Once known as the “Windmill Manufacturing Capital of the World,” Batavia, Illinois, invites visitors to explore its quaint, charming city infused with rich industrial history. With a legacy of innovation and creativity, you’ll quickly find the area’s historic preservation and local artisan flare are a natural fit for Kane County’s oldest city.
Home to nearly 26,000 residents, Batavia is known for its scenic bike trails along the Fox River, majestic windmills, local artisan shops, and delicious food and craft beer.
To learn more about Batavia and other local attractions, visit the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau webpage at enjoyaurora.com/batavia-illinois.If You Go ...
“Experience the entertainment, arts and community that downtown Batavia has to offer,” says Kristen Desler, Batavia MainStreet assistant director. “Visit our charming Boardwalk Shops open through Dec. 22, check out the Comedy Vault and entertainment scene, dine and shop, discover the artistic flair of the area, enjoy fresh produce at our bustling indoor market from November to April, and attend events year-round.”
Batavia has something for everyone to enjoy during a winter getaway. While in the area, check out these destinations.
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1. Downtown Batavia
Take a stroll in downtown Batavia, where history, art and the natural environment are celebrated. Dining, shopping, local events and markets – including a year-round farmers market – are among the city’s unique downtown attractions.
While in town, be sure to venture into Batavia’s finest artisan shops featuring locally crafted goods from highly skilled crafters, like at Fox Valley Gallery of Wood, which showcases creations by woodworking artisans, including wooden platters, candlesticks and vases.
On the corner of Wilson Street and Route 25, you’ll find the charming Batavia Boardwalk Shops. Open from May through Dec. 22, shop at small businesses like Bewitching Brews, Jodi Mac Sweets & Treats, and Simply Kirious Soaps for extraordinary finds, perfect for the gift-giving season.
2. Fermilab and Lederman Science Center
America’s particle physics and accelerator laboratory, Fermilab, is located in Batavia, and visitors can explore the wonderful world of science at the lab’s Lederman Science Center. With a unique collection of indoor and outdoor displays, get introduced to particle physics through hands-on exhibits, technology and science labs, and a resource store.
The center is open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guided group tours are available the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. Fermilab is also home to natural areas that include a small herd of bison, which can be visited by the public.
3. Fabyan Windmill
Journey into Batavia’s past at the majestic Fabyan Windmill. Built in the mid-1800s by a German craftsman, the windmill stands 68 feet tall, or five stories high. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was honored in 1980 by its selection to be on a U.S. postage stamp. On Sundays, you can take a tour to learn how the windmill operates by natural wind energy. Private tours are available by appointment only.
4. Water Street Studios
Founded in 2009, Water Street Studios is a comprehensive nonprofit art community focused on supporting local Fox Valley artists. Within its 14,000-square-foot historic limestone facility, you’ll discover three unique galleries designed to unify and inspire through art. They offer creative spaces, art classes, demos and event hosting.
Water Street Studios is open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
5. Sturdy Shelter Brewing
Batavia’s riverfront brewery, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, is a relaxing hangout for locals and visitors to enjoy an expertly crafted beer. The independent craft brewery opened its taproom in 2022 in a historical community building dating back to the mid-1800s. Sturdy Shelter Brewing offers an assortment of highly crafted beers and wine as well as handcrafted house sodas, soft drinks and other nonalcoholic beverages.
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6. The Book Shop
Bookworms of all kinds will discover literary perfection at Batavia’s independent bookstore, The Book Shop. Located on scenic River Street, this one-of-a-kind shop features a great selection of used children’s books, rare books, literature, poetry, nonfiction and genre fiction. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, this community staple prides itself on helping readers discover unique books they didn’t know they needed.
7. Hearth & Hammer
Following a trip to The Book Shop, stop into Hearth & Hammer, a brick-and-mortar general store, candle studio and workshop space. Here, custom candles are designed and crafted after literary classics like The Great Gatsby. You’ll also find a diverse selection of new products sourced from local artisans and other American-made products from around the nation. Products include home goods, pantry items, apothecary, art and activities, and much more.
8. Batavia Creamery
Hop off the Fox River bike path for a delicious ice cream cone at Batavia Creamery. Keep it cool at the creamery, where more than 150 unique ice cream and shaved ice flavors rotate regularly. This cozy ice cream shop offers scoops, sundaes, milkshakes, floats, smoothies, shaved ice, slushies, dry ice and special occasion cakes. Dairy-free flavors are also available.
In beautiful downtown Batavia, Pal Joey’s historic restaurant sits on River Street alongside the Fox River. The original restaurant opened its doors in 1973 but moved to its current location in 2011. Patrons can listen to live music on the weekends and choose from daily drink specials. Up to 150 people can dine, drink and enjoy stunning views of the water and glimpses of downtown Batavia from the outside patio. Inside, the restaurant offers rooms that can hold 20 to 100 people, as well as a bar area with multiple TVs showcasing live sports. The restaurant prides itself as a place to meet up with friends and enjoy its award-winning pizza, given four stars by Chicago Tribune food critics and named “one of the best pan pizzas in the Chicago area.” While Pal Joey’s is known for its pizza, restaurant owner John Hamel’s personal pick is of the pasta variety. “My favorite pasta on the menu is the Pasta Pepe,” Hamel says. “It’s a type of Alfredo with spices, spinach and sausage.” Hamel describes the menu as Italian American with features of pastas, salads and appetizers. “Most of our menu is made from scratch, not taken from a bag frozen,” Hamel says. “Our cheese sticks are hand battered and they are out of this world. Really, none of the appetizers disappoint.” While the food is good, it’s the restaurant family that makes Pal Joey’s an even more special experience. “We have an amazing staff that truly do their best to make every experience positive,” Hamel says. By Katie AltLocal Flavor: Pal Joey's
Colonel Fabian actually moved the windmill a few hundred yards to Geneva but I understand why it’s still called the Batavia windmill because it was windmill city
You forgot to mention Limestone Coffee and Tea run by two amazing women that are best friends and fully committed to supporting the community. You should write a piece featuring just them. There is a great story there worthy of a share.
Hi Antoinette, Thank you for sharing! Yes, we couldn’t feature everything in Batavia, but this sounds like a great story that hopefully we can tell in a future edition.