Travel Destinations Illinois Top Things to Do in Illinois' Fox River Valley A winding waterway unites the Fox River Valley, home to a collection of suburbs 40 miles west of Chicago. Check out some highlights of St. Charles, Aurora, McHenry, Elgin and more. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 24, 2022 Fox River Bike Trail. Photo: Courtesy of Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Do Arcada Theatre Entertainment lovers enjoy the various live shows at the 1926 Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles. Richardson Adventure Farm Seasonal celebrations bring visitors to the Richardson Farm in Spring Grove. In fall, for instance, Richardson Adventure Farm boasts the world's largest corn maze, a 700-foot-long zipline, almost endless kids' rides and a pumpkin patch. Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Kane County Flea Market Fill your trunk with treasures at the Kane County Flea Market, held at the fairgrounds, usually the first weekend of every month, or search for finds at the dozen-plus antiques stores in St. Charles. Fox River Bike Trail Cycling enthusiasts will thrive in the Fox River Bike Trail, which passes through nature preserves and the towns of Aurora and Geneva before linking to the 26-mile Prairie Trail in Algonquin. From there, bicyclists follow a rail-to-trail path to rural McHenry. Paramount Theatre Grab a ticket and take a seat to a Broadway show or movie showing at the 1931 Paramount Theatre in Auroroa. Chicago Premium Outlets Shop at the 140+ diverse stores at the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora. McHenry Outdoor Theater The McHenry Outdoor Theater is a throwback to drive-in theaters. Pile kids into the car and see a flick under the stars. Illinois Railway Museum Discover the vital role of railroads at the Illinois Railway Museum, the largest railroad museum in the states, in Union (22 miles northwest of Elgin). Courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism Eat and Drink Grumpy Goat Tavern In the clubhouse at the Highlands of Elgin Golf Course, Grumpy Goat Tavern specializes in Creole-inspired dishes (like crawfish étouffée). Courtesy of Grumpy Goat Tavern Two Brothers Roundhouse Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora features bands, beer gardens and dining in the country's oldest limestone railroad roundhouse. Stay Hotel Baker For a posh stay in downtown St. Charles, choose the historic Hotel Baker, perched above the Fox River. The Mansion Bed and Breakfast Looking for bed-and-breakfast options? The Mansion Bed and Breakfast, located on a private estate in West Dundee, retains its early-1900s charm with exquisite woodwork and stained-glass windows. Courtesy of The Mansion Bed and Breakfast Cherry Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast Woodstock's Cherry Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast appeared in the 1993 cult classic film Groundhog Day. In early February, the town celebrates Groundhog Days with movie screenings and a walking tour of film sites. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit