Welcome! We are absolutely thrilled that you are traveling from across the Midwest (and beyond!) to join us for the Harvest Moon Dance Weekend.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat between workshops, planning to explore the area before the Friday welcome dance, or extending your stay to soak up a little more local dancing, we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your time in the Chicagoland area.
Harvest Moon takes place at the beautiful Baker Community Center in downtown St. Charles, Illinois. If you aren't staying with a local dancer, there are plenty of nearby hotel options to fit any preference and price point:
Bougie & Historic: Hotel Baker – Known as the "Crown Jewel of the Fox," this stunning historic boutique hotel is located right on the river in downtown St. Charles, just a stone's throw from the dance hall. It features luxurious rooms, original 1928 architecture, a martini lounge, and beautiful rose gardens.
Comfort & Convenience: Courtyard by Marriott or Hampton Inn & Suites St. Charles – Both of these mid-range options offer reliable, comfortable stays with modern amenities and are just a short, easy drive to the Baker Community Center.
Budget-Friendly: Super 8 by Wyndham St. Charles (allows dogs) or Best Western Inn of St. Charles – Perfect for dancers looking for a simple, affordable place to rest their heads after a long day on the dance floor.
The Fox River Valley is absolutely stunning in the autumn. If you have some downtime during the weekend, here are a few ways to enjoy the area:
Downtown St. Charles & The Fox River Trail: You won't have to go far for a great meal. Downtown St. Charles features numerous restaurants, cozy cafes, and ice cream shops just a short walk from the dance hall. Need fresh air? The paved Fox River Trail runs right through downtown and is perfect for a scenic stroll to take in the crisp fall weather.
Neighboring Geneva & Batavia: Take a quick drive south to Geneva’s historic downtown, famous for boutique shopping and local bakeries, or visit Batavia for great river views and local charm.
The Morton Arboretum (Lisle): A massive 1,700-acre botanical garden and outdoor tree museum. It is spectacular during the fall and a beautiful place to hike or drive through.
Cantigny Park (Wheaton): The former estate of Robert R. McCormick, featuring lush, expansive botanical gardens and historic museums.
Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden (Geneva): Located in the Fabyan Forest Preserve, this spot features a historic home remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright, a beautiful authentic Japanese garden, and a historic Dutch windmill.
Not quite ready to stop dancing when the Sunday farewell dance ends? Extend your weekend and join the broader Chicagoland dance community!
Monday Night Contra (Chicago Barn Dance Company) Head east toward Chicago for Monday night contra dancing! It’s a fantastic way to stretch your legs, experience the vibrant local contra scene, and mingle with even more local dancers before heading home. (Check the Chicago Barn Dance Company website closer to the weekend for exact times, bands, and venue details).
Tuesday Night Scottish (Chicago Scottish in Naperville) If you are sticking around through Tuesday, shift gears and join the local Scottish Country Dance community! Chicago Scottish hosts Tuesday night dancing in the western suburb of Naperville. It's a wonderful, welcoming environment and a great way to cap off a long weekend of dancing.
Getting Here: St. Charles is located in Chicago's western suburbs. If you are flying in, both O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) airports are accessible, though renting a car or arranging a carpool with local dancers is generally the easiest way to get to the Fox River Valley.
Stay Connected: If you are looking for a local host, a carpool from the airport, or someone to share a hotel room with, don't hesitate to reach out. Email us at ChicagolandECD@gmail.com and we can help connect you with our local dancing community.