Yorkville: Nature, Water and History

Yorkville offers different perspectives for planning your trip: outdoor recreation, activities on the water, and the history and art of Kendall County each provide a distinct focus. Fox Hill West has a disc golf course and a walking path; at the Raging Waves water park, you’ll find a wave pool and a lazy river. Lyon Farm brings the county’s history to life, while the Kendall County Historic Courthouse, with the Olde Courthouse Gallery, also offers an artistic dimension. You can make your decision based on the activities and topics that matter to you.

Outdoor Recreation at Fox Hill West

Fox Hill West has a 12-hole disc golf course in a natural area near Rob Roy Creek. The course gives the recreational offerings a clear disc golf focus, while its setting in a natural area also defines the experience.

A walking path through Fox Hill West connects to the longer Fox Hill Trail and is suitable for walking or running. This gives you different activity options: disc golf on the course or getting around on foot along the connected path. The trail route and course conditions may change; check both before your visit.

Water Park and Activities at the Dam

Raging Waves in Yorkville has a wave pool and a lazy river. Renovations at the Glen D. Palmer (Yorkville) Dam have made it possible for canoes and kayaks to pass safely through the dam; there are also opportunities for whitewater boating there. There’s a clear distinction to consider when choosing: water park attractions on the one hand, and passing through by boat and whitewater on the other. This can help you decide which kind of water activity to include in your trip plans.

Kendall County History at Lyon Farm

At Lyon Farm, restored buildings, collections, demonstrations, and seasonal programs bring Kendall County’s history to life. Together, these offer several ways to explore the same subject: buildings are complemented by collections and demonstrations, while seasonal programs add a time-of-year focus. Visits to Lyon Farm are available by appointment. Public events are also held there throughout the year. For planning purposes, distinguish between an arranged visit and a specific event; if you’re interested in an event, check its date in advance.

Courthouse and Olde Courthouse Gallery

The Kendall County Historic Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands above the Fox River in the city of Yorkville. In the main hall, the Olde Courthouse Gallery presents exhibitions featuring works by artists from Kendall County and beyond. This brings together a historical setting and a gallery with both regional and broader perspectives in one place. Unlike Lyon Farm, the courthouse’s historical profile is complemented by art. This distinction can help you choose between the two historic sites: Lyon Farm presents the county’s history through several formats; the courthouse combines its historic status with gallery exhibitions. The exhibition program may change. If you’re interested in a particular exhibition, check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Oswego

For the broader travel overview: Kendall County.