Beyond the Riverwalk: Explore the Top Attractions in Naperville
Naperville is a suburb of Chicago located in DuPage and Will counties in Illinois. It is the fifth-largest city in the state, with a population of approximately 149,000.
The city has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, and it has since grown into a vibrant and diverse community with a strong economy.
Naperville is known for its charming downtown area, which features numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. In addition, visitors can stroll down the Riverwalk, a scenic pathway along the DuPage River, and enjoy the beautiful fountains and gardens.
The city is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Naperville Wine Festival, the Naperville Ale Fest, and the Naperville Ribfest.
Naperville is also a hub for education, with several highly regarded schools and universities in the area, including North Central College and Benedictine University.
Additionally, the city boasts a robust park system with over 2,400 acres of parkland, providing ample outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. Naperville is an excellent destination for visitors and residents with its rich history, vibrant downtown, and abundant amenities.
The Morton Arboretum
Located in Lisle, Illinois, the Morton Arboretum is an outdoor museum that showcases over 222,000 live trees and shrubs. The Arboretum also features 16 miles of hiking trails. It also has a herbarium and a library. In addition to its educational offerings, the Arboretum is a research center for tree science.
The Morton Arboretum is an outdoor garden that spans 1,700 acres. The gardens and trees change with the seasons.
The Arboretum has several different landscapes, including a maze garden, a fragrance garden, and a children’s garden.
The Morton Arboretum has a unique collection of trees from around the world. The Arboretum is a tree research center that continues to study tree health and propagation. In addition, the Arboretum’s extensive nature-based education program is open year-round.
Cantigny Park
Located in Wheaton, Illinois, Cantigny Park is a 500-acre park open to the public. It was originally the estate of Chicago Tribune publisher and longtime editor Colonel Robert R. McCormick.
The park is home to museums, golf courses, formal gardens, and picnic grounds.
The park’s horticulture department offers several programs throughout the year. One of the most popular programs is bird watching. Cantigny Park has been certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
The park is also home to several birding sites, including eastern bluebird nest boxes. These boxes are monitored annually to ensure their health and productivity.
The park is also home to the McCormick Museum, which displays the history of Robert R. McCormick’s division during World War II. The museum is open year-round. Visitors can also take tours of the McCormick House, which McCormick built.
Naper Settlement
Located in downtown Naperville, Illinois, Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum. It is a collection of 30 historical buildings. It also serves as a cultural center and venue for events.
Naper Settlement’s mission is to educate and entertain residents and visitors. In addition to its permanent exhibits, Naper Settlement offers programs and events throughout the year. These include concerts, special events, and summer camp programs.
The Naper Settlement Outdoor Museum features a unique Gothic Revival architectural detail. It also boasts a working blacksmith shop and print shop.
In addition, it features decorative hand stenciling, ornamental lighting, and original stained glass windows. It is open until 4 pm on regular days.
Naper Settlement is an excellent destination for a family outing. There are educational activities, exhibits, and hands-on activities for children and adults alike. It also hosts several significant special events.
Wilderness Falls
Wilderness Falls is a family-owned miniature golf course and entertainment center in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The complex offers two beautifully landscaped 18-hole miniature golf courses that weave through streams, ponds, and waterfalls, providing a fun and challenging experience for all ages.
The courses feature a variety of obstacles, including hills, bridges, tunnels, and caves, and are surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations. Players can test their skills and compete against friends and family in a beautiful outdoor setting.
In addition to miniature golf, Wilderness Falls offers a range of other attractions, including gemstone mining, batting cages, a eurobungy, and a game room.
Visitors can purchase a bag of mining rough and pan for natural gemstones and fossils or practice their swings in one of several batting cages that cater to both softball and baseball players.
The eurobungy offers a thrilling experience where visitors can jump and flip while suspended by bungee cords. In addition, the game room features a variety of arcade games and prizes that are perfect for all ages.
Wilderness Falls also provides party packages for birthdays, family gatherings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Packages include the use of the private party room, unlimited mini golf, tokens for the game room, and other attractions.
Blackwell Forest Preserve
Located in Warrenville, Illinois, Blackwell Forest Preserve is a vital wildlife preserve that contains more than 1,366 acres of natural land. It offers camping, picnic areas, trails, and boating. It is also one of the Forest Preserve District’s most famous forest preserves.
Visitors can use the lake with their private watercraft or rent a kayak. The water is stocked with bass and bluegill. The lake is accessible from April through September. To use a private watercraft, you must obtain a Forest Preserve District permit.
The forest preserve also contains several other lakes, including Sand Pond and Silver Lake. Both are stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie. There are also several trails, including the lollipop loop.
Bundle your hotel + flight together to save more on your next trip! Book now at Expedia.com
