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Naperville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it one of the most desirable suburbs in the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in 1831 by Joseph Naper and his family, the city has grown from a frontier settlement along the DuPage River into the fourth-largest city in Illinois. Its award-winning downtown district features brick-paved streets, independent boutiques, and a dining scene that draws visitors from across the region. The city consistently ranks among the safest and best places to live in the United States, thanks to excellent schools, well-maintained public spaces, and a strong sense of community.
Joseph Naper, a shipbuilder and farmer from Ohio, arrived at the DuPage River in 1831 with his brother John and their families, establishing the settlement that would bear his name. The original Naper homestead stood near what is now the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Mill Street, marking the birthplace of the community. Naper built a sawmill along the river, which became the economic engine for the fledgling town, supplying lumber for homes and businesses throughout the area. The arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1864 transformed Naperville from an agricultural village into a thriving commercial center connected to Chicago. Throughout the late 19th century, Naperville grew steadily, with the establishment of North Central College in 1870 further cementing the town’s reputation as a center for education and culture. The college, founded by the Evangelical Association, remains one of Naperville’s defining institutions and a key contributor to the city’s intellectual and artistic life.
The Naperville Riverwalk is the heart of the city, a winding brick pathway that follows the DuPage River through nearly two miles of landscaped gardens, fountains, and covered bridges. Visitors can rent paddleboats near the Paddleboat Quarry, feed ducks from the shoreline, or simply stroll beneath the canopy of mature oak trees. The Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon, rising 160 feet above the Riverwalk, houses 72 bronze bells and offers seasonal concerts that echo across downtown. You can climb to the observation deck for panoramic views of the river valley and surrounding neighborhoods. Downtown Naperville features more than 200 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, from artisan bakeries to craft breweries along Washington Street and Main Street. For family fun, Centennial Beach offers a unique swimming experience in a former limestone quarry that has been transformed into a six-acre aquatic park with sand beaches, water slides, and diving platforms.
Naper Settlement stands as a 12-acre living history museum that preserves the area’s 19th-century heritage with more than 30 historic buildings. The Martin Mitchell Mansion, an 1883 Victorian home at the center of the settlement, showcases period furnishings and architectural details that reflect the affluence of Naperville’s early industrial families. The DuPage Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits focused on art, math, and science, making it a favorite destination for families with young children. At the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center on the campus of North Central College, visitors can experience performances ranging from classical orchestras to contemporary touring acts in a world-class acoustical setting. The city also hosts the Naperville Art League, which operates a gallery and classroom space on Naper Boulevard, showcasing rotating exhibits by local and regional artists throughout the year.
Beyond the Riverwalk, Naperville offers an extensive network of parks and natural areas maintained by the Naperville Park District, one of the largest in Illinois. Knoch Knolls Park spans 224 acres along the confluence of the East and West Branches of the DuPage River, with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching through restored prairie and woodland habitats. The Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, located on the southern edge of the city, protects more than 1,800 acres of native tallgrass prairie where visitors may spot meadowlarks, coyotes, and white-tailed deer. Golfers can choose from several public courses, including the Naperbrook Golf Course and Springbrook Golf Course, both offering well-maintained fairways and challenging layouts. The river itself supports kayaking and canoeing, with multiple launch points along the DuPage River Water Trail for paddlers of all experience levels.
Naperville shines during the late spring and early fall months, when outdoor activities along the Riverwalk are at their most pleasant. May and September bring comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, perfect for exploring the downtown shops and patios without the summer crowds. The summer months of June through August host the city’s signature events, including Naperville Ribfest around Independence Day and the Last Fling community festival over Labor Day weekend. Fall transforms the Riverwalk and surrounding preserves into a canvas of amber and crimson foliage, with October offering some of the most beautiful scenery of the year. Winter visitors can enjoy the Naper Lights holiday display along Water Street and the Riverwalk, where thousands of lights illuminate the pathways from late November through January. Weekend mornings year-round bring the Naperville Farmers Market to Fifth Avenue Station, where local producers sell fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts.
Here are some of our favorite things to do while visiting Naperville. Choose your favorite!
Centennial Beach is a historic swimming quarry turned aquatic park in the heart of Naperville, Illinois. Originally a limestone quarry that supplied stone for Chicago’s earliest sidewalks and buildings, the site was transformed into a swimming facil…