Pleasant Respite at Geneva Dam

The Geneva Dam is a special gem to be found just north of the Route 38 / Main Street bridge over the Fox River.  Originally constructed to harness water power for the mills of local industry, today it stands notable feature of history and a water feature to take note of.  Access to the dam can be attained by parking lots to the north of Route 38 on both the east and west sides of the river on streets immediately adjacent to the river.

The east side of the river several amenities.  There is a canoe / kayak ramp and pathway for launching up-river trips or circum-navigating the dam for down river trips.  A small gazebo shelter provides a nice picnic / resting spot as well as the lovely stone walls for sitting and relaxation while gazing…being rejuvenated by the roar and passing of the waters.  The Fox Valley Bicycle Trail runs north-south with the Fox River along this edge of the river passing to the south underneath the bridge, thus becoming also a connecting path to the beautiful Island Park in Geneva to the south.  For fisherman who wish to access the water of the Fox River, this eastside parking lot provides best access to the gentle slope to the river to enter in waders or fish the banks.  Regularly you will see fisherman out in the river below the churning pools created by the dam.  A word of caution though!…stay well clear of those pools as they have a backward churning motion and by the under-tow created have a current that sucks water back to the dam and down…a definite drowning hazard.  Fisherman stand beyond these dangerous currents and cast into the pools.  Likewise there are wonderful opportunities progressing away from the dam to find deep pools in which fish congregate.  Remember the movie “A River Runs Through It”?  Go to Geneva Dam to watch the beautiful motion of a fly-fisherman casting!   At this location you will also find some great area businesses: Geneva Kayak Center, Geneva Cyclery, and the wonderful restaurant “Mill Race Inn”…also an ice cream stand to purchase a treat and top off a special respite.

The west side of the river on North River Lane is also a great spot for viewing and access to a much larger supply of parking.  On the west side you will find higher riverbanks with linear park created for viewing and relaxing from park benches.  RiverPark is a community inspired and built park.  It represents community enhancement and cooperation at its best.  The park is 1.8 acres and follows the west bank of the Fox River from Geneva Garden Club Park, north along North River Lane in downtown Geneva.  Here you will also find access to the “Geneva on the Dam” business center of retail and offices…notably “River Lane Pub & Eatery”.

The Geneva Dam is easily accessible and provides all Genevans and visitors a “quick fix” of the peace to be found through nature.