Discover Naperville
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It was the DuPage River that drew Naperville's very first resident, Joseph Naper, to settle here in 1831. It was our proximity to Chicago and position near major trails and thoroughfares that kept people coming. And it's some of the same things that draw families to Naperville today, but there is so much more.
Naperville has everything to offer new residents. It has the culture and excitement of a larger city and the community spirit of a small town. It has excellent schools and diverse worship options. |
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Naperville has charity and festivity; softball leagues and soccer teams; safe streets and sound government; a thriving economy and a robust downtown. Naperville has a unique ability to engage and acclimate new residents without leaving them lost or overwhelmed.
Naperville's residents have known all along what a special city Naperville is, but now the rest of the country is beginning to sit up and take notice. Naperville has been named "#1, #2, or #3 Kid Friendliest City" by Zero Population Growth since 1997. Modern Maturity magazine named Naperville among the top ten places to retire in the country; and Home Computing magazine named Naperville among the top five cities in the country to start a home based business.
In short, it’s not just geography that makes Naperville a great place to settle; it’s commitment, dedication and spirit...and it's catching. |
Education
One of the primary reasons new residents are drawn to Naperville is its two highly rated public school systems. Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 offer comprehensive curricula that provide outstanding educational opportunities for all students.
Commitment to excellence is evident both in the quality of the faculty and the achievement levels of the students. Average scores on standardized tests, such as the Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) Program and ACT and SAT college entrance examinations, are consistently among the highest in the state and in the nation. In addition, graduation rates far exceed state and national averages, and college bound seniors invariably account for a vast majority of graduating students in both districts.
Confirming our status as a community offering a world class education, Naperville District 203 was ranked number one in the world for science achievement, beating out entire nations such as Japan and Singapore, and number six in the world for math achievement. These are the results of the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS-R), an international study which ranks the math and science achievements of students from 38 countries all over the world.
In addition to academics, performing arts and athletic programs are also part of the K-12 experience and are well supported throughout the community. Not-for-profit educational foundations support increased educational and instructional opportunities in both districts. Education-to-career programming allows students "real life" and hands-on instructional opportunities. For more details about public education in Naperville, visit the District 203 website at www.ncusd203.org or visit District 204 website at www.ipsd.org.
Religious, social, academic and cultural needs of a variety of students are well-met within Naperville’s outstanding private schools, including Bethany Lutheran, Calvary Christian School, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School, and St. Raphael Catholic School. Nearby options include Benet Academy, Avery Coonley and Illinois Math & Science Academy. In addition, the Naperville Chinese Association operates two weekend schools within one of the District 203 middle schools.
H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N
Naperville has long been known for its support of life-long learning. Higher education in Naperville offers students of all ages and experience levels the tools to start a career, change a career, enhance their knowledge base, or to learn something just for the fun of it!
An integral part of Naperville for more than 125 years, North Central College consistently ranks as one of "America's Best Colleges" and "Best College Values" by U.S. News and World Report, and is ranked as one of the "top choices for top students" by Peterson's Competitive Colleges. North Central offers liberal arts and science and pre-professional education to more than 2,500 students each year, with undergraduate, graduate and continuing education opportunities for everyone from the recent high school graduate to the seasoned executive. Visit the North Central College website at www.northcentralcollege.edu.
Providing convenient access to education for the part-time adult student is an important goal for Chicago’s renowned DePaul University www.depaul.edu, and is the driving force behind the university's expansion into suburban Naperville. DePaul's 20,547 students reflect a wide diversity of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. Technology and business curriculums are emphasized among the university's more than 130 undergraduate and graduate programs.
In addition, Naperville is home to extension facilities of College of DuPage www.cod.edu, and Northern Illinois University www.niu.edu.
Parks and Recreation
The award-winning Naperville Park District has just about anything a family could want in the way of recreation. The park district maintains 125 parks that make up 2,300 acres. From virtually every neighborhood in the city, there is a lovely, green park within walking distance.
At the center of it all is the spectacular Riverwalk, a linear park in which brick pathways wind for miles along the DuPage River to Centennial Beach, a six-acre chlorinated swimming park. Centennial Beach, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, is a gathering place for hundreds of people, from babies to seniors. Its sandy beach, refreshing water, volleyball nets and picnic areas make family “mini-vacations” possible just about every day during warm weather.
Other facilities available for residents and operated by the park district includes 720 garden plots, ice and in-line skating rinks, a trap shooting club, 22 tennis courts, 60 playgrounds and 100 playing fields. In addition, golfers can enjoy playing on two park-district-run championship golf courses.
 When it arrives on doorsteps four times a year, the Naperville Park District Program Guide is filled with listings of almost 4,000 classes and programs for residents of all ages and interests. Residents can enroll in team activities and classes by mail or via the park district’s website www.napervilleparks.org.
For sports enthusiasts, there are lessons, teams and camps for swimming, diving, hockey, soccer, softball, basketball, archery, skating, tennis, golf, fitness and weight training, volleyball, aerobics, skiing, snorkeling, football, bowling, karate, racquetball, bicycling, boating, fencing, gymnastics, wall climbing and wrestling.
Children are able to learn a variety of important and fun lessons through park district classes like Mad Science, Little Mr. and Miss Manners, First Aid, parentchild activities, sign language, and fishing.
Safe and fun activities are also abundant including hayrides, stories, parties and outings.
For creative types, t he park district offers photography, gardening, drama, ceramics, painting, calligraphy, piano, stenciling, holiday crafts, sewing and more. Other classes include jazz, ballet, tap, cooking, homebuyers’ workshops, wardrobe enhancement, cake decorating, baby sitters clinics, pom-pons and cheerleading. The list goes on and is continually updated with some of the newest trends like fitness boxing, in-line skating and hip-hop dance. Senior citizens enjoy a drop-in center that features a variety of social and educational opportunities including a number of trips and outings each year.
The Heritage YMCA Group offers even more recreational and physical fitness opportunities for its members through classes and programs. The Y, established in Naperville in 1910, maintains its original facility in downtown Naperville. The Kroehler Family Center contains two swimming pools, gymnasium, and cardiovascular and strength-training equipment. The 95th Street Family Center also has a pool, double gymnasium, aerobic studio, a wellness center, and a supervised children’s center. The Y’s new Field House has five multi-purpose courts, running track, and a wellness center. Visit the YMCA’s website at www.heritageymca.org.
In addition to the two championship Park District golf courses, Naperville and the surrounding area offer several other public courses, including Tamarack Golf Club and three DuPage County Forest Preserve courses. Several country clubs including Cress Creek Country Club, Naperville Country Club and White Eagle Golf Club offer members outstanding play and are available for special outings.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns or maintains more than 23,000 acres of open and recreational space, including more than  600 acres of lakes, 60 miles of river and streams, and over 80 miles of trails. The Forest Preserve District also offers classes and programming to help DuPage County residents get back to nature. By using the trail matrix, DuPage County residents can choose the perfect route to hike, jog, bike, ski or horseback ride. Fishing is permitted in all of the Forest Preserve District’s lakes, rivers and streams, unless otherwise posted. Visit the DuPage County Forest Preserve District’s website at www.dupageforest.com.
Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Expansive shopping centers or quaint boutiques, whatever your shopping appetite, Naperville has your fare.
 Beautiful historic downtown Naperville has the best of both worlds: unique family-owned shops like The Artist Works, Anderson’s Bookshop, Heritage Shoppe and Affordable Antiques as well as fine anchor stores like Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, Talbot’s, Barnes & Noble, Restoration Hardware, Coldwater Creek and Williams Sonoma. Not far from downtown are dozens of recognized stores offering a variety of items for shoppers.
Naperville has been called “an oasis of fine dining in the Western suburbs” by a prestigious Chicago magazine. Fine French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Cuban cuisine are among the many choices. Naperville also has numerous casual dining choices including great places for ribs, pizza, or a good old-fashioned burger.
A night of blues music, a day at the races or an afternoon of “take me out to the ballgame,” that’s entertainment here in Naperville. The North Central College Performing Arts Association brings name entertainers to Pfeiffer Hall in downtown Naperville, or if you enjoy the club scene, several top-notch music and entertainment clubs regularly showcase fresh  new talent. Sports fans can enjoy the many youth programs available. Or a Kane County Cougars minor league baseball game is just a short drive away and great fun for the entire family. There are also exciting special events that add to Naperville’s day-today schedule of activities.
Naperville boasts a wide array of overnight accommodations, including full-service and extended stay hotels, and a quaint bed & breakfast in the historic downtown. For information about area hotels, local attractions, and an up-to-date calendar of events, call the NCVB’s toll-free number at 877-23NAPER (877-236-2737).
Naperville Attractions
NAPERVILLE RIVERWALK
Downtown Naperville
630-848-5000
www.napervilleparks.org
Enjoy five miles of winding brick paths along the DuPage River in downtown Naperville. Built by the residents of Naperville to commemorate the city's 150th birthday in 1981, the Riverwalk features covered bridges, gazebos, playgrounds and a paddleboat quarry. Operated by the Park District, the Riverwalk is one of the Midwest's most beautifully maintained park grounds and has won state and national awards. You will find monuments with the names of Naperville's old farm families as well as the distinctive shepherd's-crook light poles along the paths that have become a symbol of Naperville's link to its historic past.
 Located adjacent to the Riverwalk is a former quarry called Centennial Beach, which was dedicated as the community's swimming pool in 1931. Today, Naperville families still enjoy the large award-winning swimming facility and participate in its many summer activities and programs. Centennial Beach also offers a sand beach, sand volleyball area, playground equipment for kids and concession stands. Daily and season passes available.
Colorful paddleboats can be rented at the paddleboat quarry next to Centennial Beach for fun and relaxation. Weather permitting, the paddleboat quarry is open all non-school days spring through fall. Paddleboats can be rented for 20-minute or 40-minute rides. Fee.
A popular sledding area, Rotary Hill is the site of many special events held on the Riverwalk. Rotary Hill is located north of Aurora Avenue (across from Naperville Central High School) and west of Eagle Street (near the Municipal Center). At the base of Rotary Hill, the Moser Tower Millennium Carillon celebrates the arrival of the third millennium. Rising 158 feet above the Riverwalk, the concert quality carillon is one of a few instruments this large in the world. Seventy-two bronze bells resonate at the top of the tower with the largest weighing almost six tons.
Free programs are offered at the Riverwalk Amphitheater, an open-air, multi-tiered structure that is positioned on the Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue between Webster and Eagle streets. Embedded in the amphitheater's stage is a labyrinth path. Situated behind and above the Riverwalk Amphitheater, the Millennium Wall commemorates the community spirit of Naperville residents and businesses who contributed to Celebration 2000, a citywide celebration to welcome the new millennium.
DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
301 N. Washington Street
630-637-8000
www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org
DuPage Children's Museum is a unique discovery center where children and adults can explore, discover, learn and play together. With over 20,000 square feet of exhibits, there is something fun for everyone. View interesting works of art and experiment with light, color and sound in Creativity Connections. Build with real wood and tools in the Construction House. Climb the amazing, two-story AirTower or get blown away by the force of air in our walk-in Wind Tunnel. Build a dam to hold back the flow of water in either of the two flowing water areas in WaterWays. Blow a gigantic bubble in Bubbles or build your own racetrack in Ramps & Rollers. There are also three Young Explorer areas that feature numerous activities specially designed for the infants to two-year olds. The Museum is located at 301 North Washington Street in Naperville, Illinois. For more information about DuPage Children's Museum, please call (630) 637-8000. Museum hours: Monday: 9 a.m -1 pm, Tuesday 9am-5pm, Wednesday 9am-5pm, Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am -5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm.
NAPER SETTLEMENT
523 S. Webster Street
Aurora Avenue at Webster Street
Downtown Naperville
630-420-6010
www.napersettlement.org
Step outdoors and see the past come alive at Naper Settlement, a living history museum, which tells how life changed for the people of northern Illinois in towns such as Naperville throughout the 19th century. During this era, Naper’s Settlement was transformed from a pioneer outpost in 1831 to a bustling turn-of-the century community. As the only living history museum in Illinois accredited by the American Association of Museums, costumed villagers, a distinct collection of 19th century objects, historic buildings and structures bring the past to life. Relive the past: The gateway to the village is a re-creation of the 1834 Pre-Emption House that now houses the Visitor Center and Galleries including a permanent interactive exhibit called, “Brushstrokes of the Past…Naperville’s Story” and changing exhibits in the Heritage Gallery. In the “History Connection,” our national award-winning hands-on activity center located in the Meeting House, children from ages 3 to 10 will experience history through play from April through October.
Climb aboard the Conestoga wagon and imagine being transported back in time. Experience 30 historic buildings and structures in the 13-acre village including working businesses, such as the Blacksmith Shop and Print Shop, Century Memorial Chapel, a one-room schoolhouse, a fort and Martin Mitchell Mansion, a grand Victorian home listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 Special events take place year-round, including a spring and fall flower show and sale, Civil War Days, a Victorian wedding re-enactment at Century Memorial Chapel, unique art fairs, and Christmas Memories, featuring Victorian holiday decorations. Discover where community begins at Naper Settlement. Naper Settlement and the Century Memorial Chapel are available for hosting special events and weddings. Admission charge.
Throughout the year, Naper Settlement holds special events including the Old-Fashioned Quilt Show in February, Civil War Days in May and Christmas Memories in December. Year-round offerings include Victorian and pioneer classes, birthday parties and other educational programming and rental opportunities for weddings, private parties, business meetings and other events. An optional audio tour is available during the summer months and is included with admission during the winter months.
Family and individual memberships are available. Volunteers are welcome. Admission charge. Call for summer and winter season hours at 630-420-6010 and the Special Event Hotline at 630-305-5555.
CENTURY WALK
www.centurywalk.org
630-355-5553
While enjoying downtown attractions look for major works of art located throughout the downtown area, known as the Century Walk. Bright mosaics, reliefs, colorful murals and sculpture highlight the heritage and culture of the community. Three new art pieces are commissioned each year.
HISTORIC TOURS
Naperville Trolley & Tours, Ltd.
630-420-2223
www.napervilletrolley.com
Tour Naperville's historic neighborhoods and shopping areas with Naperville's Trolley Meister and his 32-passenger trolley. Approximately one hour in length, the tour includes North Central College, Historic District, charming downtown business and shopping districts, state-of-the-art police and fire station, scenic Riverwalk and Naper Settlement's historical grounds and museum. Look for the trolley stop at the Riverwalk.
The trolley also offers birthday, wedding, and anniversary party charters. Individual, group and corporate rates available. Call for information and reservations.
 NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
Brainard Street (2 blocks east of downtown Naperville)
Office of Public Information
630-637-5300
www.northcentralcollege.edu
Established in Naperville in 1870, North Central College is a comprehensive liberal arts college enrolling 2,600 students, including some 1,650 full-time undergraduates. Another 900 working adult undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled part time in day, evening or weekend classes.
Nationally known for its teaching excellence, North Central College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors from the school's 21 academic departments and six master's degree programs. Numerous interdisciplinary programs are provided in addition to a variety of independent study and research opportunities, off-campus programs and internships. Pre-professional programs in engineering, law and medicine are offered in cooperation with major research universities.
Nearly 90 percent of North Central's 117 full-time faculty have the highest degree in their field. The college also has some 25 part-time instructors, many of whom are professionals employed in the Illinois high-technology Research & Development Corridor. North Central students come from 26 states and 21 foreign countries. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1. North Central College is regularly ranked among the top tier of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report and as one of the "Best College Values" in the nation. North Central College hosted of the NCAA Division III National Track & Field Championships in May 2000.
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