Fermilab - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

This Museum is a popular historic attraction where visitors learn about the railroad history of Batavia through a variety of artifacts and exhibitions. This museum features an extensive collection of antique railway tickets, timetables, lanterns, china, and photographs for people to explore and gain insight into life on the railroads in the area over the last century. Additionally, there are interactive displays with audio-visual aids as well as model train sets running around the entire museum.

The Fabyan Windmill is a beautiful historical sight. Built in the early 1800s, initially used to grind grain for the renowned turning mill owned by Colonel George Fabyan. Now fully restored, the Windmill stands tall in its original locale surrounded by lush gardens and stunning nature scenes. The five-story Dutch-style structure makes for an impressive view from any angle - boasting five sails that are over 33-feet long - and visitors can take a tour of the interior to learn about its history.

Red Oak Nature Center is an amazing urban oasis for nature and outdoor recreational activities. It spans over fifty acres of land and has something for everyone. Its wide range of nature trails are great for hiking or biking, while the gently rolling meadow provides a perfect backdrop for a dramatic picnic spot. There's also a pond stocked with fish, which makes fishing possible all year round. Rich meadows and wetlands are available to explore and make it easy to spot wildlife.

Fabyan Forest Preserve is a sight to behold! Sitting on the Fox River, it offers picturesque views of the rolling hills and vibrant wildflowers. Visitors are enticed by abundant recreational opportunities with plentiful hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. The preserve also boasts an attractive botanical garden along with an interactive museum that tells the story of Col. George Fabyan and his influential role in Kane County’s history.

The Blackwell Forest Preserve is a natural oasis amidst the everyday hustle and bustle of suburbia. It's the perfect escape for outdoor lovers searching for large expanses of greenery and rolling hills. The preserve comprises 500 acres of forest landscapes which include small streams, winding trails, wetlands, prairies and two recreational lakes. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as biking, birdwatching, fishing and even horseback riding on the 20-mile stretch of trails.

McDowell Grove, is a stunning natural park that makes for a great escape any time of the year. Surrounded by nearly 400 acres of lush and diverse landscape, visitors can explore breathtaking trails that wind through trees and along the banks of Salt Creek. This part also offers plentiful recreational amenities: fishing opportunities at McDowell Lake, picnic groves, a large playground and even a nature center where you can learn about the wildlife and plantlife that inhabit the area.