Summary
In the latter decades of the 19th century, this suburban city on the Fox River emerged as a center for windmill production, commemorated by the windmill featured in Batavia’s emblem. One intriguing aspect of Batavia is that numerous historic factories, constructed from the local pale limestone, remain intact today.
This historic architecture enhances the character of downtown Batavia, which sits along the Fox River bike trail and is vibrant with distinctive shops, service providers, and dining establishments. Elegant parks, an extravagant former country estate, stimulating museums, and attractions such as a family entertainment center and a unique public pool complex situated in a limestone quarry can also be found in proximity to the Fox River.
Notably, Batavia houses Fermilab, which was home to the world’s largest particle accelerator before the inception of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
1. Downtown Batavia
Batavia’s thriving central business district exemplifies both historical significance and modern innovation, resulting from over two decades of dedicated investment and care.
Situated on both banks of the Fox River, downtown Batavia features an array of beautiful historic structures crafted from locally sourced limestone.
The waterfront is easily accessible via the Fox River Trail, while Batavia’s delightful Riverwalk extends along a small peninsula that protrudes into the river.
An exciting array of businesses awaits exploration in downtown Batavia, including two bicycle shops, numerous boutiques, a second-hand bookstore, a musical instrument shop, home decor stores, and a variety of restaurants to cater to every taste.
2. Fermilab
Fermilab, America’s leading facility for particle physics, is conveniently located just moments east of downtown Batavia. Established in 1967, this institute was the site of the discovery of the top quark particle in 1995.
The facility boasts an impressive annual budget exceeding half a billion dollars and operates the Main Injector particle accelerator, which measures two miles in circumference.
Those with a curiosity about the complex field of particle physics should consider a visit to Fermilab, which offers self-guided experiences in two buildings, along with a complimentary guided tour each Monday at 1 PM.
The expansive grounds cover over 6,800 acres, featuring ponds, lakes, marshland, and extensive areas of restored prairie. Visitors can explore miles of paths and trails, observe a bison herd, walk along interpretive trails, and fish in the ponds and lakes.
3. Batavia Riverwalk
The Riverwalk, a collaborative effort among local community members, the park district, and the City of Batavia, provides a delightful avenue to appreciate the Fox River.
Developed over a span of six years, a significant portion of the efforts in constructing the Batavia Riverwalk was accomplished through volunteer labor.
The promenade meanders around Depot Pond and extends to a small peninsula to the east, allowing visitors to relax at the pavilion while appreciating the stunning views of the river and the adjacent dam.
Along the way, guests will encounter examples of American-style windmills that were formerly constructed in the limestone structures lining the riverbank.
During winter, ice skating is available on Depot Pond when the conditions permit. In summertime, a bikeshare program runs along the trail, and kayak rentals are offered, as will be detailed later.
4. Fox River Trail
Within Kane County, the various communities situated along the Fox River are linked by an extensive multi-use pathway, which extends from Algonquin in the north to Oswego in the south.
In Batavia, the Fox River Trail runs parallel to both riverbanks, providing a safe and scenic route to downtown bars and restaurants, charming waterfront parks, the Red Oak Nature Center, and many additional locations.
On the eastern bank, just north of the Red Oak Nature Center, the trail connects with the Batavia Spur of the Illinois Prairie Path, a 61-mile rail-to-trail network that traverses much of DuPage County, extending as far east as Wheaton.
5. Batavia Depot Museum
This museum narrates the history of Batavia, housed in a distinctive location at a waterfront railroad depot constructed in 1854.
This depot was the inaugural structure of its kind, serving the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad before being converted into a museum during the 1970s.
Visitors can view the remarkable caboose located outside, which dates back to 1907, and explore exhibits that cover various aspects of Batavia’s history.
Exhibits delve into the early European settlements, the significance of the Fox River and railroads for transportation, and Batavia’s windmill production industry.
Additionally, informative displays share lesser-known tales, such as the time Mary Todd Lincoln (1818-1882) resided at a private asylum in Batavia after her commitment in 1875.
6. Harold Hall Quarry Beach
While many suburban park districts offer summer waterparks, Batavia proudly features a transformed limestone quarry.
Located on the western bank of the Fox River, the quarry was operational from the mid-19th century until water accumulation from underground springs forced its closure.
In 1920, a local entrepreneur acquires the land and donates it to the Township Park Board to develop a beach park and swimming pool.
Harold Hall Quarry Beach has emerged as part of summer traditions in Batavia for over a century, offering swimming lanes and a zero-depth beach area for wading.
Available amenities include a drop slide, children’s flume, concession stand, sand volleyball courts, a spacious picnic area, and inflatables.
7. Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden
In 1906, Colonel George Fabyan (1867-1936) and his wife, Nelle (1866-1939), selected a picturesque section of riverbank just north of Batavia for their country retreat.
The following year, they commissioned the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to remodel the existing farmhouse in his Prairie School architectural style, adding various luxurious features such as a genuine windmill, a zoo, formal gardens, a working lighthouse, tennis courts, and a Roman-style swimming pool.
The estate is now part of the Fabyan Forest Preserve, offering guided tours of their lavish home on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons from May through September.
The Fabyans also engaged landscape architect Taro Otsuka to design an authentic Japanese garden, set on an acre of land.
8. Fabyan Windmill
Positioned on the opposing bank is one of the most charming sights along this segment of the Fox River. George Fabyan acquired this windmill in 1914 and relocated it from Lombard.
The Fabyan Windmill, standing at 68 feet tall and five stories high, was constructed in the 1850s by craftsman Louis Blackhaus, originally from Germany.
After years of inactivity, the mill fell into disrepair until the Forest Preserve District of Kane County engaged Dutch windmill maker Lucas Verbij for its restoration.
Verbij declared the Fabyan Windmill to be the finest example of a Dutch-style windmill in the United States.
This mill is distinctive as it operates solely on wind energy. Visitors can enjoy guided tours on Sunday afternoons to observe its intricate mechanism.
9. Water Street Studios
Water Street Studios serves as a vibrant hub for local artists, operating as a multifaceted community art center run by a non-profit organization.
Housed within a striking industrial structure established in 1886, the center covers 16,000 square feet and accommodates 26 artist studios, three classrooms, extensive galleries, and a live performance space.
Visitors are welcome to attend exhibits, participate in art classes, shop for high-quality local artwork, and enjoy live performances, alongside numerous events held throughout the year.
Events include an artist market on the fourth Thursday of each month and gallery openings on the second Friday.
10. Red Oak Nature Center
Located alongside the Fox River Trail, this nature center provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the ecology of the Fox River.
At the Red Oak Nature Center, engaging and informative exhibits are available, as well as staff presentations, showcasing animals such as salamanders, snakes, and turtles in terrariums.
The surrounding preserve features five diverse hiking trails, each lined with wood chips and offering a unique experience.
Lippold Park, directly north, boasts various amenities including an elevated skywalk, a family-friendly treehouse, and a boardwalk that traverses a pond habitat.
11. Kayaking
In addition to a bikeshare program, the Batavia Riverwalk also provides kayak and paddleboat rentals during the summer months.
Operated by the Batavia Park District, these rentals are available from Memorial Day weekend through September, seven days a week, transitioning to weekend availability from late August.
An enjoyable activity for families and date nights alike, kayaks and paddle boats can be rented for 30-minute sessions for a safe and leisurely experience on the gently flowing river.
Tandem kayaks are also available, and life jackets are provided to ensure safety. Participants must be at least 16 years old, or 12 years old when accompanied by an adult.
12. Funway
This riverside family entertainment center, Funway, is brimming with activities and attractions both indoors and outdoors.
Inside, visitors can enjoy a bowling alley and grill, an arcade, a laser tag arena, bumper cars, a black light mini-golf course, and a roller skating rink featuring a skate shop.
During the summer months, Funway expands its offerings to include backyard mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, and jump shot basketball.
The shaded Backyard Café and Patio is also open during this season, featuring a menu with hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, slushies, and more.
13. Laurelwood Park
Another serene location to unwind by the Fox River is Laurelwood Park, situated on the eastern bank. This small park has an intriguing history as part of an expansive private amusement park operated by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad during the early 20th century.
This park serves as an ideal spot to relax along the Fox River Trail, offering a picnic area, several fishing locations, and a boat launch.
The Lodge at Laurelwood is utilized for events, parties, and park district programs, boasting a newly created patio that overlooks the river.
14. Dick Young Forest Preserve
Located a short distance southwest of downtown Batavia, the Dick Young Forest Preserve is one of the region’s most vital wetland sites.
The Nelson Lake Marsh, situated here, was formed in a natural depression created by glacial ice approximately 10,000 years ago.
While farming and peat extraction led to degradation of the wetlands, a restoration initiative was inspired in the 1970s by the late conservationist Dick Young.
Over 200 species of birds have been recorded within the Dick Young Forest Preserve, with a notable presence of waterfowl and other aquatic birds such as great white egrets, greater white-fronted geese, and pied-billed grebes.
15. West Main Community Park
Situated out in the open countryside just a few minutes west of downtown, West Main Community Park represents the largest property within the Batavia Park District.
This park provides a space for active recreation, featuring a baseball field, a softball field, full-size basketball courts, soccer fields, and a roller hockey court. One of its prominent attractions is the 18-hole disc golf course, inaugurated in 2013.
The course accommodates beginners, but also offers tree-lined holes that present a challenge to more seasoned players.
Additionally, a fenced three-acre dog park is located here, equipped with a pavilion and agility equipment, open to all without the need for a permit.
