Lincoln lives on as the main character in the plot of Illinois. “Lincoln was here,” is a surefire way to draw road weary travelers off the Prairie State’s superhighways faster than a Phillips 66 gas pump. Even if one chooses to stay on the highway, Lincoln’s recognizable image will still go ahead of you on the IL license plates! No one can match Abraham Lincoln’s role in American history, however, let’s not let his worthy fame overshadow a few other Illinois nominees for best supporting actor. In this case, the Oscar would most likely go to Dr. John Kennicott and his son, Robert. Their story comes to life at The Grove in Glenview, where Park District staff have tirelessly worked to resurrect and restore the Kennicott family’s name in American history.
There are so many fun activities to do at The Grove that when you visit for a daytrip, you won’t know where to begin. Should you start your visit at the meticulously handcrafted archives building? Or tour one of the beautifully maintained mansions? Maybe you should begin with the working blacksmith shop? Or the miles of wilderness trails? If I had to chose, I’d always start at their innovative nature center that is creatively filled with the fauna Robert Kennicott painstakingly catalogued many years ago.
During your visit to the nature center, make sure you say “hi” to Big Al, an enormous and ancient alligator snapping turtle who quite possibly was alive when Lincoln was President. He may be the hidden gem within the hidden gem!
So, if you are trying to find something to do for your daytrip, weekend or Illinois adventure, do continue to look for Lincoln as the main character of American and Illinois history. But don’t forget to visit the cast of Kennicotts as well, whose supporting actor roles will never be forgotten thanks, to the Glenview Park District.
Visit: The Grove of the Glenview Park District, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL. http://www.glenviewparks.org/thegrove/
Consider: The kids will appreciate an additional stop at the Kohl Children’s Museum.
Enjoy!
