Grove volunteers demonstrate pioneer chores during Pioneer Day in Glenview, here Aimee Cadar, demonstrates clothes washing technique. (Gina Grillo / Pioneer Press)

Saturday’s mild temperatures were just right for a trip down the pioneer trail to discover what life was like in the 1800s in Illinois.

Pioneer Day at The Grove, provided educational and historic fun, inviting families to journey back to the day when the first settlers arrived in Illinois.

“Imagine a time when Illinois was like the wild West, a time when settlers lived without electricity, central air, running water or a flush toilet,” Diane Michalski, recreation supervisor, The Grove, National Historic Landmark said.

Callum Brueck of Glenview assists Grove volunteers Mariana and Aimee Cadar with pioneer chores at the log cabin, during Pioneer Day on Saturday at the Grove. (Gina Grillo / Pioneer Press)

Preregistered arrival times from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a participant map guided visitors on their quest for life in a simpler time.

Interactive stations along the Grove trail, where families took part in many hands-on activities — a trip to a Civil War encampment, a visit to the Blacksmith shop for some tin punching, a lesson in candle dipping at the herb shed, or the pleasure of pioneer chores at the log cabin, all for an all-inclusive, $5.00 ticket price.

Those completing station tasks, earned a spin of the wagon wheel and a special prize, and had an opportunity to take a family photo at the Conestoga wagon.

Although Pioneer Day was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, according to Michalski, the event has been held each year at the Grove since 2011, and was originally a reinvention of their previously held Civil War days.

Play doesn’t have to be complex to be fun, here Selah Lee and Taylor Kim of Glenview try out pioneer wooden toys. (Gina Grillo / Pioneer Press)

Debbie Wilen of Grayslake attended with her children on Saturday.

“Kids can learn that everything doesn’t happen on their tablet,” Wilen said.

“My son Lucas learned how to use a hammer and nails like a blacksmith, and he helped with chores in the log cabin, he can’t do that on his computer,” Wilen said.

Other activities included pioneer songs and music at the Program Barn, pioneer toys and games at the outside tent, and tours of the Kennicott House.

Justin Brueck of Glenview attended with his family.

Kenli, Lucas and Debbie Wilen of Grayslake learn about log cutting implements during Pioneer Day at the Grove on Saturday. (Gina Grillo / Pioneer Press)

“This gives the kids the opportunity to see how life was different without modern amenities, and not just reading about it in a book like Little House on the Prairie, but a chance to experience it close up,” Brueck said.

“It was a simpler time when families had to work together,” Brueck said.

Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.