The Grove National Historic Landmark

Description

The Grove National Historic Landmark is 150 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 exploring 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 includes a wonderful variety of facilities and programs including special events, school groups, scouts, hay hides, Holliday Market, Restoration Work Days, Pioneer Day, and Grove Fest. We also have a remarkable virtual volunteer opportunity transcribing historical Kennicott family and business documents. We look forward to welcoming you as a volunteer.