Beautiful park named after the famous hometown author. It's one of the must see places in Waukegan,…read morebut it's usually pretty quiet. Ray Bradbury Park is located in a residential area, so it's isolated from tourists. A lot of people don't know where it is either. That helps keep them away and you can enjoy it better without crowds and stuff. As for the park itself, it's actually not that big. It has an entrance off a side street, close to a few houses. There's a marker noting history of the Waukegan River and the ravine that was mentioned in Bradbury's Dandelion Wine and Farewell Summer. Cool for book nerds. For sure it's cool for anyone obviously. Bradbury was even at the park dedication and met a few excited authors and fans. The marker has photos and information. Has no parking lot because this is a residential area. It's usually not busy so street parking is pretty much okay. There's not a whole lot of people who know where this is, so it doesn't get lots of tourists.

The great Science Fiction writer Ray Bradbury was born in Waukegan in 1920. His writings include…read moreFahrenheit 451, and of course The Martian Chronicles. Several of his novels are semi-autobiographical. In stories such as Dandelion Wine and Farewell Summer he reinvented Waukegan as Green Town. He wrote about a park, drawn from childhood memories, in Dandelion Wine. In 1990 the park, located a few blocks from his boyhood home, was rededicated as Ray Bradbury Park. Bradbury himself, was on hand to do the ribbon cutting. The park is not large, but it has a neat stairway that drops down into a deep ravine. It is easy to imagine Bradbury as a child, exploring this magical place. It obviously left a lasting impression on the great writer. Go pick up a copy of Dandelion Wine, wait for a nice sunny day and let Mr. Bradbury take you on an adventure as you explore his park. You never know what you may discover!

Big awesome park lots of fun for family and friends!!Also has shaded areas from the sun!read more

Great park for the kids there's so many things to do there . Highly recommend it…read more Coming back soon

This park has a little bit of everything: new playgrounds, old playgrounds, basketball court, path,…read morefitness stations, sheltered picnic area, bathrooms, and a spray park.

Fun park with plenty of things to do…read more Originally intended to go here for some fun disc golf and enjoyed my experience here. The course has a wide variety of different challenges and terrain available, though the quality of the tees and signage varies throughout the course. I wasn't a huge fan of the earlier holes which go close to the street and around the areas where geese congregate. However, the middle holes go through some beautiful forest and have a much more interesting combination of terrain. The baskets are difficult at times to see, to updated signage would also be better. But overall, a fun set of challenges. Even if you're not into disc golf, the park itself is beautiful with a large pond, many walking paths, and a variety of nature. There's also basketball courts, a baseball diamond, pickleball courts, picnic areas, picnic shelter, washrooms, tennis courts, and other amenities. This looks like a great place to enjoy a sunny afternoon.

Bevier Park is a beautifully kept park. It has one gazebo that you can rent out with a few tables…read morethere. There's a decent sized fenced in playground for the children. It has a nice walkway along a pond which attracts lots of wildlife to see along the way. A large baseball diamond, tennis courts and basketball courts. The bathroom is decent which is a plus when it comes to parks.

This is a nice little beach in Wildwood. You do need a resident parking sticker to park along the…read moreposted area however. We are not Wildwood residents but have found parking not too far off. The swimming area is marked and mostly attracts families with young kids.

Nice park. It has a pavilion and a small beach area. The park is not very big, but it is a hidden…read moregem. Recommend you check it out. Oh, and Joe says, "Don't forget...it turns out the grass isn't always greener on the other side."

Great park to take your kids to. Just don't go when the buggers come since they're a little too…read morewild and start cursing.

Wow! This park is extraordinary. Great for everyone. They have a lot of inclusive options, which is…read morea nice touch to a park. There's a massive sandbox in the middle of the playground and plenty of different climbing structures around. There's also a bathroom which is kept clean. The whole park is nicely kept, which is always great to see. The whole playground area is fenced in, and there are a few picnic tables around if you want to have lunch or snack.

Independence Grove is such a nice forest preserve with lots of things to do especially in the…read moresummer time. Beautiful trails to walk/run along but they also have a playground for kids. They have a beer garden and snack shop. They also have water activities that you can rent like paddle boats and kayaks. It's just a nice place to go solo or with friends if you are looking to connect with nature for a bit.

Independence Grover is very much a Beautiful Paradise to My Husband & I. We discovered this great…read morenature center when we shopped at a thrift store I like. There are many fish by the tables if you bring something to eat. The bathrooms are very clean & close by. The natural nature is gorgeous! People can rent boats too. The paths are nice to walk on & this is a huge place! Plenty of parking in each section. Fishing as well. I seen there is a beach by the tables to eat at. Very cute. Peaceful too. We live in Chicago & many of our nature areas are very crowded. Even if it would get busy there is enough room for everyone here. I love it!! The plants & flowers are Amazing! I do wish we lived closer. If you have not made a visit please do.

been here a dozen of times...a hidden gem that is not easily visible and accessible from the main…read moreroads...located off the historical "old grand ave"...very well maintained recreational area...great for hosting different indoor and outdoor events (i.e. bday parties, weddings, craft shows, private gatherings)...several indoor centers with that old country settings...the rental rates are cheap maybe because it's a gurnee park district and not privately owned...clean indoor bathrooms complete with plumbing...different outdoor courts (basketball, tennis, volleyball, badminton, etc.)...plenty of parking scattered around...beautiful large old trees (especially the acorn) compliments the setting that mimics a bob ross landscape painting...the only negative comment i can say - metra line is next door so expect some train noise when outdoor...or wear ear muffs!

Nice clean recreational area for a family reunion picnic. Lot of areas for group play, privacy and…read moreclean restrooms.

I loved going to this park when I was a kid. They have a great variety of equipment, and it's still…read morea wonderful park even though they've changed the equipment. My son likes going here. There's a sand area, and lots of things to climb on, and many slides. Plus, a tennis court and baseball diamond.

Great park beautiful view…read more Excellent parking , many spots available but i suppose if you there on a crazy holiday weekend it would feel different. Amazing

My first time here. I've avoided this area because it's surrounded by iffy neighborhoods with high…read morecrime rates like murders. They had a fall festival this past weekend with free guided walks so I figured it would be safe for us. Loved the guided walk and how informative it was. This is a high quality state park with lots of native plants still intact. So the whole place is pretty deserted but it did rain in the morning. Cars with completely tinted windows drive around in broad daylight. Pretty scary...The campgrounds have security that do not allow you to pass through unless you are a camper so that would make it safe. I saw a few police cars in the area as well. Personally, this isn't for me but if you are street smart, know your way around the neighborhood, it's great for hiking.