Things to Do in Geneva IL

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.

Swedish Days (June)
The most renowned of these events occurs each June with the Midsommar Festival. Swedish Days, a six-day celebration of Geneva’s Swedish heritage, recently marked 70 years in 2019. This “Granddaddy” of Illinois festivals features a host of family-friendly activities such as a carnival, Sweden Väst, musical entertainment, Kids’ Day, a Grand Parade, Swedish and American food, plus great shopping.

Geneva Arts Fair (July)
The Geneva Arts Fair annually welcomes more than 155 artisans in a host of mediums from around the country during the fourth weekend in July. The outdoor fine arts show was voted a Top 10 Best Art Fairs in the country by artfaircalendar.com and a recent winner of “Best Craft or Art Show” by West Suburban Living magazine. Victorian homes-turned-businesses in the downtown historic district serve as a picturesque backdrop for the show.

Festival of the Vine (September)
September’s Festival of the Vine is a three-day event consisting of food, wine seminars and events, a flower market, a craft show and carriage rides. The Flavor Fare features Geneva restaurants, plus musical entertainment. Festival of the Vine is consistently picked as a top festival in readers’ polls.

Christmas Walk & Holiday House Tour (December)
The Christmas Walk in December is complete with visits from Santa Lucia (Sweden’s symbol of the season) and Santa Claus, the melodic voices of carolers, the inviting aroma of roasted chestnuts and an old-fashioned candy cane pull. Coinciding with the Christmas Walk is our Holiday House Tour, a self-guided tour of five distinctive homes festively decorated for the holidays.

Classic Car Shows (Thursdays in July & August)
Running every Thursday evening in July and August, the car show hosts dozens of classic, muscle and rare cars, motorcycles and trucks as well as live entertainment, food and more. The show is held in the old courthouse parking lot on the corner of James and Fourth streets.

More…

The Geneva Concours d’Elegance (August) and the Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival (September) are among the other annual events that contribute to making Geneva a must-see destination. For a complete listing of Geneva festivals and events, visit genevachamber.com.

All Year Long

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 Diamondbacks April-September. The Cougars take on team rivals at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva. Family-friendly events include firework shows, human bowling, pedal car racing, giveaways, autographs from the players and the KidZone Playground.

Enjoy fast-paced family fun at Fox Valley Ice Arena, September through May. Future college and pro stars play for the Chicago Steel in the nation’s best junior hockey league (USHL).

Delve into the area’s history with a trip to the Geneva History Museum. 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. Tours through the city’s historic district are also offered.

Visit Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese
Garden in the Fabyan Forest Preserve. Tour Penrose Brewing Company or Fox River Distilling Company and learn more about our local craft beers and spirits.

Just to the south, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory specializing in high-energy particle physics. Self-guided tours are available and include both the outdoor areas and limited indoor facilities.

Moving to Geveva Illinois

Welcome to Geneva! Moving to a new home tends to be a busy time for many. Here is a list of key services and information to help you make a smooth transition to your new address. The below information pertains to incorporated Geneva residents and can also be accessed on www.geneva.il.us/1159/New-Residents, as this will be the place to set up new services.

Please note: the Mill Creek subdivision is located in unincorporated Kane County and not within the city’s corporate boundaries. Please see information on page 25 for specifics for Mill Creek residents.

CITY UTILITIES

City of Geneva provides both water and electric to residents. Service can be set up online by visiting the above website. NICOR Gas provides gas to residents; contact them at (888) 642‑6748.

GARBAGE/RECYCLING

Lakeshore Recycling Systems is the waste provider for incorporated Geneva residents. Garbage is collected on Thursday or Friday of each week depending on the location of the residence. Refuse and recycling carts should be placed at the curb between 7 p.m. the previous night and 6 a.m. the day of collection. Residents can dispose of their trash with a “pay as you throw” user base model or subscribe to a garbage cart from Lakeshore Recycling that carries a monthly charge.

New to Geneva? Start your garbage service by contacting Lakeshore Recycling’s customer service team at (630) 581‑8650.

PUBLIC WORKS

The City of Geneva Public Works Department oversees a number of important functions that affect your everyday life, such as road construction, snow removal, garbage collection, electricity and water. Please refer to www.geneva.il.us/1159/New-Residents, for more information.

PARKING

Geneva is home to nearly 22,000 residents and is a destination for thousands of visitors each year who enjoy shopping and dining in our historic downtown. For those who have lived in our city for years or are new to the community, questions about the best place to park often arise. Visit www.geneva.il.us/1159/ New-Residents for maps on where to park during the day and overnight in Geneva, as well as commuter parking if you are taking the train from Geneva.

COMMUNICATIONS

Want to receive updates on construction, road closures, power outages, safety concerns and anything else affecting you as a Geneva resident? Subscribe to City of Geneva updates. Sign up at www.geneva.il.us/list.aspx.

CITY COUNCIL

The forward-thinking City of Geneva operates under a mayor-council form of government composed of a mayor and 10 aldermen representing five wards. The Geneva City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month to discuss matters of business and policy concerning the community. The Committee of the Whole meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of the month.

The community works closely with local government to enhance the quality of life enjoyed in Geneva. Citizen participation is highly encouraged at the monthly city council meetings and through nearly a dozen city boards, committees and commissions that cover various initiatives such as cultural arts, beautification and historic preservation.

POLICE AND FIRE

Community safety and prevention is safeguarded by both the Geneva Police Department and the Geneva Fire Department.

In addition to crime prevention, the Geneva Police Department offers a number of community programs and educational services including internet safety and crime prevention programs, Operation Senior Care, drug/medication collection program, Kane County Safe Kids, a child ID program and many programs in cooperation with the Geneva schools.

The Geneva Fire Department provides a wide array of emergency and non-emergency services to the community that include fire suppression, paramedic-based emergency medical care and transport, hazardous material assessment/mitigation, technical rescue response, life safety education programs that target grade school children and senior residents of the community, fire code enforcement and CPR classes, as well as home and business safety inspections.

SENIOR CENTER

The Geneva Township Senior Center in Wheeler Park has approximately 6,000 square feet devoted exclusively to all senior citizens and senior groups in our community. The space includes a Senior Social Hall and separate space for individual and group activities.

The Senior Services Committee meets the second Wednesday of each month and welcomes your participation and ideas.

MILL CREEK RESIDENTS

Electricity (ComEd)
(800) 334‑7661, comed.com

Garbage (Advanced Disposal)
(630) 587‑8282, advanceddisposal.com

Water (Mill Creek Water Reclamation)
(630) 208‑9898, millcreekwrd.com

For other services, please contact Blackberry Township at
(630) 365‑9109 or visit www.countyofkane.org/Pages/millcreek.aspx.

Greetings from the Geneva Chamber of Commerce and a big welcome to Geneva. You know you have already chosen one of the best cities in the western suburbs to live. The longer you are here, the more you will fall in love with all that Geneva has to offer. We are a living “picture postcard.”

The Geneva Chamber is here to help you. We are not only your local chamber of commerce, but the tourism bureau as well. We are one of your best resources for business (and event) information in the Tri-Cities. We can connect you with local businesses from plumbers to bankers, insurance agents to optometrists, to finding that restaurant you’ve wanted to try or inform you of exciting indoor and outdoor activities that you and your family can enjoy. Come enjoy the unique shopping of our downtown area or visit the many shops at the Geneva Commons. No two restaurants are the same. You can find any variety of restaurants to suit your distinctive palate. We have it all. And now we have you. Welcome to beautiful Geneva, Illinois.

You can contact us at (630) 232‑6060 or go to our website at genevachamber.com.

Paula Schmidt
President
Geneva Chamber of Commerce

Dear Neighbor,

Welcome to Geneva! I’m proud to introduce you to my hometown and all that it has to offer.

With an abiding commitment to the natural and built environment, a celebrated education system, award-winning park district, innovative and inspiring library district and strong spirit of citizen engagement, Geneva, Illinois, has distinguished itself as a premier community in which to live, learn, work, play and raise a family.

With more than 1,000 stores, 150 restaurants, a wide variety of entertainment options within walking and biking distance from every corner of the community, we trust you’ll soon discover the myriad options that will make your new hometown enjoyable.

As you settle in, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can ever be of assistance. My email is kburns@geneva.il.us and my phone number is (630) 232‑0000, ext. 4000. I look forward to the pleasure of speaking with you and meeting you.

Once again, a very warm welcome to you and thanks for choosing Geneva!

My best,
Kevin R. Burns
Mayor

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.

Geneva’s storied past begins with the arrival of its first settler, Daniel Shaw Haight, in the early 1830s. After building a cabin along the Fox River, he chose to relocate and sold his land to James and Charity Herrington in 1835. By 1836, the town was selected as the site of the new county seat.

Early names of the settlement included “Big Spring,” “Herrington’s Ford” and “La Fox.” Ultimately, the town was christened “Geneva” – a name that was adopted from a city in upstate New York. The suggestion most likely came from Dr. Charles Volney Dyer, a Chicago resident and noted abolitionist who had recently traveled to New York. James Herrington proved to be an influential person in the establishment of Geneva. Prior to his untimely death in 1839 at the age of 41, Herrington platted the new town, served as sheriff and established the first post office, tavern and general store.

The advent of the railroad in 1853 was an important development in Geneva’s history, placing the town on a main line offering both commuter and freight rail service. Along with the railroad came a surge of Swedish immigrants who helped construct the railroad and many chose to stay in the fledgling town. Geneva was officially incorporated as a village in 1858, followed by incorporation as a city in 1887.

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 health care resources, vibrant arts and cultural offerings and a dynamic business climate.

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 Chicago 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 just 30 minutes south of Geneva.

In order to enjoy all that Geneva has to offer, you will need to stay more than just one day. Fortunately, guests have a choice of several high-quality hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts in the area.

The Comfort Inn & Suites of Geneva is just minutes from the downtown Geneva shopping and entertainment district; Chicago Premium Outlet Mall; Northwestern Medicine Field, home of the Kane County Cougars; and Fox Valley Ice Arena, home of the Chicago Steel. This 90-room hotel offers 42 suites and 48 guest rooms as well as amenities such as a complimentary deluxe breakfast, fitness center, spa and swimming pool.

The AAA Three Diamond hotel recently garnered the 2018 Hall of Fame Trip Advisor Award for five consecutive years of excellence. In addition, the hotel received the 2017 Gold Award by Choice Hotels International and is ranked in the top 10 percent of Comfort Inns nationwide. The Geneva hotel was also voted one of the best both in the Kane County Chronicle’s Best of the Fox and the Daily Herald’s Readers’ Choice for 2018.

The Herrington Inn & Spa is an AAA Four Diamond hotel composed of 61 elegant guestrooms, a tranquil spa, the award-winning Atwater’s Restaurant and beautiful meeting and event space with the outside Plaza Patio. Tucked within historic Geneva along the Fox River, the Herrington is housed within a lovingly restored limestone structure dating back to the 1800s, providing the warmth and charm of a fine European inn.

Guests looking for the ambiance of a tranquil English country estate may choose to stay at the Oscar Swan Country Inn, Geneva’s only bed and breakfast. The historic building was constructed in the 1860s as a farmhouse and has undergone extensive renovation over the years. The quaint inn, which sits upon eight acres with beautiful gardens, offers eight guest rooms for visitors, as well as services for weddings, private parties, business retreats and public events.

Neighboring St. Charles also offers a wide selection of excellent lodging options. Hotel Baker, dubbed “The Crown Jewel of the Fox,” is an historic 53-room hotel offering luxurious accommodations and state-of-the-art amenities. Pheasant Run is a 250-acre retreat with golf, dining and entertainment. The Best Western Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites, all in St. Charles, round out the lodging options available for an overnight, weekend or longer stay in the Fox Valley area.