Things You Might Not Know About Naperville, IL

Naperville often shows up on lists of great places to live, and for good reason. It has a vibrant downtown, well-maintained parks, and plenty of options for dining, shopping, and recreation. But beyond the surface, there’s a lot more to this western Chicago suburb than most people realize. From local quirks to overlooked landmarks, there are layers to Naperville that even longtime residents might not fully appreciate.

If you’re curious about what gives this community its character, here are some fun and surprising details that help tell the story of Naperville.

One of Naperville’s most visited spots is the Riverwalk. Stretching nearly two miles through the heart of downtown, it follows the DuPage River and includes walking paths, fountains, covered bridges, and scenic overlooks. What many people don’t realize is that the Riverwalk was originally created to celebrate Naperville’s 150th anniversary.

The city began building it in 1981 to connect the downtown area with its natural surroundings. Since then, it has become a central piece of the community. Events are held there throughout the year, and the views change beautifully with each season. The Riverwalk isn’t just a nice place to walk; it’s a piece of Naperville’s more recent history that has helped shape how people experience the city today.

While new development has added to Naperville’s growth, the city’s roots date back to the 1830s. It was founded by Joseph Naper, who arrived with his family and other settlers from Ohio. Originally named Naper’s Settlement, the area grew quickly due to its location along key wagon routes and waterways.

Today, Naper Settlement is a 13-acre outdoor history museum just south of downtown. The site includes over 30 historic buildings and structures, including a working blacksmith shop and a schoolhouse. Visitors can explore Naperville’s early days through seasonal tours, hands-on exhibits, and community events.

One of the more overlooked facts about Naperville, IL, is that it played a part in the story of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In the mid-1900s, conductor Frederick Stock owned a summer home in Naperville, not far from the DuPage River. His presence helped create a connection between Naperville’s cultural life and Chicago’s classical music scene.

While that chapter is in the past, the appreciation for music lives on. Naperville is now home to several local music schools, community orchestras, and public performances throughout the year. The Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College is one of the best small concert venues in the region, known for its sharp acoustics and modern design.

Naperville’s public libraries consistently rank among the best in the state. The city operates three branches: Nichols Library downtown, 95th Street Library in south Naperville, and Naper Blvd. Library, which is closer to the east side. All three are clean, well-equipped, and offer a wide range of programs.

The library system is known for strong digital services, tech learning spaces, and community events. In addition to books and research materials, visitors can borrow everything from tools and gadgets to puzzles and sewing machines.

One fun fact about Naperville, IL, is that the public library has won top rankings from the Library Journal and other organizations for efficiency, engagement, and innovation. Whether you're a student, parent, or remote worker, the resources here are more advanced than many expect in a suburban setting.

Walk around Naperville long enough and you’ll start to notice it: sculptures, murals, and installations are scattered across public parks, corners, and green spaces. The city’s Century Walk is an ongoing public art project that began in the 1990s and now includes more than 50 pieces throughout the downtown area.

From bronze statues of community leaders to colorful mosaics that tell stories from Naperville’s past, these works are designed to highlight moments in local history and spark conversation. Each piece has a plaque with a description, and walking tours are available for those who want to explore more intentionally.

With over 2,400 acres of parkland and more than 130 parks, the Naperville Park District is one of the largest and most active in the region. The district maintains miles of paved and natural trails, including key routes along the DuPage River and through neighborhoods across the city.

You’ll also find unique spots like the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower, a 16-story bell tower that plays melodies throughout the day. The tower is part of the Riverwalk extension and offers one of the best views in town from the observation deck.

Another local favorite is Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, located just southwest of downtown. This wide-open preserve is home to native grasses, birds, and walking trails with big-sky views. Even longtime residents discover new corners of the parks system each year.

Behind the shops, trails, and neighborhoods, Naperville offers more than most people realize. From its historic roots to its strong public programs, the city blends tradition with everyday livability in a way that’s hard to match. Whether you’re already familiar with the area or just starting to explore it, learning these fun facts about Naperville, IL, gives you a deeper sense of what makes this community special.

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