Naper Settlement: A Journey Through Time

Step back in time at Naper Settlement, an award-winning outdoor history museum that captures the essence of 19th-century life in Naperville. Established in 1969, this 12-acre living history museum features a collection of thirty historical buildings and structures that have been relocated from throughout the Naperville area. Each building has been carefully restored to reflect its original time period, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the past.Explore a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that showcase different aspects of 19th-century life. Visit the Martin Mitchell Mansion, also known as Pine Craig, a stunning 12-room Italianate home built in 1883 using local materials. Discover the stories of Naperville's early settlers, including its founder Joseph Naper, and learn about the town's evolution through interactive exhibits like 'Building Naperville: Tallgrass Prairie to Today'. See a 1912 Wood Bros. Thresher come to life in the Thresher Experience, illustrating the mechanical innovations that transformed agriculture.Naper Settlement offers a range of programs and activities throughout the year, including guided tours led by costumed interpreters, hands-on demonstrations, and special events. From blacksmithing demonstrations to lessons in a one-room schoolhouse, visitors of all ages can engage with history in a fun and meaningful way. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the museum's collections, including historical photos, artifacts, and the 'Selling Kroehler' exhibit, which explores the marketing strategies of the Kroehler Manufacturing Company, once the world's largest upholstered furniture maker.