We look forward to hosting your group for a private tour to share the incredible history of Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan! A private tour can include the c. 1910 Fabyan Japanese Garden, or the Fabyans’ historic villa, redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907, or both.
Private tours are available at 10 am or 1 pm on Thursdays from May through September. To request a private tour, please first complete and submit our Private Tour Request Form. Contact us at least one month in advance to improve your chances of availability.
If your group is 10 or fewer, we recommend a Guided Tour on one of our regular open days. Guided Tour tickets are available at ppfv.org/fabyan-villa-museum.
Below is an overview of the tour experience at the Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden (a pdf of this information is here):
At the Villa Museum (60 minutes):
A slide show of historic photos to provide background on the Fabyans’ estate. Seating is provided.
Complete tour of both floors of the Fabyan Villa Museum, led by a knowledgeable docent.
Observe design elements of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style architecture.
Get a close-up look at the Fabyans’ eclectic collection, as well as artifacts of the scientific achievements the Colonel funded, including cryptography and acoustics.
NEW FOR 2026: Learn about Nelle Fabyan and view the Parisian couture gown she wore in c. 1905.
In the Japanese Garden (30 minutes)
A guided stroll through the one-acre garden designed in c. 1910 by landscape architect Tarō Ōtsuka.
Learn about some of the traditions of Japanese gardens.
Marvel at the wide variety of plants and trees and the beauty and serenity of the historic garden.
Other details:
Fabyan Parking and Site Map
Private tours are coordinated in advance with Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley.
The Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden are located within the Fabyan West Forest Preserve in Geneva.
Approximately one (1) mile of walking is required to visit the Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden.
If anyone has difficulty walking long distances, contact us for accommodation options.
Guests should park in the northernmost section of the Fabyan West Forest Preserve public parking lot. Buses can get in and out of this parking lot. Visit our map for directions and parking.
The Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden are not ADA-compliant and not accessible to wheelchairs.
There are NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS at the historic sites. Please use the facilities BEFORE the tour.
Please refrain from bringing large bags, backpacks, and strollers. Food, drinks (other than water), chewing gum, bikes, and pets are prohibited.
Pricing:
The cost of a private tour is $15/person (one site) or $20/person (both sites).
The minimum fee is $150 (one site) or $200 (both sites).
A deposit in the amount of the minimum fee will be required to hold your date and time.
The deposit is refundable when cancellation is made at least 48 hours in advance.
Student discounts are available.
Groups with more than 15 guests will be split into smaller groups.
To reserve a private tour at the Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden, please complete and submit the request form by selecting the button below:
If you have any questions, please contact us at (630) 377-6424 or info@ppfv.org.
The Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden are owned by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and operated by Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley.