Introduction to Batavia, Illinois
Batavia, Illinois, in Kane county, is 7 miles N of Aurora, Illinois (center to center) and 34 miles W of Chicago, Illinois. The city is in the Chicago area.
Batavia History
Batavia was first settled in 1833. Christopher Payne was one of its early settlers. At that time, the area was known as the "Head of Big Woods." Judge Isaac Wilson renamed the area Batavia, after his native land in New York. Though there were several windmill factories and farms in Batavia, the Newton Wagon Company was the first large factory built in this area in 1854.
Batavia and nearby Attractions
- Batavia Depot Museum
- Fabyan Forest Preserve
- DuPage Children's Museum
- Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve
- Fox River Trolley Museum
- Hollywood Casino Aurora
Things To Do In Batavia
Batavia offers a number of recreational facilities for its residents and visitors. The Big Woods Park, Prairie Lathem Park, Highlands Park, Engstrom Park, Vanburen Park, and Quarry Park are some of the local parks. The Holy Cross Church and the amusement park, at the Funway Ultimate Entertainment Center, are worth visiting. The Braeburn Marsh County Forest Preserve offers several scenic trails.
Batavia Transportation
International air transportation is available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Batavia Higher Education
Opportunities for higher education are offered by Waubonsee Community College, Wheaton College, College of Dupage, North Central College, Lewis University, Benedictine University, and Elgin Community College.
