'Cottages In The Woods' Offers Art, Whimsey Swedish Bakery At Good Templar Park

GENEVA, IL — Enter a magical fairyland this weekend at Good Templar Park’s “Cottages In The Woods,” rain or shine. The fall festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days.

Thirty-seven Midwestern artisans and vendors will be selling their unique art creations, books, holiday decor and collectibles in 20 of the park’s quaint and charming cottages.

“Cottages In The Woods” has established itself as one of the Midwest's premier fall events drawing visitors from all over the Chicago region. Twenty charming Swedish stugas (cottages) from the early 20th century will open their doors, showcasing some of the Midwest’s most talented artisans.

Woodland fairies and Tomte (Swedish Santa) will roam the grounds greeting guests. Pick up some baked goods to bring home from the Swedish bakery. Food trucks will be selling concessions. There is also a kids craft station and scavenger hunt.

Located in the picturesque Fox River Valley, Good Templar Park is a private park, which only opens the historic cottages to the public a few times a year. Fall is the most beautiful time of all, with leaves of red and gold falling from towering oaks, and offers the perfect fall day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Friends of the Viking Ship will also be offering docent-led tours for a separate admission leaving every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days, of the replica Gokstad viking ship that sailed across the Atlantic and up the St. Lawrence Seaway into Jackson Park during the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Manned by Norwegian sailors and unattended by any other craft, Norway wanted to prove the feasibility of Leif Erikson’s alleged expedition from Norway to the New England coast in 1000 AD. Good Templar Park is the fifth home of this Illinois Landmark. This is your last chance to see the Viking Ship before it's packed away for winter storage. Viking tours are $7 for adults, $4 for teens 13 to 17; children are 12 are free.

"Cottages In The Woods" is a family friendly event. Kids are encouraged to wear fairy wings. Admission to the artisan sale is $10, and can be paid at the gate. Kids under 12 are free. Good Templar Park is located at 628 East Drive, Geneva. For more info visit Good Templar Park.