Naper Settlement, Prairie State Travel Guide

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Experience 19th-century life at Naper Settlement, Naperville's award-winning outdoor history museum. Explore historical buildings and interactive exhibits.

Naper Settlement, a 12-acre outdoor history museum in the heart of Naperville, Illinois, brings the 19th century to life. Explore 30 historical buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and immerse yourself in the stories of Naperville's founders and early settlers.

A brief summary to Naper Settlement

523 S Webster St, Naperville, Naperville Park District, Illinois, 60540, US
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Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Naper Settlement.

Check the Naper Settlement website for upcoming events and special programs, as they often host seasonal festivals, workshops, and themed events.
Naperville residents receive free general admission with proof of residency. Don't forget to bring your ID!
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking around the 12-acre grounds.
Visit during the warmer months (May-October) to fully enjoy the outdoor exhibits and activities.

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Explore Naper Settlement on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Naper Settlement, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Naper Settlement is located within walking distance of downtown Naperville and the Riverwalk. From the intersection of Main Street and Jefferson Avenue in downtown Naperville, walk south on Main Street, then turn right onto Aurora Avenue. Walk two blocks west on Aurora Avenue to Webster Street. Turn left onto Webster Street, and the entrance to Naper Settlement will be on your left. No cost for walking.
Public Transport

The Naperville Metra station is located approximately 1 mile northeast of Naper Settlement. From the station, you can take Pace bus route 530, 714, or 722 to the intersection of Aurora Avenue and Webster Street. Naper Settlement is located on the southwest corner of this intersection. A single ride on Pace bus costs $1.75.
Driving

Naper Settlement is located at 523 S Webster St, Naperville, IL 60540. From I-88, exit at Naperville Road and head south. Turn left onto E Diehl Road, then left onto N Washington Street. Turn right onto Aurora Avenue, then left onto Webster Street. Free parking is available in the Naper Settlement parking lot at the southwest corner of Porter Avenue and Webster Street. Parking is also free after 5 PM and on weekends on the upper level of the Municipal Center parking lot north of Naper Settlement. Metered street parking is available on Webster Street. Expect to pay around $3 for 3 hours.

Discover more about Naper Settlement

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.