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Naperville is a city of about 150,000 people on the DuPage River, about 30 miles west of Chicago. It was founded in 1831 by Captain Joseph Naper, making it one of the oldest towns in the region, and it served as the DuPage County seat until 1868. For more than a century it remained a quiet farming town before growing rapidly into one of Chicago's most popular suburbs.
The heart of Naperville is its Riverwalk, a landscaped path along the DuPage River built for the city's 150th anniversary in 1981. It winds past covered bridges, fountains, the Moser Tower carillon and the Centennial Beach swimming hole, a former quarry turned into a giant outdoor pool. Downtown Naperville, next to the Riverwalk, has hundreds of shops and restaurants in historic buildings.
Naper Settlement, a living-history museum village, recreates 19th-century life with historic homes and buildings moved from around the area. Knoch Knolls Nature Center, the Springbrook Prairie preserve and the DuPage River Trail offer outdoor space, and Metra and Amtrak trains connect Naperville to downtown Chicago.
A brick-paved path along the DuPage River through downtown Naperville with covered bridges, fountains, gardens, sculptures and the Paddleboat Quarry. It is the city's most loved place for a stroll. It connects downtown shops with Centennial Beach and the Moser Tower; parking is free in garages.
A small quarry pond on the Naperville Riverwalk where visitors rent paddleboats in summer, with ice skating at the nearby Riverwalk rink in winter. It is a fun short activity for families after walking downtown. Rentals are seasonal and weather dependent; check hours first.
A historic swimming area in a former limestone quarry beside the Riverwalk, with a large beach, a deep diving area, lap lanes and a zero-depth entry for children. It is open only in summer and charges admission, with lower prices for residents. It fills quickly on hot weekends.
A hands-on children's museum near the Naperville Metra station with play exhibits on building, water, air, art and math designed for young children. It is best for kids under about ten. Visit on weekday afternoons for fewer crowds, and buy timed tickets online.
A lively downtown with more than 100 shops, restaurants, bars and cafes along Jefferson and Washington streets, next to the Riverwalk. It is busy on summer evenings and during holiday events. Free public parking garages are available, and outdoor dining is popular in warm months.
A 160-foot tower on the Riverwalk holding the Millennium Carillon, one of the largest carillons in the world with 72 bells. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top on seasonal tour days for views, and listen to recitals on summer evenings. Check the schedule ahead.
A public art collection of dozens of sculptures, murals and mosaics spread around downtown Naperville, many honoring local history and people. Pick up or download a map and follow the self-guided walking route. It is free and pairs well with a stroll along the Riverwalk.
An outdoor history museum near downtown with historic buildings moved from around the area, including a Victorian mansion, a chapel, a print shop and a blacksmith, staffed by costumed interpreters in season. It hosts events like Naperville's Last Fling. Allow two hours.
A Naperville Park District nature center and park along the DuPage River with trails through woods and prairie, a canoe launch and indoor exhibits with live animals. It is free and family-friendly. The trails are short; bring insect repellent in summer and good shoes after rain.
A large DuPage County forest preserve on Naperville's southwest side with restored tallgrass prairie, wetlands and a long gravel loop trail used for walking, running, cycling and horse riding. It is known for grassland birds. There is little shade, so bring water and a hat.
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