Fabyan Forest Preserve
Fabyan Forest Preserve - 1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL 60134
Fabyan Forest Preserve is located south of Geneva on the Fox River, with entrances on both Route 25 and Route 31, just north of Fabyan Parkway. The Fabyan Villa Museum provides general history tours about the Fabyans and their fabulous Riverbank estate. Visitors are invited to stroll through the Fabyan Japanese Garden which is on the estate grounds. The preserve also has a 68 foot, five-story Dutch windmill offering tours. (Hours are limited for the tours so make sure to check before you go.)
The Fabyan property was initially a country retreat from their home in Chicago. They acquired 300 acres, creating a country estate complete with fountains, gardens, a Dutch-style windmill, a private zoo, and a working lighthouse. Needless to say, there are a plethora of scenic spots for family photos, to have a picnic or to ride bikes. Definitely bring a stroller if your children get tired easily from walking. There are public restrooms on one side of the park, cleanliness really depends on the day!
My son was especially excited to see the old bear cages from when the Fabyans used to have a small zoo on property! The bear cage now has picnic tables if you want to stop for a picnic, and you can even rent it out for special events and birthday parties!
If you haven’t gotten enough of Fabyan just yet, bring your fishing gear and see what you might catch! Finish off watching the sunset! We have seen some of the most beautiful sunsets across the Fox River.
What to bring:
Good Walking Shoes
A stroller or wagon for small children
A picnic lunch
Bicycles if you want to explore the biking path
Fishing Gear
A camera to capture great family photos