Just West Of Chicago Is A Growing Suburb With River Views, Outdoor Adventure, And Cozy Dining

If you're a boater, swimmer, angler, or all-round lake lover, a trip to the Great Lakes is probably high on your to-do list. The hustle and bustle of a big city like Chicago, paired with the expansive shores of Lake Michigan, is desirable for many travelers. If that intrigues you, then you'll want to know about Yorkville, Illinois. This city is right on the edge of Aurora and just west of Chicago, and it's gaining momentum as a buzzing community, packed with local eats and city fun. Yorkville's population has been steadily growing over the last few years — in fact, it's the second-fastest growing city in Illinois — but what really defines it is its riverside atmosphere, lakes, and nearby parks.

You can also still easily access the bigger cities of Aurora and Chicago if you need. Chicago is just over an hour's drive away, and Aurora is 20 minutes to the east. If you're coming from out of state, Chicago has a major airport servicing the entire country, and you can get a Greyhound bus or Amtrak train to the Windy City as well.

Starting in Wisconsin, the Fox River flows through charming villages with scenic parks, before crossing into Illinois and its Chicago suburbs with dynamic downtowns. Eventually, it goes right through the center of Yorkville. If you want to explore its banks, head down to the Bicentennial Riverfront Park for a picnic or a stroll. Walking along the riverbank, you will have a view of the Glenn Palmer Dam, and there is also a playground area for children. You can fish in the river for bass, carp, and catfish. There are gear rental spots situated along the river if you don't want to travel with your own. If you're an adrenaline junkie, there's even a whitewater course where you can try your hand at rafting.

The Bicentennial Riverfront Park is a local community hub, and — if you go at the right time of year — you might stumble upon a fun event. There is a local farmers market, which shows off the best of Illinois' produce throughout the summer months, and a country music festival, with food and family fun in July.

Once you've tuckered yourself out exploring, there are loads of local eats in Yorkville. Fox Republic Brewing Co. is a well-loved local staple right next to the water, with craft beers and outdoor seating. It's got a menu that includes pizzas, stuffed pretzels, and cookies. There are also burger bars and steakhouses in the city, but one particularly highly-rated restaurant on Google is a Vietnamese joint, Pho 89. It has an extensive menu of noodles, soups, salads, and rolls, and it can cater for various dietary requirements. For a post-dinner sweet treat, grab an ice-cream by the river at Foxy's Ice Cream. Visitors love the wide range of flavors and huge scoops, and it has won national awards.

Just outside of town is even more outdoor adventure. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the Hoover Forest Preserve and its 300 species of native plants. Just a two-minute drive (or half-hour walk) from the center of town, the preserve is set along a section of the Fox River, with flowing rapids and creeks. It's also a spot for history buffs, as there is an educational center with a recreation of a Potawatomi village. 

A few minutes further west from Hoover Forest is the Silver Springs Fish and Wildlife Area, Illinois' lovely state park for fishing, boating, and trails. There is a lot to do here, including camping, hunting, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and hiking. A laid-back trail that loops around both lakes on the site is a way to take it all in. Previous visitors have reported the 3-mile trail to be suitable for bringing dogs. The park gets snowy and icy in winter, but don't worry — there's a 4-mile trail for snowmobiles, so you can explore all year round.