Johnson’s Mound in Elburn may be best known as a slick sledding destination for kids, but (in my humble opinion) it’s one of best under-the-radar hiking spots in the area.

In fact — according to the Forest Preserve District of Kane County — locals have enjoyed visiting the natural landmark since at least 1871.

Today, its trails meander through thick forest and lush prairie, giving hikers more than two miles of quiet, scenic landscape to enjoy. Each time we visit, we rarely see more than a few people.

And technically, it’s not just a mound — it’s a “glacial kame.” Save that fact; you never know when you’ll need to impress a neighbor with random local knowledge.

A few other local trails and parks worth checking out when the leaves turn:

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They’re local and famous for their honesty and integrity. Need a visual? Check out this time-lapse video of their most recent kitchen remodel.

☑️ Charles Farm denied: After gathering feedback from residents and groups in nearby communities, St. Charles officials said they have “no interest” in moving forward with the controversial development.

☑️ School scare: Police were notified about a gun threat at Geneva middle schools on Thursday, but the online threat was determined to be a hoax.

☑️ Financial transparency: Kane County has made its proposed 2025 budget available for public review. It projects a 4% decrease compared to the 2024 budget.

☑️ Massage missteps: Geneva police arrested a woman for prostitution after an investigation into illicit activity at Yuanyuan Spa on East State Street.

☑️ Lot transformation: Zoning amendments for a Fourth Street parking lot near the Metra station in Geneva have been recommended for approval. The purchasers plan to “nativize” the landscape with trees and plants.

☑️ Alarming activity: Batavia police are investigating a report of a suspicious man who attempted to lure a student near Alice Gustafson Elementary School last week, prompting extra security measures.

☑️ Historic home: A Geneva committee is holding a public hearing on Tuesday (9/17) about an application to designate the Brownson-Baumann House on Route 31 as a historic landmark.

☑️ Entertaining conversation: Famed Chicago-based singer Wayne Messmer joined the What’s Up St. Charles podcast to share his inspirational story and chat about STC Jazz Weekend.

☑️ Community canine: The Kane County Sheriff's Office dedicated a memorial for K-9 Hudson, a police dog who was killed in a Geneva shootout with a carjacking suspect last year.

☑️ Lunch & literature: The Batavia Public Library announced the lineup for the 36th season of its Books Between Bites program, which kicks off this Thursday (9/19).

☑️ Sneezing lately? Allergy season is going strong in the Chicago area — pollen levels have been high for about a month. You can expect relief in October when the first frost arrives.

☑️ High achievers: Four St. Charles North and East high school students were named as semifinalists in the National Merit scholarship program.

Hope everyone enjoyed St. Charles Jazz Weekend. The turnout certainly seemed great — trying to find a parking spot downtown was like playing musical chairs in a phone booth.

Here’s your list of mid-week performances in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles.

☑️ Lending a hand: After Facebook unexpectedly disabled the business page for Batavia’s Hearth & Hammer general store, they saw their entire audience disappear. Give them a follow and help rebuild their audience.

☑️ Hidden history: The property that now houses Fernando’s Street Kitchen in Batavia was once the site of a wind engine factory and later a major corruption scandal. Dig into its fascinating history.

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️️ Butterflies: All You Want to Know | Tues 9/17, 6:45PM | Batavia Library | This Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners meeting will feature a presentation from butterfly experts.

☑️️ Career Fair | Thurs 9/19, 10AM-2PM | STC Library | Meet local employers hiring for a variety of roles.

☑️ Vino & Vinyasa | Thurs 9/19, 6-7PM | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Local businesses teamed up to offer a relaxing evening of yoga and wine.

🎟️ Fall Floral Workshop | Thurs 9/19, 6:30-9PM | Rock ‘N Ravioli, STC | Create beautiful fall floral arrangements and graze on charcuterie.

🎟️ Fall Looks & Laughs | Thurs 9/19, 6:30-9PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Fashion and comedy — all in one entertaining evening.

🎟️ View the Night Sky | Fri 9/20, 7-9PM | Gray Willows Farm, Campton Hills | Bring the fam to view the galaxy up close through a telescope — plus snacks and night hikes!

🎟️ Trifles: A Murder Mystery | Fri 9/20, 7:30PM - Sun 9/29, 2PM | Steel Beam Theatre, STC | A grisly crime. A suspected wife. A curious town. Catch this thrilling local performance through 9/29.

☑️️ Service Academy Day | Sat 9/21, 10:30AM-12:30PM | Batavia Library | Rep. Bill Foster is holding an information session for students interested in attending a service academy.

🎟️ Pints by the Pond | Sat 9/21, 2-5PM | Peg Bond Center, Batavia | Sample local brews and jam to live music while hanging with neighbors and sampling food truck fare. More info here.

🎟️ Inspiring Hearts & Minds: Fundraiser Gala | Sat 9/21, 5:30-10PM | Q Center, St. Charles | Enjoy dinner, drinks, and dueling pianos while raising funds to support TriCity Family Services clients.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities and Kane County — including this $1.3M riverfront mansion (with a beach) and this $1.2M, 7-bedroom home in the woods. Both are in St. Charles.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ Council meetings: All three towns have City Council meetings tonight (9/16). See the agendas: Batavia | St. Charles | Geneva

☀️ Today: High 89F | Low 55F | Oddly hot

🌤️ Tuesday: High 85F | Low 56F | Still summery

☀️ Wednesday: High 82F | Low 59F | Full sun

☀️ Thursday: High 86F | Low 59F | Rinse & repeat

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