Parks and Recreation

The South Elgin area is home to some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the area. Situated on the banks of our beloved Fox River, the village enjoys all that this wonderful resource has to offer. Local anglers stand a good chance of hooking into a whopper as they fish the lazy currents of the Fox. Canoeists and kayakers can expect a relaxing trip along with beautiful scenery as they paddle downstream. The Fox River Trail, a splendid paved bike path parallels the river from Algonquin to Aurora, and runs right through town. This path is enjoyed not only by cyclists, but by rollerbladers, joggers and hikers as well. Our local parks also provide facilities for many popular team sports including softball, soccer, football and more. 

South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department
10 N. Water Street
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-622-0003
Fax: 847-622-0462

Forest Preserve District of Kane County
1996 South Kirk Road, Suite 320
Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 630-232-5980
Fax: 630-232-5924
Shelter Reservations: 630-232-1242
Nature Program Reservations: 847-741-8350

Fox River Trail/Prairie Trail
Hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. TheFox River Trail stretches from Aurora to Algonquin where it connects with the McHenry County Prairie Trail and continues all the way to Genoa City in Wisconsin

Fabyan Forest Preserve
1925 Batavia Avenue
Geneva, IL 60134

Park features nature preserves, a boat/canoe launch, bike trail access, and fishing. This preserve is formerly the estate of Col. Fabyan and is noted for its Windmill, Fabyan Villa museum, and restored Japanese Gardens and Tea House.

Illinois Prairie Path
P.O. Box 1086, Wheaton, IL 60189
Phone: 630-752-0120

A 61-mile hiking and biking trail that runs through South Elgin. The trail spans 3 counties and runs from Maywood to Wheaton, with branches to Elgin, Aurora, Batavia and Geneva. The trail also connects with the Fox River Trail.

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve (formerly Blackhawk Park)
35W003 Route 31
South Elgin, IL 60177

Park features nature preserves, a boat/canoe launch, bike trail access, and fishing. One mile past McLean Blvd. heading North on Route 31.

Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center
35W076 Villa Marie Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: 847-741-8350

The center is located off of Route 25 about 3.5 miles North of St. Charles. Located on the South side of the “big bend” of the Fox River, the 65-acre parcel of land features hiking trails and a Nature Center with interactive exhibits. Public programs and guided hikes are also offered.