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Health & Fitness

Fabyan Forest Preserve, A Local Treasure

Fabyan Forest Preserve, A Local Treasure

A 235-Acre Preserve Along the Fox River

Located south of Geneva along the Fox River is the most heavily used forest preserve in Kane County.  Offering numerous natural and historic features, this area sees thousands of visitors each year.  That's what makes Fabyan Forest Preserve a local treasure!

Sitting on what was once the estate of Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan (developers of code-breaking techniques used in both World Wars), you'll find something for everyone!  Enjoy jogging and bike trails, fishing along the banks of the Fox River, take in the beautiful Japanese Gardens and more.

Virtual Tour of the Fabyan Park Windmill

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George and Nelle Fabyan came to the Fox Valley in the 1900's.  Over a 20 year span they amassed a 300-acre estate they referred to as "Riverbank".  They contacted Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907 to redesign the farmhouse into a modern home called "The Villa".  Upon their deaths in the late 1930's, the county purchased 235 acres and created Fabyan Forest Preserve.

You can often find weddings and photo shoots taking place in the glorious Japanese Gardens.  The Villa, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the Windmill, are available for group tours, field trips and self-guided tours.  The Villa houses some furnishings once belonging to the Fabyan's as well as historical photographs.

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Fabyan Forest Preserve is south of Geneva on the Fox River.  There are entrances on Route 25 as well as Route 31, just north of Fabyan Pkwy.

Whether you've lived in the area your whole life, or new to the Fox Valley, stop out and take in all this expansive forest preserve has to offer!

Just another great reason to call Geneva home!

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