Aurora, Illinois

Art

Aurora, Illinois

Aurora, Illinois

Art

Aurora, Illinois

Batavia, Illinois

History, Historical Society

Geneva, Illinois

Botanical Garden, History, Historic House

The Fabyan Villa was the home of Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan from 1905-1939. Riverbank, the name they bestowed upon their property, was initially a country retreat from their home in Chicago. They hired Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907 to enlarge and re-model the existing farmhouse and shortly thereafter took up permanent residence at the Villa, as they called their home. They acquired 300 acres, creating a country estate which soon became a lavish showplace complete with fountains, gardens, a Roman-style swimming pool, a Dutch-style windmill, a private zoo, a working lighthouse, a boathouse, tennis courts, and more. The Fabyans pursued their varied interests on their estate, including horticulture, animal husbandry, and scientific research.

Aurora, Illinois

Geneva, Illinois

History

Founded in 1943 and built first museum and archives in 1964. Moved to new facility in downtown Geneva in 2004. Funded completely through the generosity of local citizens and organizations without any tax monies.

Aurora, Illinois

Art

Aurora, Illinois

Culture, History

Aurora, Illinois

History, Specialized

The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is located in Aurora's old Central Fire Station. The museum is open to the public regular hours, and features a variety of interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain children, families, and firefighters.

The museum's primary exhibit, "Getting There, Getting Water, Getting Rescued" traces the evolution of the tools and technology used by firefighters. Visitors can pass a leather fire bucket from the early 1800s. See the horse stalls and the "real" fire horses. Discover what was found under the floor boards of the old central fire station. Marvel at the strange looking Vajen-Bader smoke mask. See and hear how modern fire apparatus clears the streets with sirens, air horns, and devices that change traffic lights green.

Batavia, Illinois

Culture, History, Historic House, Historical Society

Local history exhibits housed in an 1854 C. B. & Q. Railroad Depot. Permanent exhibits include railroad history, manufacture of windmills and a brief stay by Mary Todd Lincoln at Bellevue Place.

Aurora, Illinois

Arboretum, Botanical Garden, History

Geneva, Illinois

Arboretum, Art, Botanical Garden, Children's, General, History, Historic House, Historical Society, Nature Centers, Park

When visiting the Villa Museum, you discover the Fabyans' uniquely fascinating legacy. The Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-style house contains the Fabyans' private collection of Asian artifacts, natural history specimens, original furniture- just to name a few! The captivating combination of history, architecture, military intrigue, and personal exploration is designed to make the Fabyan Villa Museum a delight for persons of all ages and backgrounds.

Aurora, Illinois

Children's, History, Military

Geneva, Illinois

History

North Aurora, Illinois

General, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park, Science

Red Oak Nature Center can be found in the midst of 40 wooded acres on the east bank of the Fox River. You’ll learn about nature’s secrets as you visit the center and explore the woods. Hike along the trails and enjoy the seasonal, ever-changing beauty of the grounds

Aurora, Illinois

History