Drew Pertl
The City of Geneva has joined the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, expanding the AACVB’s regional footprint while boosting the number of west suburban communities it represents to 12.
Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said entering into a tourism agreement and moving under the collective power of the Aurora Area tourism umbrella was a way for the City to expand travel and tourism outreach, locally, regionally and nationally.
“Geneva’s strategic investment in the AACVB is designed to complement and enhance our collective passion for marketing our community overall, the assets we are most proud of, and the potential of attracting more people to the 10 square miles we call home,” Burns said.
“Geneva is one of the most popular destinations in Chicago’s western suburbs. It’s well-known for its scenic location along the Fox River, its walkable, small town feel, its busy downtown business district filled with restaurants, retailers and beautiful, landmarked architecture,” responded Cort Carlson, Executive Director, Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are thrilled Geneva is joining our roster of surrounding communities, and expanding our regional footprint even further north. Working together, Geneva stands to benefit from the increased marketing muscle of an ongoing regional tourism campaign.”
Geneva, population 21,393 (U.S. Census, 2020), is the county seat of Kane County. First settled in the 1830s, Geneva became an important route by railroad from Chicago and later the Lincoln Highway. Geneva’s attractions include the Geneva History Museum, located in downtown Geneva as well as the Fabyan Windmill, an old Dutch windmill dating back to the 1850s. The City boasts an extensive bike trail system including portions of the Fox River Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path. Sports enthusiasts and families looking for a fun, inexpensive night are fans of the Kane County Cougars, MLB partner league baseball team, and the Chicago Steel competing in their 25th season in the U.S. Hockey League (USHL) and ninth season playing at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva.
Popular annual events include Geneva’s Swedish Days, a five-day celebration of the heritage of Swedish immigrants who settled in the area, held every June, and the Geneva Arts Fair, showcasing the work of local makers and artisans, returning July 26-27, 2025. Coming up next is Geneva’s annual Christmas Walk, always a major holiday attraction, on Friday, December 6, starting at 6 p.m., plus Geneva’s Holiday House Tour, Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7. For more, visit genevachamber.com/community-events.
Geneva is easy to get to by car or rail. The Geneva Metra station on the Union Pacific West Line is in the center of downtown, providing frequent service to and from downtown Chicago, just 36 miles away. The Geneva Metra station is in close proximity to a variety of independent retailers, award-winning restaurants, breweries and wineries. For more, visit genevadowntownmap.com. Geneva also has two hotels for overnight stays, including the renowned Herrington Inn & Spa, a quaint boutique hotel, right on the Fox River; and the Comfort Suites, located on Fabyan Parkway near Kirk Road, close to a number of Geneva’s top attractions. Geneva also is home to a bed and breakfast, the Oscar Swan Country Inn.
Visit enjoyaurora.com to discover countless more tourism hot spots in the Aurora Area CVB’s coverage area along the western edge of suburban Chicago. From Geneva to the north, and Yorkville on the south, see why the Aurora area is a convenient getaway, or a weekend destination all its own, combining small town charm with urban appeal. Start planning your getaway with the 2024 Aurora Area Go Guide. View the digital guide or order a free copy at enjoyaurora.com.
