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IG-Worthy SPOTS
in the Tri-Cities
BLACKHAWK WATERFALL
PHOTO BY | @ang.cummins
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | Found just past the intersection of McLean Blvd. and Rt. 31. Park off of Rt. 31. Get on the trail and turn right. Hike less than 1/4 of a mile; you'll hear and see the running water off to the right.
WHAT TO BRING | Water shoes, towels, bug spray, camera
POTTAWATOMIE PARK SPLASH AREA
PHOTO BY | @amandamcronin
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | This water play area is hidden right in the open! Directly north of the Historic Pavilion + Tower, almost touching it on the north side, is this little water feature. Several natural rocks with a creek running towards the river.
WHAT TO BRING | Water shoes, towels, change of clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, camera
FOX RIVER PARTY COVE
North of Red Gate Bridge
PHOTO BY | @pattyskii
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | Rent a kayak from River View Mini Golf at Pottawatomie Park and head north on the Fox River towards South Elgin. Party Cove can be up to hip deep water, but the bottom of the river is sand + mud. Wear water shoes!
WHAT TO BRING | Swimsuit, waterproof phone cover, sunscreen, water shoes, dry clothes in a waterproof bag
FABYAN FOREST PRESERVE
1925 S Batavia Avenue
Geneva, IL
PHOTO BY | @flywithnimbus
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | Park in the main lot closest to the pavilions. Once you start walking, you will notice the Fabyan Villa Museum on the hill to the right, but down below are the gardens. Public gardens (where this pic was taken) are open year round, while the Japanese Tea Garden is open seasonally.
WHAT TO BRING | Camera
FABYAN WINDMILL
1500 Crissey Avenue
Batavia, IL
PHOTO BY | @ugsmichael
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | Situated on the top of the hill, this spot is extremely popular for sledding in the winter, 5Ks throughout the year, and picnics in warm months. The windmill will be open for tours on weekends in the summer (stay tuned)!
BONUS: Walk across the bridge to get the the Fabyan Forest Preserve gardens listed above!
WHAT TO BRING | Camera
TEAL WALL AT BELL JAR VINTAGE
PHOTO BY | @belleontrend
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | This beautiful building is a standout on State Street! Located a few doors down from the big "Geneva Marquee" sign, parking is ample! There is an alley which makes for great lighting and LOTS of blue wall to work with!
WHAT TO BRING | Camera
OLD BARN
PHOTO BY | @ava.barabasz
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | This beautifully distressed old girl sits waiting just west beyond the light where Fabyan Parkway dead ends into Main Street. We are unsure of it's public or private title, so please proceed with caution when stopping to snap pics! It seems to be an abandoned barn.
WHAT TO BRING | Tall boots, camera
BATAVIA RIVERWALK BRIDGE
Batavia, IL
PHOTO BY | @marianna_fashion_adviser
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | This truss bridge connects you from one side of the Fox River to the other, but the structure and serene flow of the river make it a peaceful spot to sit and be present... and to snap a pic while in the moment!
WHAT TO BRING | Camera
HM HAIR BAR MURAL
PHOTO BY | @hairbyc.h
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | A beautifully colorful mural that encourages visitors to "Find beauty in everything."
WHAT TO BRING | A camera
PRIMROSE FARM
PHOTO BY | @orca1062k
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | This is a live functioning farm with several farm animals including chickens, cows, sheep, horses, donkeys, and pigs. Several hands-on classes throughout the week!
WHAT TO BRING | Covered toe shoes (gravel + grass paths), camera
IVY WALL AT SHOPPES AT 127
PHOTO BY | @stayandplay.tricities
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | Around the corner of Shoppes at 127 on Campbell + Third Street, you'll find this beautiful ivy wall with steps to a teal door. If you want straight ivy with no door, just walk around to the back of the building!
WHAT TO BRING | Camera
ISLAND PARK
Geneva, IL
PHOTO BY | @kimritchiephoto
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | Park either on River Street and walk across the bridge, or park by Mill Race Cyclery. A beautiful playground and open space on a small island located on the Fox River. Bridge connecting you to Historic Downtown Geneva can be found under the train trestle. There are NO guard rails between the island and the river, so beware!
WHAT TO BRING | Camera
"THE GROTTO" AT GUNNAR ANDERSON FOREST PRESERVE
PHOTO BY | @riverpeakapothecary
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | Located south of Route 38, at the intersection of 1st Street (Route 31) and 3rd Street in Geneva, park in the farthest south lot behind the government buildings. Follow the signs and path along until you get to "The Grotto." This shrine was donated by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
WHAT TO BRING | Camera, bug spray
THE CAVE AT RED OAK NATURE CENTER
PHOTO BY | @lalaelizz
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | Found via a short 1/4 mile hike from the Nature Center at Red Oak, this cave - the only natural one in our area - is one every local and visitor HAS to see! It's situated right on the Fox River, though not accessible with a stroller.
WHAT TO BRING | Camera, shoes suitable for hiking
BATAVIA DEPOT POND
PHOTO BY | @stretchruncoaching
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | This pond is protected from the Fox River by the the island that juts out. Perfect for ice skating in the winter, rent a paddle boat in the summer, and enjoying in the spring and fall! There is an awesome playground on the island as well!
WHAT TO BRING | Camera
BATAVIA BOARDWALK SHOPS
PHOTO BY | @aprildudaphotography
WHAT YOU'LL FIND | 10 different small businesses nestled together,, testing out a 10x10 brick and mortar location in the community. Each shop is filled with artisan crafted and curated goods and treats, but each shop is a photo-worthy stop!
WHAT TO BRING | Camera, wallet (because you'll likely want to buy all the things)
