This Historical Landmark's Trails Are The Perfect Place For An After-Work Walk
By Daisy Dow|Published June 17, 2024
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Daisy Dow
Author
Daisy is a Chicago-based freelance writer and tour guide. Originally from Georgia, she attended Kenyon College before calling Illinois home. She has been a writer for the last four years, sharing stories about small businesses all over the country. You can usually spot Daisy in the window of a neighborhood café, as her hunt for the world’s best cup of coffee continues.
After a day crouched over my computer for work, I crave some fresh air and a little bit of sunshine. Although I’d love to squeeze in a full hike before the sun sets, I’ve found that I can spare about an hour or two for some much-needed outside time. Luckily, I’ve found the perfect casual hike not too far from Chicago where I live. The Grove in Glenview has easily-walkable trails and a sprinkling of cool historical sites. I had such a nice afternoon exploring the natural outdoor history of Illinois, and I am already planning on going back.
The Grove is a 150-acre area of oak-hickory savanna and quiet wetlands.
Daisy Dow
The Grove was once the estate of the Kennicotts, a family known for their contribution to exploring North America and keeping records of local flora. In 1973 The Grove was under threat to become a housing development, but a band of dedicated nature-lovers created the "Save The Grove Committee" and managed to have the area named to the National Register of Historic Places.
There is much more to The Grove than just trees and wetlands.
Daisy Dow
The Grove has four trails ranging from half a mile to 1.3 miles long. I started my walk in the north 40 acres before taking the path through the main program area. I ventured a little way into the back 80 acres as well.
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The paths throughout The Grove are well marked and maintained.
Daisy Dow
I went after work around 5:30pm and it was the perfect time to soak up some sunlight while still taking advantage of some pockets of shade. There isn't really any elevation change on this hike, and I completed the walk in sandals quite comfortably.
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One of the highlights of walking through the main program area is stopping by buildings like The Grove Schoolhouse.
Daisy Dow
The original Grove School was built in 1853 to educate 36 students who came to The Grove daily. This building is a replica of the original but really gives you a sense of the tight quarters that students used to learn in.
When I stopped by, The Grove was abuzz with cicada chirps— sometimes to an almost deafening extent.
Daisy Dow
Every tree I passed by felt like walking past a speaker at a music concert. I saw hundreds of the insects flying around trees and had to duck on occasion to avoid getting them tangled in my hair.
Topically, The Grove created an exhibit called Cicada Symphony in the Grove Archives.
Daisy Dow
Inside this building are the Kennicut Archives, a collection of more than 28,000 documents and 5,000 photographs dating back to the early 1800s. While the cicada exhibit might be temporary, most everything else in this building feels frozen in time.
Another notable stop along the trail is the Redfield Estate.
Daisy Dow
This home was built in the 1930s but has since been transformed into an events venue overlooking beautiful lawns with benches scattered throughout.
Take a short walk past the Redfield Estate and you will find a secluded gazebo.
Daisy Dow
After crossing a little bridge, a slight incline will bring you to this gazebo. With a tree-lined lawn surrounding it, it's no wonder this is an incredibly popular wedding venue.
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Back on the trail, I wanted to keep exploring the historical stops in The Grove.
Daisy Dow
When the Kennicott family moved to this area, the Potawatomi people had established a few camps in nearby areas. On the right there is a replica longhouse and behind the sign a bark tipi.
Along the way, I passed by two nonchalant deer.
Daisy Dow
While hard to spot in this photo, this young deer carefully navigated the swampy marsh in the back 80 acres. The deer I saw were unfazed by my presence so if you are a wildlife photographer, this could be a great spot to bring your camera.
The north 40 acres has a few open expanses will less tress than other parts of the path.
Daisy Dow
Although Interstate 294 passes right by The Grove, the noise of traffic fades very quickly once you start walking.
The Grove tells the history of not just the area, but of the Kennicott family, whose members went on to found the Chicago Academy of Sciences.
Daisy Dow
The only figurative sculpture on-site is of naturalist Robert Kennicott. While he looks exhausted in this sculpture from exploring the great outdoors, I think I look like this sometimes after an 8 to 5 day on the computer. Luckily, we have places like The Grove to reconnect with nature, even if just for an hour!
The Grove is a fantastic spot for history enthusiasts, nature-lovers, families and office workers looking for a change of pace without having to drive hours for a nice hike. Do go through The Grove’s website to keep up-to-date on the latest programming. Before heading out on The Grove’s trails, I suggest bug-proofing yourself. I prefer treating my clothes with bug repellant rather than using bug spray; and if you feel the same, consider investing in an insect repellent spray like this one from REI to treat your hiking wardrobe.
Do you have a favorite after-work hiking spot? Let us know! If you need some inspiration on spots to try out, consider these Top-Rated Hiking Spots In Illinois.
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