Location: Geneva
Top Things to do in Geneva
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Geneva That You Shouldn't Miss
Geneva is a city in and the county seat of Kane County, Illinois, United States. It is located on the western side of the Chicago suburbs.
Restaurants in Geneva
1. Downtown Geneva Historic Shopping District
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By FormosaJane - Elgin, United States
I enjoy cooking so my favorite shops in Downtown Geneva are the Olive Mill, right behind the Post Office (their aged balsamic vinegar is some of the best I've ever had) and 360 Flavor and Spice (great spice blends and personal service), but for those who don't want to cook, there are lots of great restaurants and multiple chocolate and sweet shops (Graham's Fine Chocolate & Ice Cream and Cocoa Bean are my hands-down favorites). You can also shop for just about anything in the shopping district -- clothing, antiques, jewelry. Among the standout shops are Anew, a beautifully curated consignment shop for high-end used clothing and accessories; State Street Jewelers, with not only a beautiful array of jewelry but also skilled jewelers who can help clean, repair or breathe new life into existing pieces; and the Paper Merchant, which carries a range of whimsical gift cards, stationery and other paper goods.
2. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn & More
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By 772terrib
My daughter had an interview in St. Charles, IL so we made it a girls’ weekend. This little store was adorable and had all kinds of kettle popcorn and candies. We opted for the original kettle corn which was delicious. We would highly recommend this store.
3. Fox River Distilling Company
4. Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Fabyan Villa in Geneva, Illinois, the centerpiece of George and Nelle Fabyan's country estate, which they named Riverbank, is notable because of its remodeling by Frank Lloyd Wright. Fabyan, a millionaire businessman, lived in the house from 1908 to 1939. Located at 1925 South Batavia Avenue, on the Fox River, the mid-1800s farmhouse that the Fabyans acquired in 1905 was extensively redesigned in 1907 by Wright. The estate spanned 300 acres and featured a Japanese Garden, private zoo, Roman-style swimming pool, greenhouses, gardens, grottoes, a lighthouse, a Dutch-style windmill, a country club, a small farm and scientific laboratory complex. Since 1995, Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley has operated the Fabyan Villa Museum, where photographs, a limited number of original furnishings, the Fabyans' personal collection of artifacts and the history of Riverbank are shared with the public. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Fabyan also created Riverbank Laboratories, the first privately owned research facility in the United States. Between 1912 and 1922, it was the birthplace of cryptology. Nearly all American military cryptography in World War I was done here. In 1918, Fabyan built the first reverberation chamber in the United States for Harvard physicist Wallace Clement Sabine, the pioneer researcher in architectural acoustics. The acoustic laboratory is still in use today as a testing facility.
5. Island Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By CharlieV2011 - Chicago, United States
I spent the day here with family and it was a great day. The park and paths were full of people enjoying life on a great day. We sat by the river and caught up with how everyone is doing. After that, we walked into the historic section of town and enjoyed the afternoon. Great way to spend the day with friends or family!
6. The Little Traveler
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Locally owned and operated, The Little Traveler is a Geneva Landmark. A SIMPLE IDEA THAT EVOLVED INTO A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE Downtown Geneva is still known as one of the most unique shopping districts in the Midwest, maintaining a tradition of hospitality, charm, and character. This area is now one of the prettiest streets in Geneva. The Little Traveler has remained the cornerstone of this tradition. The shop has grown considerably since the original Italianate Victorian residence (which now serves as the center section of the shop) to thirty-six rooms of treasures. You’ll be greeted by a caring staff and amazed by the never-ending array of items brought back by our modern day little travelers.
Reviewed By BonnieT159 - Chicago, United States
This old mansion has a million little rooms in which different items are sold from housewares to clothes to toys to candy to fair trade and so much more. And there’s a small restaurant that offers a surprising variety of meals and desserts. This store is not to be missed.
7. Geneva History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown on Third Street, the Geneva History Museum is a non-profit museum offering a permanent Geneva history exhibition "Geneva's Story", a feature gallery for traveling exhibitions, research facilities, climate controlled storage for collection and artifacts, gift shop and a meeting room.
8. Northwestern Medicine Field
9. Penrose Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
