Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Garden
Free WiFi
Explore the area
South Elgin, IL
Epic Air Trampoline Park
Place, Epic Air Trampoline Park
‪3 min drive‬
Lamplight Equestrian Center
Place, Lamplight Equestrian Center
‪5 min drive‬
Fine Line Creative Arts Center
Place, Fine Line Creative Arts Center
‪5 min drive‬
Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
Airport, Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)
‪53 min drive‬
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Sofa Bed
The Bathroom
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
About this property
Red Riverfront Cottage w/Firepit & Swings, Blackhawk on the Fox!!
Summertime coming in 3, 2, 1 ....
Greetings VRBO viewers! Come over and visit our little river house that we call "Blackhawk on the Fox". The location within the 1940's Five Islands subdivision lends itself naturally to the quaint cabin theme.
The house is a small 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom ranch house. Many guests refer to it as a cottage or a cabin. The first bedroom in the front has queen sized bed, and the second bedroom in the back has twin sized bunk beds. Please note, the bottom bunk of the bunk beds is low to the floor, and might not be suitable for all guests. There is also a full sized sofa bed in the living room, with a memory foam mattress.
Snuggle up in the living room for a Netflix movie night on the 50" TV. Order a pizza, or cook a meal in the kitchen. Roast marshmallows over the fire in the large fire pit in the backyard. You're welcome to bring your own firewood or purchase a bundle for $10 from the backyard, while supplies last. We also have a basic charcoal grill in yard. And, the kids will love the swing that hangs from a 30 foot branch in the oak tree, and well as the tire swing!
Enjoy a front row seat and watch the river take a brief northwest detour before turning southbound again toward St. Charles. It's about a 5 mile drive to the charming streets of downtown St. Charles to the south, and Elgin is 5 miles to the north. There is plenty of bike trail nearby, including a long bridge that runs diagonally across the big bend in the river. There's a small waterfall walking distance from the property. If you're into fishing, you can fish right from the property. There is also a small boat launch right in the neighborhood, as well as a park district boat launch a few miles away. Sorry, the river is not suitable for swimming. We wish!
We've been hosting this place for four years now, and it's been such a blessing. Guests have ranged from families on vacations, to couples having romantic getaways, to people in town for work, to people just needing a place to crash.
Springtime is lovely on the property with the flowers in bloom. In May you will most likely see baby geese. We have several mulberry trees on the property that are usually in full swing in June. Summertime is our peak season, and it does book up solidly, so plan your trip now!
Check-in is at 4:00 and check-out is at 11:00. We generally need to stick to these times to be sure we have enough time to get everything ready in between guests.
Please be aware that this property is in a wooded area! Although we try to keep the critters away, it can be prone to wildlife. Waterbugs are real deal in the spring.... not to mention mosquitoes in the summer. We do provide bug spray and citronella candles.
Fast Modern WiFi! Relax in a peaceful setting while enjoying the convenience of 210Mbps WiFi, delivered to the house via a fiber optic line.
The house is 43 miles from downtown Chicago, 22 miles from Woodfield mall, 32 miles from O'Hare airport, and 42 miles from Midway airport.
If you're visiting in the winter, you may want to bring some slippers in case the floor is chilly.
We often get inquiries from individuals wishing to have large gatherings on our property. While we appreciate the interest, we only allow up to 12 visitors on the property at a time. It's a quiet neighborhood, and we don't want to draw too much attention to the place. We do hope to have a party rental one of these days!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Check-out is at 11am sharp. We are often there at 11:00 to start cleaning. Please be out on time, unless other arrangements have been made. Thanks!
Don't forget to pay for firewood! $10 for a basketful. Let us know if you need help with this.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2479133
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
About the neighborhood
South Elgin
Located in South Elgin, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. St. Charles Heritage Center and Camp Kane and Beith House Museum are local landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Geneva Commons and Charlestowne Mall. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at NOW Arena, or consider a night out at Goebbert's Farm. Looking to get your feet wet? Motor boating and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
James 'Pate' Philip State Park - 4 min drive - 6.1 km
Lamplight Equestrian Center - 5 min drive - 6.1 km
South Elgin Dog Park - 5 min drive - 5.4 km
Fine Line Creative Arts Center - 5 min drive - 7.4 km
Getting around
Elgin National Street Station - 9 min drive
Chicago, IL (DPA-Dupage) - 16 min drive
Restaurants
‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
‪Back O Da Yards Beer Garden - ‬4 min drive
‪Panda Express - ‬4 min drive
‪Panera Bread - ‬4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Riverfront Cottage w/Firepit & Swings, Blackhawk on the Fox!! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Red Riverfront Cottage w/Firepit & Swings, Blackhawk on the Fox!!?
As of May 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Red Riverfront Cottage w/Firepit & Swings, Blackhawk on the Fox!! on May 11, 2026 start from $246, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Red Riverfront Cottage w/Firepit & Swings, Blackhawk on the Fox!!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Red Riverfront Cottage w/Firepit & Swings, Blackhawk on the Fox!!?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Red Riverfront Cottage w/Firepit & Swings, Blackhawk on the Fox!! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Epic Air Trampoline Park and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from South Elgin Dog Park. Lamplight Equestrian Center and Fine Line Creative Arts Center are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
The perfect getaway- the host was very responsive and accommodating, cabin had everything we needed. We went wader fishing on the river (no fish but very magical), and enjoyed the fire pit. The neighborhood is very quiet. Would love to stay again!
This place was great. The master bedroom and back bedroom worked well for us. The pull out was a nice option. The kitchen was great. The backyard was awesome, the kids loved running around. We filled up the bike tires and put air in the balls on the porch. We gathered sticks around the yard and put them in the fire pit for the next guest too, kept them busy. The bathroom was nice. The huge dining room table was awesome! Overall the house was great. If anything, the mattresses on the pullout and master could use an upgrade. Thanks for hosting us for a quick overnight!
This property was perfect and so peaceful! The beds were amazing and the owners really thought of all the perfect little touches! We definitely would stay here again!
Thank you so much for being so accommodating with letting us get in earlier. I hope to book again for next year. Wish we had one more day. Very comfortable bed. Cozy.
Peaceful comfort! Clean and charming, comfortable beds and quiet surroundings. We really enjoyed the location by the river, especially the rope swing! Thanks!
Such a cute property located minutes from Lamplight Equestrian!
Lisa D.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025
About the host
Hosted by ErikCindy
Cindy and I have about 3 years of experience hosting a room in our home on Vrbo, and we're beyond excited to be offering this property as a short term rental. We have been working hard to fix the property up to be an awesome vacation rental, and we appreciate your patience as the house is still a work in progress.
Why they chose this property
Growing up in Schaumburg, IL, Cindy and I met in high school, and married each other and moved just 15 miles west toward the Fox River valley. After living in Elgin for some years and having two children, we moved to the charming community of Valley View right near St. Charles and have bought a couple rental houses in the area. The big bend in the river north of St. Charles is one of the prettiest regions outside of Chicago and we are thrilled to offer this great little house on the river for people to enjoy. It's a peaceful place.
What makes this property unique
The house is located in a great spot. The yard is about an acre with 185 feet of river shore in a small neighborhood hidden between two forest preserves. Enjoy a private place to view the water, fish, and rest. Take a 10 minute walk along the trail to Blackhawk waterfall, or continue to explore the 35 mile Fox River trail. While on the trail, stop to watch the sunset from the bridge amidst the five islands. Jump in the car and take a drive to downtown St. Charles, IL, a great place to walk down Main Street, shop and eat and soak it all in. While in St. Charles, ride the big paddle boats, or the little pedal boats! Go miniature golfing at Pottawattamie Park. As part of the "Tri-Cities", Geneva and Batavia are similar river towns that are very close by. And so is Elgin, with a population of 110,000 and a riverboat Casino. It's really a great area to visit.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests