10 Wonderful Reasons To Visit Naperville

As the fourth-most populous and third largest city in Illinois, Naperville is up there with the heavy hitters. It’s less than an hour from Chicago by car or train, so there’s really no excuse for not checking it out. The downtown area is packed with shopping, dining, culture and nightlife to keep you busy for days, so check out Naperville’s highlights as seen on Instagram to help plan out your trip.

The Riverwalk

The Riverwalk goes right through the center of town along the DuPage River and is the most beautiful way to connect to nature in Naperville. It runs for nearly two miles and features paved paths, fountains, bridges, artwork, parks and cafes along the route.

http://instagram.com/p/BM0CD-RD5ID/?taken-at=3531510&hl=en

http://instagram.com/p/BM0BXf6FUc2/?taken-at=3531510&hl=en

Culture

Get your culture fix in town at one of Naperville’s art galleries. The Sundance Gallery displays and sells authentic Native American Jewelry. Arterie Fine Arts rotates monthly exhibits, offers art lessons to all ages and sells handmade artistic goods. Also check out the Naperville Art League and the DuPage Children’s Museum for tons of family friendly fun.

http://instagram.com/p/BMRl27ag_sr/?taken-at=544073&hl=en

Naper Settlement

Naper Settlement is a living 19th-century history museum spread across 12 acres in Naperville that includes 30 historic buildings. Come tour the village all year round, participate in their events and learn a little something about the area’s history.

http://instagram.com/p/BLCNy2OjbAW/?taken-at=898863&hl=en

http://instagram.com/p/BKl9xhAhgs1/?taken-by=napersettlement&hl=en

Music

Live music abounds in Naperville all year round. Check out the Naperville Municipal Band that plays free summer shows at Central Park and several winter concerts. The Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College pretty much covers everything else; they are the home to the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and also host a variety of performers. Try Pfeiffer Hall for smaller, more intimate concerts.

http://instagram.com/p/BLmtGWSBo6Y/?taken-at=1422779&hl=en

Centennial Beach

In the summertime there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than cooling off at Centennial Beach, a Naperville fixture for 85 years that brings the authenticity of a coastline to the suburbs. Swim in the water (up to 15 feet deep) or play with the little ones in the sand.

http://instagram.com/p/BIx_HtIAECW/?taken-at=247593783&hl=en

http://instagram.com/p/BJ_MZRJDqWD/?taken-at=247593783&hl=en

Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon

Commissioned in 2000 for the millennium, this open-air, 160-foot tower is open to the public in Riverwalk Park. Take a tour and climb the 253 steps to enjoy its panoramic views or just listen to the carillon’s 72 beautiful ringing bells.

http://instagram.com/p/BHVRErTBkiC/?taken-at=385514&hl=en

Dining

Don’t worry about what to eat – Naperville has it all. Step away from the fast food chains and check out their diverse array of cuisine, with Potter’s Place for Mexican, Bangkok Village for Thai and Heaven on Seven for Cajun.

http://instagram.com/p/BKcPaqqArAz/?taken-at=252603975&hl=en

http://instagram.com/p/BBEO0HgrWu5/?taken-at=50283743&hl=en

Theatre

Center Stage Theater has all your community theatre cravings covered, with a schedule hosting musicals, plays, live bands, dance troupes, recitals, comedy/improv shows, parties, weddings and more. The Summer Place Theatre also rounds out Naperville’s theatre scene in the summertime with shows at Naperville Central High School.

http://instagram.com/p/BHsiTxVgCap/?taken-at=897261435&hl=en

Nightlife

The center of downtown around Jefferson and Chicago Avenues is your nightlife destination. Check out Features for the local college hangout and Frankie’s Blue Room just upstairs for the best live music in Naperville. Visit Two-Nine to feel upscale and sophisticated like you’re anywhere but the suburbs. Also dip into Jackson Ave Pub and Quigley’s Irish Pub for some good, clean neighborhood fun.

http://instagram.com/p/BDm13UnLl_O/?taken-at=5782554&hl=en

http://instagram.com/p/BL4qtGWAZs_/?taken-at=320788030&hl=en

Shopping

The Main Street Promenade is a shopper’s perfect paradise. Naperville has every major national chain represented, but the town’s charm comes through in their one-of-a-kind brick and mortar boutiques. Support small businesses like Little Luxuries, Anderson’s Bookshop, Naperville Running Company and Dean’s Fine Clothing.

http://instagram.com/p/BE0i9DwRZMQ/?taken-at=380680689&hl=en

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.