naper settlement

This is a great place to visit with the kids when you're looking for an educational outing that's also fun and family-friendly. The grounds are absolutely charming, there's a cute gift shop and a range of educational classes and programs that most kids will enjoy. There's even a beautiful, historic wedding chapel that's perfect for weddings or vow renewals -- and throughout the summer and fall, Naper Settlement hosts a range of craft fairs and other events that allow local artisans to showcase their wares. A great way to spend a couple hours on a sunny afternoon, and close to the Riverwalk district too.

In the heart of tony Naperville is a small park out of the 1800's. Adjacent to the more famous riverwalk, the settlement is a recreation of the founding of the town, starting with the first tiny log cabin to the massive Mitchell mansion. The enclave includes a schoolhouse, blacksmith store, a post office, and a picture perfect chapel which is still used for weddings. In the spring a civil war re-enactment takes place on the grounds, concluding with a loud, smoked filled battle. Now the grounds are covered with christmas lights and symbols of the season. All year long there are art fairs and wine tastings and such. In the basement of the entrance building there is a small but insightful museum which gives the history of not only the settlement but of Naperville in the years since. A great place for a family to kill a day.

Although I have driven by Naper Settlement for over 50 years, this was my first visit. I was amazed at the number of buildings that were available to tour. We were fortunate to have a docent lead a tour through the mansion. It was wonderful. Since many of us were products of the one room school, we were especially impressed with the School Marm's presentation.

Naper Settlement is a 12-acre outdoor history museum located in the heart of Naperville's downtown. The time period represented here ranges from Naperville's original settlement circa 1831 through the early 20th century. Thirty historical buildings are located on this site, many having been moved here from their original locations and refurbished in a style befitting their original time periods. that range from 1831 when Naperville was founded through the early 20th century.I enjoyed a leisurely self-guided tour of the grounds on a perfect fall afternoon. Interpreters in period costume were present inside most of the buildings and were very well-versed and informative. I gained interesting bits of information from my conversations with the blacksmith, the printer, and the local school teacher. The museum offers a full slate of programming throughout the year as well as hosting special events such as Maple Sugaring Days, Oktoberfest, Civil War Days, All Hallows Eve, A Victorian Stroll, and much more. It is definitely worth visiting!

We especially enjoyed learning about the Naper family and five other families settling in the area, first known as Naper's Settlement, which later became a part of DuPage County. Joseph Naper platted the town of Naperville. He was one of the stockholders and operated a lumber mill that provided the wooden planks for the "Old Plank Road" that improved transportation between Aurora, Illinois and Chicago. Thanks to the Naperville Heritage Society. The society has the management contract with the city for the ongoing operation and development of Naper Settlement and is the direct governing agency for the museum.Naper Settlement is the only museum of its kind in Illinois that is accredited by the American Association of Museums.

The settlement is not only a museum of the areas settlers containing many historic buildings, but also a place for year round activities to take place. Civil war days, Summer concerts, Beer fest, All Hallows Eve, ect.. The admission is a bit high, but get a members pass for the year and it is well worth it! Food and drink tents are set up at their events.

I thought the ten dollar admission was a bit high. The best part of the tour (self guided) was the Victorian mansion, because that part did have a tour guide and several times to choose from. The men who were working at the Blacksmith Shop were very friendly and informative. I was disappointed we couldn't see the inside of the church/ chapel, because there were three weddings that day, but I understand. The grounds of the settlement are clean and several restrooms available conveniently.

Took a look at some of the old homes and fort there while at a Powwow that was on the grounds. It is nice to see how people used to live. It really makes you appreciate space and technology.

We stopped by Naper Settlement on a recent visit to my brother's house. I didn't know anything about the history of Naperville, but it was really quite interesting! Lots of really cool original buildings as well as activities for the kids, reenactments and more.

I can't say enough good things about The Settlement! It is a great place for history buffs, for simple entertainment, all ages, and especially great for kids! It is a place that has REAL historic buildings, most with costumed docents who will give you information on the building, its use, inhabitants, the history of the period in which it was built and information on the furnishings! There is a working blacksmith shop also, along with a museum. People actually get married in the small church! You can wander through the gardens and work your way to Martin Mitchell Mansion, which started the Settlement. There is a new Early Childhood Center built where the old fort used to stand. It includes many wonderful experiences for little ones. Summer months may find children of several different ages playing on the village green with toys from the past. They might just invite your child to join them! There are special programs and camps offered year round for children and school groups. Adults will find several events year round, mostly on weekends. There are sales of dried floral arrangements several times a year, hosted by The Weed Ladies, wine tastings, craft beer tastings, Craft Shows, band concerts, outdoor movies, Sunday Ice Cream Socials, various Christmas related events, Sunday evening History Speaks, and my favorite, the Halloween Happenings. It is a two day event that is variations on a haunted village. THIS is fantastic, and a huge undertaking with hundreds of volunteers. It deserves its own write up. Naper Settlement is a gem with something for everyone. don't miss it! Oh, winter months has altered hours, and no costumed workers. You will be given recorded histories to listen as you walk around. Free parking is available in back of the Settlement, across the street.

Manned by enthusiastic volunteers for the tours, this place has a number of "old timey" things that kids are not likely to have seen inn their lifetimes without visiting a place like this. Train car, smithy shop, various displays of living during these times. Very small location, so you can bring younger kids and older grandparents if they walk at all. Hang out and learn more about Naperville's history.

The guide will explain just enough to whet your appetite for discovery about what Illinois frontier life was like. The grounds are beautiful and spacious, the outbuildings have been gathered from around the area, but the Naper Settlement will definitely provide an idea of the difficulties of life when first settled. Good and safe for young children as well as informative for adults and all in between. Nicely fenced so even toddlers can't get too far away.

I went to the Naper Settlement last weekend and I liked the Blacksmith and the Log Cabin there because the guide was not too long and not too short and it was very detailed and I was something very interesting about what it was like back then from many many years ago.

My husband and I are and have been part of the Wednesday walking club. So, we have seen the grounds with spring flowers, summer and even into fall. Just walking the grounds is enough as they are beautifully maintained, but each individual building is also a gem. If you are in Naperville, check out if they are having a special event -- summer concerts, reenactments, art fair, Christmas walk, are only a few. The staff is super friendly.If you are an historian, you will love the history and museum.

What I like is that this settlement was before Chicago and gives a look into early Illinois frontier life.