Naperville brings together riverside paths, art and history in the city center, and interactive museum experiences. If you’re considering which experiences should shape your trip, the city’s different attractions offer some ideas: the Riverwalk features paths by the water, Century Walk showcases public art, and Naper Settlement explores history outdoors.
Riverwalk and Riverside Paths
The Naperville Riverwalk runs along the West Branch of the DuPage River. It includes 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, and event areas. It also features sculptures and outdoor artwork, recreational facilities, and memorials. The Riverwalk offers a place to stroll, relax, and reflect. Its combination of paths, art, and other features gives it more than one focus, while the river is the common thread.
At the Paddleboat Quarry on the Naperville Riverwalk, visitors can take rides in paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, or kayaks from spring through fall, weather permitting. This is a seasonal, weather-dependent option for those who would like to add an activity on the water to their stay.
Hiking and Local Wildlife
Another route is in Knoch Knolls Park: the round-trip hike to the confluence is two miles. Comparing the two reveals different formats. The Riverwalk features brick paths along the river; in Knoch Knolls Park, the described hike leads to a specific destination and back. You can consider both the type of route and its length.
In the lobby of the Knoch Knolls Nature Center, interactive displays and live animal exhibits help visitors learn about local wildlife. The exhibits may be updated. A visit here offers a different focus from a stroll or hike: it centers on discovering wildlife through displays and live animals.
History and Art in the City Center
Naper Settlement is a family-friendly outdoor history museum covering 13 acres. It is in the city center, just a short walk from restaurants, shops, and the Riverwalk. Interactive learning experiences are designed for all ages. You can explore historical topics outdoors while having shops, restaurants, and the Riverwalk close to the museum.
Public art can also be seen in the city center: Century Walk features more than 40 works, including murals, mosaics, reliefs, mobiles, and sculptures. The first 30 works depict Naperville’s 20th-century history through people, places, and events. This art collection combines different forms of expression with a portrayal of the city’s history, while the first 30 works offer a specific historical focus.
Interactive Experiences and Water Play
The museums cater to different age groups. Naper Settlement offers interactive learning experiences for all ages, while the DuPage Children's Museum is designed for children ages 0 to 10. It invites families to explore interactive exhibits where learning takes place through play. You can choose between an outdoor museum focused on history and a museum whose offerings are specifically geared toward younger children.
Centennial Beach offers another kind of experience, with water play, a shallow-area slide, and a sand play area. These options differ from the interactive museum exhibits and the walking and hiking paths. Naperville offers cultural and historical attractions, as well as outdoor paths, wildlife exhibits, and water play.
Discover more destinations: Westmont, Downers Grove, Bensenville, Carol Stream, Roselle, Wood Dale, Darien, Bloomingdale.
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