at The Grove was acquired through a combined land donation from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and land purchase supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and a $400,000 donation commitment from the Grove Heritage Association.

In the years since, the park district has made several significant improvements to enhance The Grove’s ability to tell the story of its human and natural history. Today, The Grove welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually.

Due to the historic nature of The Grove buildings and ecological significance of its natural areas, the Glenview Park District has adopted a specific policy governing still and video photography at The Grove. In some cases, permits are required and fees must be paid. For detailed information on these guidelines, click here.

The Grove’s staff and volunteers are passionate care givers to all of our critter friends, striving to make each animal comfortable and healthy. The long, healthy life-span of the animals at The Grove is a testament to the great work our team is doing.

Learn more 

the redfield estate

Nestled inside The Grove, a National Historic Landmark, The Redfield Estate is an ideal special event and wedding venue that meticulously marries history with nature.

Enjoy the private use of our vintage 1930s-era home, pavilion, and gazebo surrounded by the beautiful grounds of the nature preserve.

This stunning location offers more than 150 acres of forest, ponds, vast lawns, elegantly landscaped gardens, fountains and urns filled with seasonal flowers. Redfield Estate provides the perfect backdrop for your outdoor ceremony, reception, or intimate events inside the house, which features original leaded glass windows, a fireplace, and charming dressing rooms to prepare for your event.

Perfect for two to 102 guests, your event will be on you remember as you dine and dance on our gorgeous 30′ x 60′ outdoor-covered, stone pavilion. Evening lighting includes strings of bistro lights and lamp-lit serene walkways.

The Grove

Meredith Suangka

Natural Resources Manager

224-521-2124 meredith.suangka@glenviewparks.org

Mitch Ransdell

Assistant Superintendent of Grove Maintenance

224-521-2101 mitch.ransdell@glenviewparks.org

Judy Picicco

Environmental Education Supervisor

224-521-2105 judy.picicco@glenviewparks.org

Kelly Hidy

Customer Service and Operations Supervisor

224-521-2097 kelly.hidy@glenviewparks.org

Diane J. Michalski

Recreation Program Supervisor

224-521-2101 diane.michalski@glenviewparks.org

The Grove Redfield Estate

Deborah Rabeor

Venue Manager

847-298-0095 deborah.rabeor@glenviewparks.org