Naperville

Naperville is a bedroom community in the Chicagoland area that ranked third on Money magazine's list of the 100 best places to live in the United States in 2008. Located along the DuPage River in the western suburbs, Naperville combines small-town charm with modern amenities. The city's downtown features quaint 19th-century buildings now housing high-end shops and restaurants, connected by a 3.5-mile Riverwalk inspired by San Antonio's famous Riverwalk.

The climate is continental with hot, humid summers and cold winters typical of the Chicago metropolitan area. The Riverwalk and downtown shopping district are the city's center of gravity. Naperville hosts several annual events including Ribfest (Knoch Park, featuring 15–20 rib vendors from around the country), Naper Days at the Naper Settlement, and Haunted Naperville Tours.

By Plane

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway Airport (MDW) are both accessible, approximately 30–45 minutes east via I-88 or I-355.

By Train

Metra operates hourly trains from Chicago Union Station via the BNSF Line, with trains continuing to Aurora. Amtrak serves Naperville via its daily Southwest Chief (Chicago–Los Angeles) and California Zephyr (Chicago–San Francisco). Multiple Illinois Service routes also call here. Naperville Station is at 105 E. Fourth Ave, slightly north of downtown.

By Car / Road

I-88 runs through the northern part of the city, connecting to Chicago in the east and the Quad Cities in the west. The city is easily accessible from I-355 and Route 59.

Downtown parking is available in large public parking structures, though finding a spot can be slow during peak times. The Central Parking Facility (near Washington and Chicago Avenue) is the most reliable option. The Riverwalk connects many downtown attractions on foot. A car is needed for outlying areas.

• DuPage Children's Museum — 301 N Washington St, +1 630-637-8000. Activities for kids including a giant Lite-Brite, bubble games, building workshop, and wind tunnel.

• Naper Settlement — A reconstruction of the town as it looked in the 1800s when founded by trader Joe Naper. Living history museum.

• Moser Tower Millennium Carillon — 160-foot tower on the Riverwalk with 72 bronze-cast bells, one of only four grand carillons in the world.

• The Dandelion Fountain — Iconic fountain near the Riverwalk, a popular photo spot.

• Public Art / Century Walk — Art throughout downtown and the Riverwalk including "River of Life" ceramic mural and "Man's Search For Knowledge Through The Ages" bas-relief.

• SS. Peter and Paul Church — Corner of E. Benton Ave & N. Ellsworth St. An enormous Catholic institution with a beautiful interior.

• Art Galleries — Art & Frame Naperville, Naperville Art League, Anamart Gallery, Hozhoni Native American Art, and North Central College gallery.

• Centennial Beach — An old rock quarry transformed into a sandy beach along the Riverwalk. Paddleboat rentals available.

• Ribfest — Naperville's biggest yearly event, a four-day festival in Knoch Park with 15–20 rib vendors and bands like REO Speedwagon and Heart.

• Naper Days — Held annually at the Naper Settlement with games, bands, and the Taste of Naperville.

• Haunted Naperville Tours — Ghost stories based on first-hand encounters throughout the city.

• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria — Chicago deep-dish pizza in a former firehouse (the fire pole still stands in the bar area). Arguably the best crust in the state.
• El Famous — Both on Ogden Avenue. Giant burritos at reasonable prices.
• Succulent Seafood — Gartner Plaza (corner of Gartner Road and Washington Street). Fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and fish sandwiches with prepared sauces.
• Cookie Dough Creations — 22 Chicago Ave, +1 630-369-4833. Scoops of ice cream topped with egg-free cookie dough.
• Meson Sabika — 1025 Aurora Ave, +1 630-983-3000. Spanish tapas and a lovely brunch. Expensive but extremely tasty.

• White Tavern — On Ogden Avenue. A no-frills bar popular with blue-collar types.
• The Lantern — 8 W Chicago Ave #1, +1 630-355-7099.
• Potter's Place and Two-Nine Martini Lounge — 29 W Jefferson Ave, +1 630-355-9165.

• Budget: Various motels along the I-88 corridor offer rooms from $70–$100/night.
• Mid-range: Harrison House Bed & Breakfast — 26 N Eagle St, +1 630-420-1117. Hilton Garden Inn Naperville Warrenville — 28351 Dodge Dr, +1 630-393-3223. Free internet, business center, fitness room, and indoor pool.
• Upscale / heritage: Hotel Indigo Naperville Riverwalk — 120 Water St, +1 630-778-9676. Marriott on Diehl Road off I-88.

Downtown Naperville offers serious power shopping. Naper Nuts and Sweets (10 W. Jefferson Ave) is an old-fashioned candy shop with thousands of candies, freshly made popcorn, and chocolates. The downtown area features Chicago pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and other local specialties alongside national retailers.

• Chicago (35 miles east) — World-class museums, architecture, dining, and nightlife.
• Aurora (15 miles west) — Hollywood Casino, Westfield Fox Valley Mall.
• Lisle (5 miles east) — Morton Arboretum, a sprawling complex of trees and gardens.
• Herrick Lake in Warrenville (5 miles north) — One of the best local parks for hiking and nature.
• Starved Rock State Park (60 miles southwest) — Illinois' most popular state park with canyons and waterfalls.