Welcome to Genoa Main Street

Genoa is an award winning Illinois Main Street Community located in the heart of the historic and scenic Kishwaukee River Valley. We are approximately the midpoint on the historic Chicago to Galena Stagecoach Trail. Located 60 miles west of Chicago on State Route 72, Genoa is the gateway to scenic northwest Illinois.

Downtown Genoa is a premiere destination shopping district and a place for social gatherings. Visit the shops and restaurants, including a Victorian tea room and an award-winning winery.

Today Genoa's Main Street retains its rural charm with buildings dating back to the early 1800s. Genoa history can be explored at the Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Museum housed in the old Milwaukee Railroad depot.

Explore Russell Woods Forest Preserve, which offers a nature center, fishing, canoeing and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and sledding.

The Oak Club, a premier 18-hole, par-72 golf course, is located one mile south of Genoa. It features rolling topography with the Kishwaukee River winding through the course.

Upcoming Meetings & Events -- April 2008

May 2 -- 8:30 a.m. -- Membership & Development Committee

May 6 -- 10:15 a.m. -- Promotion Committee

May 7 -- 8:30 a.m. -- Board of Directors

May 8 -- 8:30 a.m. -- Business Roundtable - Genoa Cafe

May 14 -- Main Street Scholarship Polls Close

May 21 -- Main Street Scholarship Presentation at G-K Granduation

May 22 -- 8:45 a.m. -- Merchants' Meeting

May 24 -- 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Open Air Market - City Parking Lot

May 26 -- Office Closed in Observance of Memeorial Day

2007 Annual Report/2008 Action Plan Available

The 2007 Genoa Main Street Annual Report and 2008 Action Plan outlines our accomplishments and plans for the downtown business district. You may view the plan at 2007 Annual Report to Partners & Volunteers.

Announcing $1,500 in Main Street Scholarships

      POLLS CLOSE MAY 14-                    VOTE NOW!

Genoa Main Street, Inc. in cooperation with 25 Genoa businesses and organizations, is offering a $1,000 scholarship and a $500 scholarship this year to graduating Genoa-Kingston High School seniors.  You can cast your votes for the 30 eligible candidates at 17 downtown businesses and organizations.  For details, see posters at participating businesses and the press release.

Spend a Day at Genoa

Enjoy a day of dining, golfing or shopping with friends. Or take some time to discover the rich history of Genoa by visiting the museum. Join us in one of our community events or celebrations. There is always something exciting to do in Genoa.

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GMS Wins State Award

Illinois Main Street State Conference a Winning Event for Genoa

Genoa Main Street, Inc. was the winner of the Retail Event award and finalist in three other categories when at the 2007 Lt. Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization at the 14th annual Illinois Main Street Conference, in Danville on November 15. 

On hand to accept the award from Lt.  Gov. Pat Qunn were Mim Evans, executive director; Arlene Erickson, secretary; Gordon Jones, vice president, and David Glaum, chair of the promotion committee.  Attending the conference the previous day was Jim Wilson, chair of the economic restructuring committee. 

Genoa Main Street won the Retail Event Award for its Main Street Scholarship promotion, which raised awareness of downtown businesses and attracted shoppers while also generating a $1,000 scholarship for a Genoa-Kingston High School graduating senior. 

Genoa Main Street also was a finalist in three other categories

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