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Batavia Points of Interest

637 N. Batavia Ave. – Designed by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this home was built in 1906, and served as home to Challenge Company President Frank Snow.

Batavia Park District Eastside Community Center – Originally home to the Holy Cross Catholic Church, the community center was built in 1896 and renovated in April, 1996 when it was dedicated to the Batavia Park District.

Batavia Riverwalk Depot Pond/Entry Court & South Plaza – The Batavia Riverwalk is a 3.2-acre park built and financed by volunteers. The Riverwalk is also home to a native wildflower sanctuary.

Bellevue Place 333 S. Jefferson St. – Built in 1853 from native limestone, Bellevue Place was originally home to the Batavia Institute. Following President Lincoln’s assassination, Mary Todd Lincoln recuperated here in 1875 when the building was known as Bellevue Place Sanitarium. Renovated in the early 1990s, Bellevue Place currently consists of rental units and condominiums.

Challenge Building – The past home of the Challenge Windmill Factory, now home to a growing number of Batavia businesses.

Government Center – This limestone structure was built in 1854 and was the site of the Appleton Windmill Factory.

Congregational Church 21 S. Batavia Ave. – Built in 1856, the Congregational Church is the oldest congregation in

Depot Museum – Built in 1854 and moved from its original site in 1973, the Depot was Batavia’s link to Chicago and other markets. The Depot Pond is home to fishing and canoes in the summer and ice skaters in the winter. Check out the Saturday Evening Post cover (1958) at the museum.

East Wilson Street Business District – Home to many diverse businesses and antique and specialty shops.

Fermilab – Home of the quark and other ongoing scientific projects. Wilson Hall is open to the public – enter via Kirk Road. Fermilab features prairie and nature trails, bike paths and live buffalo. Tours are available. Please phone ahead for times and dates – 630-841-3351.

Fox River – Each June finds the Fox River host to the Mid-America Canoe Race. This 22-mile race is one of the oldest canoe races in the United States.

Fox River Bike Trail – Batavia is home to an extensive and impressive bicycle trail system which connects to other towns throughout the area.

Funway Entertainment Center 1335 S. River St. – Indoor roller rink, Kidstown, bowling, arcade, outdoor miniature golf, batting cages, nazkarts and other family entertainment.

Gammon Corner 9 S. Batavia Ave. – This wonderful Victorian Painted Lady was the home of Rev. E.H. Gammon. Built in 1885, the ornate Queen Anne home is home to many businesses. The original coach house remains on-site.

Hall Quarry Beach – This magnificent swimming facility was once an operational stone quarry. Renovated in 1994, Quarry Beach received numerous awards as a Park District Improvement project.

Newton House 11 N. Batavia Ave. – Built in 1875 by the owner of Newton Wagon Works, D. C. Newton, the Newton’s filled the house with items collected on European trips. The house also served as the Batavia Public Library from 1921-1981.

North River Street Corridor – A thriving section of downtown noted for fine cuisine. Venice Tavern (31 N. River St.) was formerly the creamery, and displays many historic Batavia pictures. Also, O’Brien’s, El Taco Grande and RendezVu Restaurant feature great cuisine.

Old City Hall – Built around 1890 and recently renovated, the Old City Hall is home to several businesses.

River West Family Fitness – Contains an original turbine in the basement that provided water power to the area.

South Batavia Avenue Business District – This area of Batavia Avenue was recently rehabilitated, complete with a Pocket Park, a blacktopped lot and brick sidewalk. It is home to a diverse business base.

State Street – One of Batavia’s oldest streets, made famous by Buttermilk Alley. Farmers would line up their wagons to unload their milk at the Kee-Chapple Creamery en route to market in Chicago.

Tower Business Center – Originally the home of U.S. Wind Engine & Pump Co. and later a munitions factory during WWII. This beautiful limestone building was converted to an office center in 1993.

United Methodist Church Landmark 8 N. Batavia Ave. – Built in 1887, the Methodist Church is a beautiful example of French-inspired Romanesque architecture.

Windmill Court – Dedicated on June 13, 1996 at the international Windmiller’s Trade Fair. This court features the following three types of Windmills: Appleton, Goodhue and Challenge Vaneless.