Summary
The seat of Kane County is a charming city along the Fox River, characterized by a downtown rich in stunning Victorian architecture and a variety of independent shops and eateries. In the early 20th century, Geneva was the residence of the affluent textile industrialist George Fabyan, whose estate, Riverbank, is now part of the Fabyan Forest Preserve.
Geneva’s development has been influenced by the Fox River and railroads, with a significant Swedish immigrant population settling in the late 19th century. This history is chronicled at a well-regarded museum located downtown and is commemorated every June during the midsummer Geneva Swedish Days festival.
Having grown up in Illinois, I take pleasure in exploring the diverse cities and towns throughout the state. Below is a compilation of the most notable activities and attractions in Geneva.
1. Fabyan Villa Museum
The intellectually adventurous millionaire entrepreneur, George Fabyan (1867-1936), established his country estate, Riverbank, on the Fox River in Geneva at the beginning of the 20th century.
Fabyan resided here with his spouse, Nelle, and between 1912 and 1922, he financed code-breaking research at the Riverbank Laboratories, recognized as the birthplace of contemporary cryptology.
The mid-19th-century farmhouse on the estate underwent a complete redesign by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907.
From mid-May to mid-October, this house is accessible to the public; however, it is advisable to check the official website for confirmed visiting hours. Visitors can appreciate the architecture, learn about the intriguing lives of the Fabyans, and view many artifacts curated by George and Nelle, which include zoological specimens, Asian sculptures, and an item from the 1893 Columbian Exposition.
2. Japanese Tea Garden
The Fabyans had a deep interest in Japanese culture initiated by the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In 1910, they commissioned Japanese landscape architect Taro Otsuka to design a one-acre Japanese garden at Riverbank.
Meticulously set against a backdrop of river and woods, the garden gradually took shape throughout the 1910s, and from 1918 onward was maintained by Japanese immigrant gardener Susumu Kobayashi. Following the Fabyans’ passing, the garden fell into disrepair until restoration efforts were undertaken by the Geneva Garden Club beginning in 1974.
More than a century old, the Japanese Tea Garden is a must-visit attraction within the Fabyan Forest Preserve, featuring winding paths alongside a waterfall, pond, moon bridge, lanterns, and a teahouse.
3. Downtown Geneva
Downtown Geneva showcases a commercial district that would be the envy of any town. This area extends north from the Metra station along Third Street, adorned with impressive Victorian architecture, dominated by the imposing Kane County Courthouse (1892).
Upon reaching State Street, a variety of stores and dining establishments can be found to the east and west, forming a rough T-shape that spans several blocks.
With over 150 independent businesses in this district, shoppers will discover an array of charming gift shops alongside home design stores, jewelers, cosmetic retailers, numerous fashion boutiques, and wine and beer cellars.
The selection of restaurants and cafes is expansive, ensuring there is an ideal dining option for everyone, whether craving Cajun, contemporary American, Italian, Asian fusion, Mexican, brunch fare, artisan burgers, or pizza. For Italian cuisine enthusiasts, Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano is highly recommended.
4. Geneva History Museum
Facing the Kane County Courthouse in downtown Geneva is a prestigious local history museum. The Geneva Historical Society, established in 1943, relocated from Wheeler Park to this distinguished two-story building downtown. It is advisable to visit to better understand Geneva’s extensive history.
The Main Gallery features Geneva’s Story, a thoughtfully presented exhibition outlining the city’s rich history along with the crucial roles the Fox River and railroads played in its development.
The Geneva History Museum is actively involved in the community, organizing walking tours, bike tours, van tours, and group programs that delve into compelling aspects of Geneva’s heritage and culture, including crime, notable residents, architecture, Swedish immigration, and President JFK’s 1960 visit.
5. Fox River Trail
A valuable asset for numerous riverside communities, predominantly in Kane County, is this 40-mile multi-use path connecting Algonquin to Oswego. Geneva is one of the stopovers, and this waterfront trail can transport you from downtown to the Fabyan Villa and Windmill, or on to Batavia, which also features a picturesque downtown area.
Heading north, a day trip to South Elgin can be arranged, where a historic stretch of riverside track is preserved for a trolley museum.
Geneva is a bicycle-friendly destination, with an extensive store for sales, rentals, and repairs (Mill Race Cyclery) conveniently located along the Fox River Trail. If visiting in summer, consider renting a kayak or canoe for an adventure on the Fox River.
6. Kane County Cougars
Geneva boasts its own professional sports team, the Kane County Cougars, competing in the American Association of Professional Baseball.
Previously known as the Wausau Timbers, the Cougars have been an integral part of the Geneva community since their inception in 1991. Over the past 30+ years, they have affiliated with multiple MLB franchises and were part of the Midwest League (champions in 2001 and 2014) before joining the 12-team AAPB in 2021.
Playing at Northwestern Medicine Field, which was renovated in 2015 to accommodate nearly 11,000 spectators, this venue is an excellent and relaxed place to enjoy a game, featuring abundant family-friendly entertainment between innings, along with post-game fireworks.
7. Peck Farm Park
Managed by the Geneva Park District, this tranquil natural sanctuary borders open countryside on the west side of the city. Previously cultivated by the Peck family, this land comprises restored prairie, wetlands, nature-oriented attractions, and various sports facilities.
The Peck house serves as a visitor center, featuring interactive exhibits that narrate the history of the land and the Peck family, while the adjacent silo has been converted into an observation tower.
Outdoor facilities include sensory gardens, a splash pad, the exciting Hawks Hollow Nature Playground, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, an amphitheater, a 19-acre wetland, and a picnic area with a meeting room. From May onwards, visitors can also explore the Butterfly House, home to hundreds of non-native butterflies fluttering around freely.
8. Island Park
Situated within walking distance of downtown Geneva is a picturesque park located on a river island. Accessed via a footbridge along the Fox River Trail, Island Park offers a serene escape in the heart of town.
The park features a long row of benches overlooking the water, alongside mature hardwood trees that provide shade over expansive grassy areas and flowerbeds.
At the southern end, there is a treehouse-themed playground equipped with a climbing wall and a zip line, while midway through the park lies a sizeable brick pavilion available for rental from mid-April to mid-October. Additionally, Island Park occasionally hosts outdoor events, such as the Fox Valley Folk Festival in September.
9. Fabyan Windmill
In 1914, George Fabyan commissioned the relocation of this authentic Dutch windmill from near Elmhurst to the east bank of the Fox River, adjacent to his villa.
This operational five-story, 68-foot smock mill was crafted by German artisans in the 1850s.
By the late 20th century, the mill had degraded, prompting the Dutch windmill expert Lucas Verbij to complete an extensive restoration, obtaining timber and gearing from the Netherlands.
He declared the Fabyan Windmill to be the “finest example of a Dutch windmill in the United States.” The mill reopened in 2005 and is managed by volunteer millers who provides engaging tours on weekends from mid-May to mid-October. For tour availability, please check here.
10. Geneva Commons
Randall Road is a major thoroughfare running north to south through the western suburb of Chicago, located approximately a mile west of the Fox River.
For much of its length, this corridor is commercialized, featuring numerous shopping centers and drivethru chain restaurants, along with hotels, entertainment venues, and sports facilities.
One notable local establishment is Geneva Commons, which exudes a small-town atmosphere characterized by its sidewalks, trees, and a central square adorned with benches, pergolas, and lawns.
This shopping center includes well-known brands such as Gap, Barnes & Noble, Sephora, Pottery Barn, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Forever 21, and Victoria’s Secret. Additionally, dining options include Five Guys, Red Lobster, Lou Malnati’s, and California Pizza Kitchen, with many more located just a short drive away.
11. Penrose Brewing Company
Located in an industrial park a few blocks north of downtown Geneva, this craft brewery attracts beer enthusiasts from across the Chicago area.
As a local establishment, the Penrose Brewing Company specializes in wild/sour fermentations and hoppy flavors. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of small-batch beers with 17 available selections at the time of writing, featuring a significant number of sours and IPAs; my personal favorite is the Taproom IPA.
Some notable options include Hiking Boots (New England IPA), Ryan’s Wit (Witbier), BBA Imperial Stout aged in whiskey barrels, FrütPunch (Sour), and Lights Out Lager.
Guided tours of the brewhouse are available on weekends, and as this is a production brewery, guests are encouraged to order delivery from outstanding local restaurants in Geneva.
12. Friends of the Viking Ship
At Good Templar Park, situated just off the east bank of the Fox River, an extraordinary artifact is being preserved for future generations.
This is the Viking, an exact replica of the Gokstad ship, a 9th-century vessel uncovered in a burial mound in Gokstad, Norway.
Measuring approximately 78 feet, the Viking journeyed from Norway to Chicago in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Currently housed in a temporary structure, the Viking is undergoing long-term restoration; however, it is accessible for viewing from April to October during monthly open days featuring insightful docent-led tours.
13. French Market
Between mid-April and mid-November, a European-style market showcasing local small businesses occupies the parking lot of the Metra station.
Taking place under canopies every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm, the French Market enjoys great popularity and offers a vast array of vendors.
Typically, visitors can expect to find fresh produce from local farms, meat, cheeses, honey, jams, jellies, baked goods, specialty ingredients, fabrics, jewelry, handmade candles, fashion accessories, and handicrafts.
Usually, there are take-out food options available; the vendor specializing in Bolivian-style empanadas has an excellent reputation.
14. Fox Valley Ice Arena
An additional major sports complex in Geneva, this expansive public skating facility opened in 1996.
The Fox Valley Ice Arena features two ice rinks—one NHL regulation size at 200′ x 85′ and the other an international rink measuring 200′ x 100’—as well as a fitness center and a bar/restaurant.
This arena serves as the home of the junior ice hockey team, the Chicago Steel, which competes in the United States Hockey League. The team boasts numerous alumni, including Dennis Gilbert, who played for the Blackhawks.
The Fox Valley Ice Arena offers a wide range of programs for all ages, including options for adults, covering everything from ‘learn to skate’ to hockey fundamentals and figure skating.
Public skating sessions are regularly scheduled, alongside youth and adult hockey leagues, and casual stick and puck sessions for informal games.
15. Geneva Swedish Days
In the late 19th century, Geneva experienced substantial growth due to an influx of Swedish immigrants, who constituted half of the city’s population by 1900.
This heritage has been commemorated for over 70 years at the Geneva Swedish Days festival, celebrated in late June and recognized as the “granddaddy” of festivals in Illinois.
Typically a six-day celebration (from Tuesday to Sunday), Geneva Swedish Days features a grand parade, an arts and crafts fair, food booths, folk dancing, a 5k run (lopp), sidewalk sales downtown, carnival rides and games, as well as live music both indoors and outdoors.
