20 Attractions to Explore Near The Naperville Riverwalk

The Naperville Park District is a unique park facility that offers residents an integrated network of parks and recreational activities. Covering more than 3,500 acres, the district offers a diverse range of activities such as golf courses, fishing sites, fitness centers, sports fields, baby pools and playgrounds. The district prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and provides many opportunities for people to come together within its network of parks.

Naper Settlement is a living history museum that is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Naperville. The settlement sits on 12 acres of land and features 25 restored buildings from the 19th century. Visitors to the village are able to step back in time as interpreters dressed in period clothing complete household tasks and demonstrate historical crafts like butter churning or blacksmithing.

Standing tall in the grounds of the Millennium Carillon in DuPage County, Illinois is a magnificent tower composed of 72 bronze bells. Discovered in 1999 and officially inaugurated on December 31st 2000, this impressive carillon is the tallest in North America at 155 feet (47 meters). It also covers more than two octaves, making it much larger – both tonally and visually – than other carillons. Visitors are frequently entranced by its beauty, not to mention its serene melodic ringing.

McDowell Grove, is a stunning natural park that makes for a great escape any time of the year. Surrounded by nearly 400 acres of lush and diverse landscape, visitors can explore breathtaking trails that wind through trees and along the banks of Salt Creek. This part also offers plentiful recreational amenities: fishing opportunities at McDowell Lake, picnic groves, a large playground and even a nature center where you can learn about the wildlife and plantlife that inhabit the area.

This Preserve is a sprawling wonderland of nature and wildlife. The majority of the preserve consists of high-quality prairie and wetland habitats, with an abundance of native plants and animals. Situated along the east branch of the DuPage River, the forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. It also includes trails that are lined with historic oak savannas from before European settlement.

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Centered around the scenic Herrick Lake, the preserve offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Visitors can take advantage of bird watching, kayaking, fishing, nature trails, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, several playgrounds make it perfect for families looking to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.

The DuPage River Park offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities for visitors. Boasting over 40 miles of trails that connect to numerous other parks, the DuPage River Park is ideal for walking, biking and even horseback riders. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll or explore the wetlands and woodlands, there's something here for everyone. The park also includes fishing piers and boat launches, giving anglers access to the river.

Greene Valley, is a naturally beautiful spot. Just 35 miles away from downtown Chicago, it is home to verdant woodlands, meadows full of wildflowers, and serene meandering rivers. Greene Valley is one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets—an oasis of peace and tranquility surrounded by sprawling cities. Whether you feel like catching some fresh air on a hike through the forest or going fishing along the riverbanks, this hidden gem has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Marmo, is a stunningly beautiful and peaceful sight. Fed by multiple streams and creeks. It has become a favorite recreation spot for many in the local area. Boaters, anglers, and swimmers all take delight in the tranquil setting of the lake. Ample hiking trails circle around the crystal-clear waters of Lake Marmo. Bird watchers also find something special here with dozens of species of migratory birds often observed on their journeys across the lake.

The West Branch DuPage River is a beautiful and tranquil river flowing through Will County. It has many picturesque landscapes that you can enjoy, from rolling hills freshly blanketed in snow to colorful forests bursting with life. Along the river there is ample opportunity for both fishing and canoeing, making it a popular spot for those looking to get outdoors. The gentle current of the West Branch allows casual paddlers a chance to take in the sights while getting some light exercise.

Whalon Lake is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. It is situated in the DuPage River watershed, and there are numerous opportunities for visitors to experience nature and all that it has to offer. The lake itself offers fishing and boating, while scenic trails provide perfect spots for hikers, joggers, and bicyclists alike. Picnic areas are scattered around the lake and ideal for family get-togethers or just unwinding after a long day outdoors.

The Blackwell Forest Preserve is a natural oasis amidst the everyday hustle and bustle of suburbia. It's the perfect escape for outdoor lovers searching for large expanses of greenery and rolling hills. The preserve comprises 500 acres of forest landscapes which include small streams, winding trails, wetlands, prairies and two recreational lakes. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as biking, birdwatching, fishing and even horseback riding on the 20-mile stretch of trails.

The Morton Arboretum, is a 1,700-acre public garden known for its diverse mix of plants and majestic trees. Visitors to the arboretum enjoy exploring an extensive trail system as well as seeing over 4,000 different types of trees and shrubs. The living collections are mainly composed of native species but visitors can also find a wide range of plants from temperate zones around the world.

The Illinois Aviation Museum is an impressive experience for aviation enthusiasts. On display are aircraft from the golden age of flight along with exhibits from WWI and WWII, as well as modern military machines. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of aviation through tour guides who have a wealth of knowledge about each aircraft and their historical context. Educational programming includes speakers, lectures, and interactive workshops for children of all ages.

The Morton Arboretum is an incredible treasure for nature-lovers. Boasting over 200 kinds of trees, 16 miles of trails, and a variety of interactive exhibits, it is an exemplary destination for people to appreciate the beauty of flora and fauna. With 1,700 acres of naturalistic landscapes to explore, this arboretum offers its visitors an array of educational opportunities from research and science-based classes to Children's Garden activities.

The First Division Museum at Cantigny, in DuPage County, Illinois, is an interactive and engaging museum. Visitors can learn all about the history of the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division on site by exploring galleries with multimedia presentations and life-size dioramas, a research library filled with historic documents, artifacts, photographs and newspapers, or outdoors while exploring tanks and other military vehicles in their own special displays.

Cantigny Park is a lovely destination for those looking for a great outdoor experience. Located on 500 acres of land donated by the McCormick family, Cantigny features hiking trails, picnic spots and gorgeous gardens to explore. The main attraction of the park is its formal gardens and 30-acre lake, as well as the First Division Museum which commemorates WWI America's first major battle overseas. Visitors can also enjoy free concerts in summer and other sporting events throughout the year.

The Chicago Golf Club is a prestigious golf club established in 1892, it has been a leader in the Midwestern golf community for over 120 years. With a challenging yet beautiful championship course designed by the legendary C.B Macdonald and Seth Raynor, this club is perfect for all levels of play. In addition to its stellar main course, the Chicago Golf Club offers a number of additional amenities including practice areas on teaching greens, bunkers for practicing sand play shots.

Belmont Prairie, is one of the best preserved tallgrass prairies in the Midwest and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It's grassland ecosystem encompasses plants native to northern Illinois along with wildflowers, shrubs, and oak savanna trees. This area has been recognized as a National Natural Landmark due to its significant biodiversity and contains an abundance of species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern.

The Oakhurst Forest Preserve, is an incredible natural sanctuary. Featuring more than 600 acres of undisturbed prairie and oak woodland habitat, visitors can take part in a wide range of outdoor activities, enjoying everything from hiking to birding. The vast array of wildlife, including deer and fox, can often be seen wandering through the preserve. In addition, this vast expanse of green space leads directly down to the picturesque Fox River.