Things to do in Naperville, Illinois
- Naperville was originally founded in 1831 by Joseph Naper and served as the DuPage County seat from 1839 to 1867.
- The city consistently ranks among the safest municipalities of its size in the United States according to FBI uniform crime reports.
- It is home to a notable number of 'smart city' initiatives, including a community-wide fiber optic network managed by the city's own utility department.
- The Naperville Riverwalk was originally conceived and constructed in 1981 to commemorate the city's sesquicentennial anniversary.
About Naperville, Illinois
Naperville is a prominent Illinois municipality located along the West Branch of the DuPage River, recognized for its historic downtown and extensive park system. The city serves as a regional hub featuring the immersive Naper Settlement museum and the expansive Riverwalk Park, which acts as the scenic centerpiece of the community. Visitors can explore local natural landscapes at sites like McDowell Grove Forest Preserve or experience the specialized facilities at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The city maintains a distinct identity through its blend of preserved 19th-century architecture and modern suburban development.
Highlights of Naperville, Illinois
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Walk the brick-lined paths that wind along the DuPage River through the heart of the city.
Museums
Explore 19th-century history within this outdoor museum featuring restored local buildings.
Parks
Access miles of trails suitable for hiking and cycling through diverse woodland habitats.
Venues
Visit the site of major local athletic events and stadium competitions.
Parks
Experience equestrian facilities and scenic preserves maintained by the forest preserve district.
Parks
Utilize the extensive recreational sports facilities and open green spaces located within this public park.
Parks
Enjoy the quiet wooded setting and picnic areas designed for community gatherings.
Parks
Visit this neighborhood park known for its playgrounds and community-centered recreation fields.
Top things to do in Naperville, Illinois
The 96 highest-rated places in Naperville, Illinois, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre living museum dedicated to the collection, study, and display of trees from around...
2
Parks
The Naperville Riverwalk is a 1.75-mile linear park featuring brick pathways, covered bridges, and fountains along the W...
3
Parks
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a 2,492-acre nature area in DuPage County, Illinois, featuring the notable man-made Ro...
4
Parks
Blackwell Forest Preserve is a 1,366-acre site in Warrenville, Illinois, managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPa...
5
Temples
The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) is a prominent architectural landmark featuring the Rama Temple and the Ganes...
6
Natural attractions
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is an 887-acre natural site in Wheaton, Illinois, centered around a 22-acre lake used for n...
7
Museums
Naper Settlement is a 13-acre outdoor living history museum located in the historic district of Naperville, Illinois. Th...
8
Parks
Greene Valley Forest Preserve is a 1,414-acre expanse managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, featurin...
9
Parks
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve is a 1,829-acre site in Naperville, Illinois, recognized as one of the largest remai...
10
Parks
Centennial Park in Naperville is home to the historic Centennial Beach, an aquatic facility repurposed from a former sto...
11
Venues
The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) is a multi-disciplinary performing arts complex located on the College of DuPage campus i...
12
Parks
McCollum Park is a 50-acre recreational facility in Downers Grove, Illinois, managed by the Downers Grove Park District....
13
Parks
McDowell Grove Forest Preserve spans 465 acres along the West Branch of the DuPage River in Naperville. The site feature...
14
Parks
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park is a themed, bayou-inspired outdoor water facility operated by the Woodridge Park Distr...
15
Parks
Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a LEED Platinum-certified facility designed to educate visitors on local river ecology and...
16
Parks
Commissioners Park is a 78-acre community space in southwest Naperville designed for multi-sport athletic use and active...
17
Amusement parks
The Children's Garden is an interactive outdoor educational space located within The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois...
18
Parks
Whalon Lake is a 249-acre forest preserve featuring a prominent 80-acre lake reclaimed from a former rock quarry. The si...
19
Parks
Four Seasons Park is a 33-acre recreational space managed by the Lombard Park District in Illinois. The park features a...
20
Parks
Lincoln Marsh is a 130-acre natural area in Wheaton, Illinois, featuring a complex of prairie, oak savanna, and wetland...
21
Parks
Lisle Community Park C4 Field is a primary athletic venue situated within the 117-acre Lisle Community Park complex in D...
22
Parks
Danada Forest Preserve is a 797-acre site in Naperville, Illinois, formerly the estate of Ada and Daniel F. Rice. It fea...
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Parks
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Parks
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Temples
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Museums
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Parks
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Parks
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Temples
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Naperville, Illinois on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Naperville, Illinois
Late spring through early autumn, as the city's extensive park system and outdoor programming are fully accessible during these warmer months.
2-3 days to explore the historic district, museums, and local forest preserves.
The city is primarily car-dependent, though the downtown area is walkable and served by the Metra BNSF Railway line connecting to Chicago.
Stay in the downtown district for immediate access to the Riverwalk and historic sites, or along the I-88 corridor for more convenient commuting access.
Mid-range; lodging and dining prices reflect its status as an affluent Chicago suburb.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 96 curated attractions in and around Naperville, Illinois, ranked by traveller ratings.
The Morton Arboretum is the highest-rated place to visit in Naperville, Illinois right now.
The largest category is parks, with 62 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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