Kendall County: River, Trails and Regional History

The Fox River Water Trail runs through Kendall County, providing a clear point of reference for a trip that combines the river, nature and regional history. Trails, water activities and historic sites also offer different ways to shape your stay.

Out on the Fox River

The Fox River Water Trail runs from the Wisconsin–Illinois border through Lake, McHenry, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle counties to the Illinois River in Ottawa. It consists of a coordinated system of access points and signage that promotes recreational canoeing and kayaking. The trail’s only portage section in Kendall County is at the Yorkville Dam. Those interested in the river can include both its longer route through several counties and this specific point of reference in Kendall County in their trip plans.

Trails, Lakes and Activities

Boating is permitted on Loon Lake and Beaver Lake at Silver Springs SFWA, but gasoline-powered motors are not allowed. A scenic, four-mile trail runs along the river and through wooded areas, offering views of the lakes. Boating and the trail provide different ways to experience the area’s waters and woodlands. Two small lakes also offer fishing for channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill and crappie.

Ellis Equestrian Center offers private and semi-private riding lessons for adults and children ages four and up. Riding lessons and programs are available seven days a week by appointment only. By contrast, no appointment or usage fee is required for the District’s trails at Ellis House and Equestrian Center. These different conditions are relevant when planning your day: riding activities require advance arrangements, while the trails mentioned can be used without an appointment.

Raging Waves features a wave pool, a lazy river, and the Aussie Mat Dash and Wonambi attractions. These four named features give you specific points of reference if you want to include water attractions in your trip plans.

Explore Nature and Landscapes in More Detail

Fox River Bluffs opened in 2023 and has a small parking lot, a restored prairie and an oak reforestation project. At Hoover Forest Preserve, a 5.5-mile network of improved trails connects a range of habitats with scenic viewpoints. The preserve also includes the on-site Rookery Education Center and Neshnabe’k, a reconstructed Potawatomi village.

The plant life also makes Hoover Forest Preserve a natural destination in its own right: nearly 300 native plant species grow there. Some are not known to occur anywhere else in Kendall County. Together, the trail length, varied habitats and botanical diversity offer several specific ways to experience the preserve—from planning a route to discovering what grows there.

History and Summer Traditions

Lyon Farm is a historic village with 15 restored buildings. The site also includes a 1918 caboose from the Chicago Burlington & Quincy. The number of buildings and the railroad car offer two tangible points of reference for the farm’s history, without limiting a visit to a single exhibit.

The Kendall County Fair takes place every summer and celebrates the region’s agricultural traditions as a family-friendly community gathering. Events include livestock competitions, and funnel cakes are also available at the fair. If you want to include the event in your stay, check the dates before you travel. This will help you distinguish the recurring summer event from the trails, landscapes and historic sites described as available year-round.

This focus gives your search for a hotel in Kendall County a clear direction without conflating the different reasons to visit.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Yorkville, Oswego, Champaign, Lawrence, Cumberland County, Marshall County, Winnebago, Johnson County.

For the broader travel overview: Illinois.