I had the opportunity to visit Fabyan Forest Preserve located in Geneva on the Fox River. This forest preserve is gorgeous. I was very impressed with its natural beauty and historical sights. I’ve highlighted below what I liked about it and why I would recommend this forest preserve as a Your Chicago Weekend activity.
Fabyan Villa Museum
The Fabyan Forest Preserve is filled with history and one of the historical sights you can visit is the Fabyan Villa Museum where you can learn about the legacy of Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan.
The Fabyans called the Villa their home from 1905 – 1939 and in 1907 hired Frank Lloyd Wright to redesign and expand their current farmhouse which they called the Villa.[1] The Fabyan Villa Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1] Public and Private tours are available. There is a suggested donation of $3 for adults and $1 for children. For more information about tours and the museum please visit Fabyan Villa Museum.
Windmill
The 68-foot, 5-story windmill is definitely a must see. Colonel George Fabyan purchased the windmill for around $8,000 in 1914 and moved it from its previous location to his estate.[2] The windmill has gone through restorations and in June 2005 had its grand reopening.[2] It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[2] The windmill is open on weekends from 1-4 pm between May 15 – Oct 15. For more information please visit Fabyan Windmill & Fabyan Windmill Online Brochure.
Fabyan Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden was also part of the Fabyan estate and was added around 1910 by a well-known landscape designer named Taro Otsuka, since then it’s been restored and renovated.[3] What I really liked about this garden is it gave me a peaceful feeling while admiring Japanese gardening.
Hours: The garden is open May – October on Wednesdays 1-4pm & Sundays 1-4:30pm, June – August on Thursdays 1-4pm. Saturdays closed. For more information please visit Fabyan Japanese Garden.
Admission: Suggested donation of $1. A brochure is provided during your visit.
Tea House
Scenery
While exploring the forest preserve you can take in the beautiful, picturesque scenery and enjoy the views from the open landscape.
Trees lead into a picnic area
View of Fox River from the bridge
The inviting gates lead into the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden
Trails
Great for walking, jogging or biking.
As you can see the Fabyan Forest Preserve has all kinds of sections for a visitor to explore. It makes for the perfect day trip or a place where you can get away and relax.
Location: For information on location please visit Fabyan Forest Preserve
References
