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Vacation in Geneva - Illinois
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Jump to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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Area Overview
The quaint city of Geneva is a growing Chicago suburb offering the best of both worlds: a deep appreciation for its rich past and an enthusiastic outlook for its promising future. Today, Geneva is home to approximately 22,000 residents and welcomes thousands of visitors annually who take pleasure in its distinctive hometown atmosphere. With its location along the scenic Fox River, Geneva benefits from a beautiful backdrop for its charming shopping district, year-round festivals and a myriad of recreational opportunities.
The Geneva of today has preserved its charming historic essence, distinguished by peaceful tree-lined streets with many well-maintained homes from the mid- to late-19th Century. While this unique historical character remains intact, Geneva has experienced thoughtful development with the incorporation of superior educational and healthcare resources, vibrant arts and cultural offerings and a dynamic business climate.
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Things to Do |
Recreation & Fitness
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The peaceful environment of Geneva offers residents and guests an unmatched escape from the fast-paced world of today. From perusing through the shops and restaurants of the historic downtown district to whiling away a day at one of the city’s beautiful park sites, visitors have endless possibilities when it comes to spending time in Geneva. For those craving a bit more excitement, Geneva offers four highly acclaimed annual festivals.
Sports enthusiasts looking for an exciting day at the ballpark revel in the offerings of the Kane County Cougars, a Class A affiliate of the Arizona Diamonbacks. The Cougars take on team rivals at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Geneva. Family-friendly events include firework shows, human bowling, pedal car racing, giveaways, autographs from the players and the KidZone Playground.
For those who love to shop, there is no better place than Geneva. The downtown bustles with shoppers who delight in the more than 100 specialty shops nestled in historic storefronts and charming Victorian-style homes. Unique treasures from all over the world beg to be discovered in this quaint part of town. High-end fashions, exquisite jewels, European antiques, original works of art and one-of-a-kind gifts are among the many items offered by downtown merchants.
The Randall Road Corridor, located less than three miles west of downtown Geneva, is home to many major retailers carrying everything from home improvement supplies and sporting goods to clothing and beauty needs. Geneva Commons, an upscale, open-air shopping center positioned along Randall Road, offers more than 65 diverse businesses. Nearly a dozen restaurants and cafes line the sidewalks of Geneva Commons providing plenty of options for a quick bite to eat or a relaxing sit-down meal.
A night out on the town with fine dining or a quick meal at a sidewalk café, Geneva has it all. With the diversity of cuisine, dining in Geneva is more than a meal, it is an experience. Gather at landmark establishments, in casual or sophisticated settings, where welcoming staff treat you like part of the family.
Fine wine lists, unique beers, signature specials, and tempting treats offer interesting choices for everyone. Snack on miniature pastries, chocolate fondue, homemade ice cream, cupcakes, popcorn and other delicious treats throughout the afternoon.
Geneva’s location along the 33-mile Fox River Trail offers easy access for bikers, hikers, joggers and cross-country skiers. Destinations reachable via this smooth-surface trail include the Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve and Nature Center, the Fabyan Forest Preserve, the Villa Museum, and the Japanese Garden. Outdoor enthusiasts can also take advantage of the 17-mile Great Western Trail and the 12-mile Virgil L. Gilman Nature Trail. Each of these trails is open year-round and provides visitors with the opportunity to view wildlife and native plant life throughout the changing seasons.
The Geneva Park District has been a staple of the community for more than 55 years, evolving from an organization of four parks into one of 50 parks totaling more than 700 acres. Additionally, more than 40,000 toddlers, youth and adults participate in 3,000 programs each year through the Park District. Included in the seasonal listings are programs for all age groups—before- and after-school programs, arts and crafts, athletics, dance, summer camps and group outings. The Sunset Racquetball & Fitness Center and Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center (SPRC) offer fitness centers, aerobic and dance studios and multi-purpose rooms. Additionally, SPRC also features an indoor track and two full-court gymnasiums. The award-winning Sunset Pool and the Stone Creek Miniature Golf Course are among the district’s popular facilities.
Peck Farm Park is a 395-acre environmental destination that encompasses nature trails, picnic sites, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a 19-acre wetland, the outdoor Butterfly House & Sensory Garden (open during the summer), an Orientation Barn and Observation Silo. The visitor center, located in an 1869 Italianate brick house, contains the Nature Discovery Room and the History Room. Aside from its facilities, Peck Farm Park offers a wealth of hands-on learning programs for schoolchildren, scout groups and community organizations.
Golfers have their choice of several public and private golf courses in Geneva. Mill Creek Golf Club, Eagle Brook Country Club and Geneva Golf Club each provide the setting for an enjoyable day on the greens regardless of skill level. Golfers can also take advantage of nearby courses including West Chicago’s Prairie Landing, St. Charles Country Club and St. Charles’ Royal Country Clubs as well as the two courses located at the Pheasant Run Resort.
The Fox Valley Ice Arena is one of the premier family ice sports complexes in the Greater Chicagoland Area featuring one NHL Rink and one International Rink. Classes and public skating is available year round.
Graduating seniors and adults looking to continue their education are afforded several options within a 30-mile range of Geneva. Nearby Sugar Grove is home to the main campus of Waubonsee Community College (WCC). WCC offers students a wide selection of two-year transfer and career education degree programs, along with numerous one-semester certificate programs. WCC also provides Adult Education and Community Education programs, plus a range of Workforce Development offerings. Further higher learning opportunities are available at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, the Northern Illinois University campus in DeKalb, and the private, liberal arts institutions of Wheaton College, North Central College in Naperville, Aurora University and Benedictine University in Lisle.
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Cultural Activities
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The City of Geneva and its neighboring communities are home to an abundance of top-notch cultural venues and activities.
Tours provided through the Geneva Chamber of Commerce invite visitors to discover the city’s historic district. Hosted by a knowledgeable guide dressed in period clothing, tourists will view revamped storefronts and treasured Third Street Victorian homes that presently house a diversity of specialty shops and eateries.
Delve even further into the area’s history with a trip to the Geneva History Center. The 17,000-square-foot center opened its doors in 2004 and is bursting with award-winning educational programming as well as the stocked Archives and Reading Room.
State Street Dance Studio, the downtown art galleries, as well as the active Cultural Arts Commission combine their forces to make Geneva and the greater Fox Valley area a worthy destination for those who enjoy the visual and performing arts.
Fox Valley Repertory Live Theater and Preservation Hall Theater, both located at Pheasant Run offers performances ranging from comedies to musicals and plays for all ages. The 79-seat Steel Beam Theatre has musicals, plays, improvisational comedy and children’s theater. Both are located in St. Charles.
The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin provides the western Chicago suburbs with a stellar line-up of entertainers each season. The center features a 1,200-seat theatre that hosts the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and has attracted a number of big name performers throughout the years.
Students, residents, businesses and visitors all benefit from the programs and services provided by the Geneva Public Library District. Supplementing the library’s nearly 170,000-item collection is an assortment of exceptional programs for children, teens and adults. Book discussions, reading clubs, book talks, tutoring, children’s story time and a wide range of outreach services are among the popular programs offered through the library.
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Attractions
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The peaceful environment of Geneva offers residents and guests an unmatched escape from the fast-paced world of today. From perusing through the shops and restaurants of the historic downtown district to whiling away a day at one of the city’s beautiful park sites, visitors have endless possibilities when it comes to spending time in Geneva. For those craving a bit more excitement, Geneva offers four highly acclaimed annual festivals.
Sports enthusiasts looking for an exciting day at the ballpark revel in the offerings of the Kane County Cougars, a Class A affiliate of the Arizona Diamonbacks. The Cougars take on team rivals at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Geneva. Family-friendly events include firework shows, human bowling, pedal car racing, giveaways, autographs from the players and the KidZone Playground.
For those who love to shop, there is no better place than Geneva. The downtown bustles with shoppers who delight in the more than 100 specialty shops nestled in historic storefronts and charming Victorian-style homes. Unique treasures from all over the world beg to be discovered in this quaint part of town. High-end fashions, exquisite jewels, European antiques, original works of art and one-of-a-kind gifts are among the many items offered by downtown merchants.
The Randall Road Corridor, located less than three miles west of downtown Geneva, is home to many major retailers carrying everything from home improvement supplies and sporting goods to clothing and beauty needs. Geneva Commons, an upscale, open-air shopping center positioned along Randall Road, offers more than 65 diverse businesses. Nearly a dozen restaurants and cafes line the sidewalks of Geneva Commons providing plenty of options for a quick bite to eat or a relaxing sit-down meal.
A night out on the town with fine dining or a quick meal at a sidewalk café, Geneva has it all. With the diversity of cuisine, dining in Geneva is more than a meal, it is an experience. Gather at landmark establishments, in casual or sophisticated settings, where welcoming staff treat you like part of the family.
Fine wine lists, unique beers, signature specials, and tempting treats offer interesting choices for everyone. Snack on miniature pastries, chocolate fondue, homemade ice cream, cupcakes, popcorn and other delicious treats throughout the afternoon.
Geneva’s location along the 33-mile Fox River Trail offers easy access for bikers, hikers, joggers and cross-country skiers. Destinations reachable via this smooth-surface trail include the Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve and Nature Center, the Fabyan Forest Preserve, the Villa Museum, and the Japanese Garden. Outdoor enthusiasts can also take advantage of the 17-mile Great Western Trail and the 12-mile Virgil L. Gilman Nature Trail. Each of these trails is open year-round and provides visitors with the opportunity to view wildlife and native plant life throughout the changing seasons.
The Geneva Park District has been a staple of the community for more than 55 years, evolving from an organization of four parks into one of 50 parks totaling more than 700 acres. Additionally, more than 40,000 toddlers, youth and adults participate in 3,000 programs each year through the Park District. Included in the seasonal listings are programs for all age groups—before- and after-school programs, arts and crafts, athletics, dance, summer camps and group outings. The Sunset Racquetball & Fitness Center and Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center (SPRC) offer fitness centers, aerobic and dance studios and multi-purpose rooms. Additionally, SPRC also features an indoor track and two full-court gymnasiums. The award-winning Sunset Pool and the Stone Creek Miniature Golf Course are among the district’s popular facilities.
Peck Farm Park is a 395-acre environmental destination that encompasses nature trails, picnic sites, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, a 19-acre wetland, the outdoor Butterfly House & Sensory Garden (open during the summer), an Orientation Barn and Observation Silo. The visitor center, located in an 1869 Italianate brick house, contains the Nature Discovery Room and the History Room. Aside from its facilities, Peck Farm Park offers a wealth of hands-on learning programs for schoolchildren, scout groups and community organizations.
Golfers have their choice of several public and private golf courses in Geneva. Mill Creek Golf Club, Eagle Brook Country Club and Geneva Golf Club each provide the setting for an enjoyable day on the greens regardless of skill level. Golfers can also take advantage of nearby courses including West Chicago’s Prairie Landing, St. Charles Country Club and St. Charles’ Royal Country Clubs as well as the two courses located at the Pheasant Run Resort.
The Fox Valley Ice Arena is one of the premier family ice sports complexes in the Greater Chicagoland Area featuring one NHL Rink and one International Rink. Classes and public skating is available year round.
Graduating seniors and adults looking to continue their education are afforded several options within a 30-mile range of Geneva. Nearby Sugar Grove is home to the main campus of Waubonsee Community College (WCC). WCC offers students a wide selection of two-year transfer and career education degree programs, along with numerous one-semester certificate programs. WCC also provides Adult Education and Community Education programs, plus a range of Workforce Development offerings. Further higher learning opportunities are available at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, the Northern Illinois University campus in DeKalb, and the private, liberal arts institutions of Wheaton College, North Central College in Naperville, Aurora University and Benedictine University in Lisle.
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Transportation |
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Geneva is one of the stops on the west line from Chicago. Rental cars and taxis are available in Geneva. Geneva is one of the PACE bus stops between neighboring suburbs. There are two Chicago airports, Geneva is about 1 hour from each.
Geneva, the designated seat of Kane County, enjoys an ideal suburban location along the great Fox River, approximately 45 miles west of Chicago. Local travel is convenient via several main thoroughfares. Highways 25 and 31 offer a direct connection to the neighboring cities of St. Charles to the north and Batavia to the south. State Street (IL Route 38) winds its way through Geneva, providing an efficient route to Chicago and those cities lying to the east and west. In addition, Geneva’s location within the Chicagoland area offers easy access to Interstates 88 and 90 that in turn, link commuters to Interstates 290, 294 and 355.
These major roadways, coupled with passenger service, make Geneva a prime location for commuters and businesses. Geneva is served by the Metra Union Pacific/West Line, a commuter train offering transportation to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center and to the many communities located along the route. Commercial air travel is accessible within a one hour’s drive of Geneva.
Chicago’s O’Hare International and Midway International Airports offer hundreds of daily flights to destinations across the globe. Corporate travel is provided through DuPage Airport in nearby West Chicago and through Aurora Municipal Airport located just 30 minutes south of Geneva.
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Climate |
Monthly Temperatures / Rainfall
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Low
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Avg
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High
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Rain |
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January
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16.0
F°
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23.0
F°
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30.0
F°
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1.7
"
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February
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20.0
F°
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27.5
F°
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35.0
F°
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1.8
"
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March
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30.0
F°
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38.5
F°
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47.0
F°
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2.4
"
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April
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40.0
F°
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50.0
F°
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60.0
F°
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3.6
"
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May
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50.0
F°
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60.5
F°
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71.0
F°
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4.0
"
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June
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60.0
F°
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70.0
F°
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80.0
F°
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4.2
"
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July
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65.0
F°
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74.5
F°
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84.0
F°
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3.9
"
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August
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63.0
F°
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72.5
F°
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82.0
F°
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4.1
"
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September
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55.0
F°
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65.0
F°
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75.0
F°
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3.6
"
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October
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43.0
F°
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52.5
F°
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62.0
F°
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3.1
"
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November
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33.0
F°
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40.5
F°
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48.0
F°
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3.2
"
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December
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20.0
F°
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27.0
F°
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34.0
F°
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2.2
"
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Best Time To Go:
Summer and fall.
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Spring temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 40's and highs in the upper 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 30's. Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the low 70's and highs in the low 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 60's. Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the low 50's and highs in the low 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 40's. Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the mid 20's and highs in the low 30's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 10's.
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Accommodations |
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Geneva is the perfect overnight or weekend getaway. From a relaxing B&B to the finest hotels and resorts, the Geneva area has lodging to accommodate every budget. So after an invigorating bike ride, exciting Cougars game or successful day of shopping, pamper yourself at one of Geneva’s deluxe accommodations
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Costs |
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Additional Information
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Visitor Information
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Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
|
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