Geneva, Illinois
Located about 40 miles west of Chicago, Geneva is situated in the heart of the Fox River Valley. Today, Geneva’s numerous businesses offer a vast array of opportunities for shopping, dining and upscale lodging. Geneva has long been a city of choice in which to live, work and raise a family. Come to Geneva for any reason, and you will easily see why it has been a destination of choice for many who seek this beautiful location and wish to enjoy its Local Flavour.
Restaurants & Shops of Geneva, IL
A commuter rail line has been bringing passengers to and from Geneva, Oak Park and Chicago – and many other cities in-between – on a route that dates back to the 1850s. In 1985, Metropolitan Rail became Metra. That system (Metra Union Pacific) brings many thousands of riders to Geneva restaurants, shops and events on a daily basis, year ‘round.
Resident and visitor commuters detrain at the south end of Third Street – the beginning of the very heart of the Geneva restaurant and shopping district. That heart is a compact area that has been built up to the north, south, east and west around the intersection of State Street (IL Route 38) and Third Street.
Doubtful you could take in even a small portion of the dining and shopping opportunities in a single day. But then again… that’s one of the reasons that residents stay and visitors to the city keep coming back. Once you experience the amazing variety of restaurants and shops Geneva has to offer, you’ll come back as well. Make sure to check out our Geneva, IL Restaurant page!
Of course, there is even more along Randall Road – including the outdoor mall of Geneva Commons – on the west side of Geneva. It’s just more of Geneva to enjoy!
Events & Festivals of Geneva, IL
Any season of the year is a good season to enjoy Geneva; and the reason for that is simple: there almost always seems to be some sort of event or festival taking place. For example, in the winter, it’s the Christmas Walk, in the Spring, French Market Sundays begin, In the summer, Geneva’s famous Swedish Days takes place and in the fall is the always popular Festival of the Vine. And there is much, much more.
Check out our Events Calendar and see for yourself – Geneva is a great place to be at any time of the year!
A Bit of History of Geneva, IL
It would be a difficult task today to stand along the banks of the Fox River and try to imagine the Native Americans that populated this beautiful and peaceful valley for over nine centuries. And yet it is true. Most area residents are familiar with Pottawatomie Park, yet may not be aware of the fact that the Geneva area was inhabited by the Illinois and Prairie Pottawatomie tribes during the 17th, 18th and early 19th Centuries.
In 1833, the settlement was referred to as Big Spring. But in 1835, the influential James and Charity Herrington moved here, and the names Herrington's Ford and La Fox were then used. Another name, Campbell Ford, was also suggested (after then-county commissioners James Campbell and Thomas Ford), but the name Geneva was ultimately selected and the name has remained. As happens with many towns, the coming of the railroad - in 1853 - placed Geneva on the main passenger line and literally on the map, establishing a permanent relationship with Chicago that has been bringing the well-to-do city folks to an idyllic community and country folks to the city for over 150 years.
Geneva's rich and storied past is full of history that includes names like: Butter and Cheese Manufacturing Company, Bennett Mill, Howell Company and the Charles Pope Glucose Company - to name only a few. Swedish immigrants have played a major role in Geneva's past and present; an annual Swedish Day Festival is tribute to that; several other ethnic groups have contributed as well.
From early and proud Native Americans to today's residents, Geneva remains an excellent place to call home… or to just visit. For additional history about Geneva, please visit the Geneva History Museum.
