Batavia Riverwalk

Description

This area is one of the jewels of the Batavia Park District. The Riverwalk was created as a cooperative effort by the Park District, the City of Batavia, and a dedicated group of community members. Using primarily volunteer labor, donated material, and services, the walk was created over a six-year period. Extending from the entry plaza at Houston St. and going north along the Depot Pond, the path features a boardwalk leading to the North Point Pavilion. This Pavilion provides a grand view of the river to both the north and south. Following the path around to the east, walkers will encounter the Batavia dam as well as the Riverwalk wildflower sanctuary. In the buildings across the river, windmills were produced from the mid-1800s until the 1940s. Many examples of these mills can be found along the Riverwalk. The walk winds along the east side of the City of Batavia Government Center. At the south end of the Government Center pedestrians and bicyclists can cross a walking bridge to the east side of the river. Once there, they can access the eastern leg of the Fox River Bike Trail.

In the summer months, visitors can enjoy a leisurely ride on a four-person paddle boat. The cost is $10 per half hour. Participants must be at least 16 years of age with a state-issued I.D. Please note that if the temperature is 90 degrees or warmer Monday-Friday at 5:00 pm or Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm, the boats will not be available to rent.

During the winter months, when conditions allow, the Depot Pond is open for ice skating. Please note the weather must be below zero for several days to allow enough ice to form. When a green flag is flown, it is safe to skate. When the red flag is flown, skating is not allowed. The Peg Bond Center will be open as a warming house from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Restrooms will be accessible during that time as well.

The Batavia Depot Museum is genuinely reflective of the cooperative efforts so common in Batavia. By the time the museum was dedicated in April of 1975, almost half of the townspeople had contributed to the accomplished project with their dollars, artifacts, skills or other diversified talents.

The quaint station, built in 1854, which now houses the Batavia Depot Museum, was for a long time the oldest station on the C.B. & Q. line.

The Batavia Park District assumed the responsibility for the reconstruction, decoration, and maintenance. The Batavia Historical Society provides a staff of over 70 volunteers to help with operating the museum during its open hours and owns and maintains the large collection of artifacts that are housed in the museum.

The Batavia Depot Museum is not just a joint venture of the Batavia Park District and the Batavia Historical Society, but a community accomplishment of a people who are proud of their historical past and consequently of themselves.

Courtesy of Fox Virtual Tours View Virtual Tour

Batavia Depot Museum

Museum Hours:

March - November
Museum hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2:00-4:00 pm.

June - August
Monday, Wednesday, and 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 - 4:00 pm.
Other hours by appointment. Anyone needing information can call 630-406-5274 or 630-879-5282.