On The River
PADDLEWHEEL RIVERBOATS
Enjoy travel from the Mark Twain era through a green passageway of scenic beauty on the Fox River. The “St. Charles Belle” and “Fox River Queen” both offer an open-air upper deck for unobstructed views and lower decks with windows that can be closed due to inclement weather. Fun, themed cruises are planned throughout the season, and private charters are available for events.
Boats cruise from May–October.
Tickets available online at stcparks.org and inside Pottawatomie Community Center
8 North Ave., St. Charles
BATAVIA RIVERWALK
This area is one of the jewels of the Batavia Park District. Extending from the entry plaza at Houston Street and going north along the Depot Pond, the path features a boardwalk leading to the North Point Pavilion, providing a grand view of the river. Following the path around to the east, walkers will encounter the Batavia dam as well as the Riverwalk wildflower sanctuary. At the south end of the Government Center pedestrians and bicyclists can cross a walking bridge to the east side of the river with access to the eastern leg of the Fox River Bike Trail.
WATER SPORT RENTALS
Enjoy a leisurely ride down the Fox River with rentals from the following locations. Please check their websites for more information regarding operating hours.
Batavia Park District
Kayak and Paddleboat Rentals
Single kayaks are $10 for 30-minute rentals
Paddleboats $15 for 30-minute rental
NOTE: Only credit cards accepted
Houston Street at Island Avenue
Kayak Myak Rentals
Choose from three different trips to paddle down the Fox River. Each boat includes a paddle and leash, life jacket and whistle
Rental available May–October and all priced at $60/per boat/person
*Trip A starts in South Elgin and ends in St. Charles – 1.5–2.5 hours
*Trip B will begin in Batavia, and end in North Aurora – 1–1.5 hours
*Trip C starts in Carpentersville and ends in Elgin – 1.5–2 hours
847.204.1724
Mill Race Cyclery
Offering canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals for a great time on the river! Easy online booking available with single or double options. Bike rentals also available.
Visit website for pricing.
11 E. State St., Geneva
630-232-2833
St. Charles Park District
Paddleboat rentals
Open weekends 11am-6pm
$19 per hour per boat
Rentals requests must be made in person at the minigolf hut in Pottawatomie Park on the day of rental and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Launches. Fee includes lifejackets and paddles.
8 North Ave., St. Charles
BIKING THE RIVER PATH
You don’t have to be on the Fox River to enjoy the river! The Tri Cities has great options to hop on a bike and explore.
Bike Share
The City of Batavia has two bike share locations. One station is located at the Batavia Depot Museum, just north of the caboose. The other location is at South Riverwalk Plaza. Download the Koloni app free and follow instructions and rules. The app also shows users where locations are in neighboring cities.
Mill Race Cyclery
Starting at $20 per hour with options of 24-inch kids bikes, comfort bikes, ebikes, and tandems, and even burley trailer rentals, you will find something to fit the whole family.
11 E. State St., Geneva
630-232-2833
Sammy’s Bikes
Offering a selection of mountain bikes, road bikes and ebikes for rental for you to enjoy in beautiful St Charles and beyond.
602 S. First St., St. Charles
630-444-0690