Located 35 miles west of Chicago, Naperville is among the most eminent suburbs to visit just outside the Windy City. The town is well-known for being the wealthiest suburb in the Midwest. It’s also one of the chart-toppers on the list of richest US suburbs, positioned at the 11th place. Naperville is popular for many things, one of them being the fact that it’s home to Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon (one of the four biggest carillons on the globe).
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, Naperville is one of the places that deserve to be on your list of must-see places and transportation in Chicago is one thing less you should worry about with Bus Connection. Once there, you’ll discover a rich palette of attractions that you can explore to make your stay memorable and worthwhile. In this article, we’ll share with you some of the top sights in Naperville and give you ideas on things to do.
The Naperville attractions that you shouldn’t miss out on
To get the most out of your stay in Naperville, it will be helpful to have a few ideas on places to visit. Here are our top recommendations.
Centennial Beach
If your travels to Chicago are planned for the summer season then Centennial Beach will truly astonish you. Centennial Beach offers an unmatched swimming experience like no other. You can’t really say it’s a pool and it’s not a lake either. It’s created from what was left of the historic stone quarry with a zero-depth entry and depths of 15 feet. The “swimming pool” is finalised with sand and lawn zones to make it comfortable for residents and tourists to enjoy the sun and embrace a full beach experience.
Nearby you will notice waterslides, fountains, and other water attractions. The sandy beach is perfect for sandcastles, a gentle walk on the sand, and a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Naperville Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is known as the “crown jewel” of Naperville. Very close to Centennial Beach, you can drop the kids off for their pool fun time and you enjoy a walk along the riverfront. The Riverwalk has two miles of beautiful brick paths with scenic fountains, bridges, sculptures and yes, it’s all right along the river. This is a cool and relaxing spot.
While you’re there, you can see the giant Moser Clock Tower. It’s taller than the Statue of Liberty! Don’t miss a little paddle boating for a quick photo op.
Wentz Concert Hall
The Wentz Concert Hall is a Naperville attraction created by Plainfield College or what’s now called the North Central College. The theatre has the capacity to host more than 600 people and every year attracts numerous students, residents, and tourists for different artistic events. The concert hall is designed to achieve impressive sound perfection and often hosts diverse classical, jazz, and contemporary music concerts.
To make your visit to the Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville, make sure you’ve checked the events planned for the dates on which you’ll be visiting the city. If you’re travelling with a group, you can take advantage of charter buses for rent in Chicago to ensure a pleasant and safe ride to your destination.
Downtown Naperville
Downton Naperville is perhaps one of the first places that we recommend you visit. A beautiful cocktail of stores, restaurants, and galleries, it’s a perfect spot for window shoppers and those who like to dive into the vibrancy of the town. The downtown area is host to more than 100 stores that offer something for everyone. You can also expect a lot of artistic flair from spots like Gallery Trio.
You won’t make a mistake if you visit downtown Naperville without a precise plan. You’ll be surprised to discover that you’ll quickly find your way around the area and you’ll discover interesting places to explore, restaurants to dine in, and moments to share.
Springbrook Prairie Nature Preserve
If you’re interested in birds and nature in general, you’ll be amazed by all that Springbrook Prairie Nature Preserve has to offer. Located on the southwest side of the city, the preserve is a 2,000-acre forest that will inspire you to put your walking shoes on and get the most of a few hours spent in outdoor exploration and fun. There are a number of hiking trails you can embrace, picnic spaces to share a meal with friends and family, and special spots, where you can let dogs play without a leash.
In addition, the Nature Preserve organises different programs and activities for kids and adults. These events aim to educate people about the natural systems and encourage the preservation of the environment.
Naperville Riverwalk
Located at the heart of the city, and very near to Centennial Beach, the Naperville Riverwalk is a magnificent, two-mile linear park on the banks of the DuPage River. With its stunning bridge and beautiful walking path, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Naperville that triggers the interest of tourists from around the world. Naperville Riverwalk offers mesmerising fountains, scenic bridges, meeting and event places, outdoor sculpture, and artwork, facilities for fun recreational, and even paddle boat rentals for a nice ride along the River, not to mention celebratory memorials, and more.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy a day in the outdoors and create lasting memories.
Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park is situated around 10 miles north of Naperville downtown and was originally the estate of Colonel Rober R. McCormick – a popular editor in the Chicago Tribune. Today, there are more than 500 acres of natural spaces, where tourists and residents can enjoy educational and stunning activities and places. You can visit the park’s visitor center, where you’ll see a 3D scale map of the whole estate that has been designed into a glass-plated floor.
You can walk through 30 acres of gardens, the First Division Museum, and the adjacent Cantigny Golf Club, which is also found on these grounds. Cantigny Golf Club is a name on its own and is considered among the top public courses in the USA, with 27 championship holes accessible to children and adults.
Final thoughts
If you want to complete your trip to Chicago with an exploration of an area that’s slightly different, yet equally attractive and rewarding, Naperville is a great option. Just 30 miles west of Chicago, the destination is certainly worth your time. You’ll be able to experience a vibe that is slightly different from the busy Windy City, but charming in its own way.
At Bus Connection, we’re here to make your travels to Chicago stress-free and joyful. We can offer a range of bus transportation services, shuttle rentals, and charter rentals, guaranteeing comfortable and reliable transportation. If you’re traveling with a group and never want to miss a destination or be late for an event, you can count on us.