Naper Settlement

We went for the first time as a family to the Naperville settlement and it was really impressive. If you’re visiting you must visit the Blacksmith house. We came across Ronnie, a fantastic human being. His energy radiates the entire place. He was so sweet and kind, he made us a Blacksmith S Hook. It was really neat. Overall I highly recommend it.

Learning about 19th century pioneers could scarcely be more interesting or fun. Our group of elementary kids came home full of information and excited to learn more. The grounds and buildings are fascinating, and the staff, dressed in period clothing, does an excellent job of bringing history to life. Anyone would enjoy a visit, and school groups should run not walk. They kept things lively and moving at a steady pace. A great value and a priceless resource. Big recommend.

Naper Settlement offers a fascinating journey through the history of Naperville, providing visitors with a charming and educational experience. The meticulously restored buildings and period-appropriate exhibits transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the community's past.

The variety of structures, from historic homes to a blacksmith shop, showcase the architectural evolution of the area. The knowledgeable staff, often dressed in period costumes, enhance the immersive experience by sharing engaging stories about the settlement's history.

The exhibits are well-curated, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of the early settlers. The Martin Mitchell Mansion, a Victorian-era marvel, is a highlight, showcasing the affluent lifestyle of the period.

While the settlement provides a rich historical experience, some areas could benefit from additional interactive elements to engage visitors more deeply. The availability of guided tours or informational materials would further enhance the overall experience.

The grounds are well-maintained, providing a pleasant environment for leisurely strolls. Naper Settlement frequently hosts events and festivals, adding vibrancy to the historical site.

Overall, Naper Settlement is a valuable stop for history enthusiasts and families looking to connect with the roots of Naperville. With a bit of enhancement in interactive features, it has the potential to evolve into a must-visit destination.

Our favorite part was the tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion, our tour guide was Angelina and she was very pleasant and knowledgeable. Also enjoyed the blacksmith shop, the indigenous flower gardens & trees and the artifacts on display. Was a wonderful way to spend our morning/afternoon.

Beautiful place. So much history, lovingly preserved. Highly recommend it as a half-day or more outing. We watched a blacksmith make some decorative hooks, and all the docents were dressed in period costume. More is being added, there was some construction going on, but we were still able to see everything.

Naper Nights was a good time. Entry is $20/person. There are plenty of food vendors. Bathrooms are crowded. They open it at 5p for the show. We arrived at 6 and had no trouble finding a spot. It got very crowded by 7/7:30. You can bring a blanket or folding chairs.

Incredible and informative staff! We got lucky for beautiful weather! Will definitely have to visit again with the family. Thanks to your amazing staff for a great day!!

A must go place and under the radar as well ! Very educational and beautifully kept , handicap accessible as much as the building let them , since it's from the 1800 + . Thanks to the people and volunteers who work there , they do work with passion , they made my kids very engaged with the explanation of the history of the settlement.
We will go again even though we are not Naperville residents .

Love visiting this settlement and every time we go back in time. Located in the heart of Naperville, the place showcases a blacksmith's workshop with live demos, a one room schoo, a log house, a mansion and more. A bunch of buildings are close for work but new ones have opened up as well.

Naper Settlement is not only a local historical village, since 2017 it has been the home for the suburban location of the Chicago Christmas Market, which had disappeared for a few years after it could not be supported in Arlington Heights. The new location is much more interesting, though, as the market is now spread across the charming village, with multiple indoor seating areas, annual customized collector's mugs with hot drinks, and beautiful light displays. Plus, it is open 4 days a week through December 24th.

Visited here as a child, maybe 3rd grade, and our whole class had a blast. Saw something about it recently and thought my wife might enjoy a visit as she’s a bit of a history buff. Luckily we had beautiful weather and a great visit, especially during the mansion tour.

This is a living museum, an outdoor interactive classroom where you learn about the history of the Midwest, and mostly of Naperville. It is a great learning experience for everyone of any age.

I have been here several times, with out of town guests and on school field trips. My favorite is the Blacksmith shop where you can watch the blacksmith actually shape metal horseshoes over a hot fire.

They host many events here throughout the year. A beautiful location and fun for the family. Free parking lot is located behind the venue although there is street parking available.

This a a beautiful place so much history I've been passing it all the time but hot to experience a wedding there it was really pretty

I love that they have live tours to learn about the history of the different settlements and residents. We learned what rooms were used for in homes and enjoyed learning of the historical figures. Great entertainment!

We came for the Food Truck Festival, there was a wide selection of options, face paintings, balloons, games and beer. Entertainment for the whole family.

Very interesting place, while visiting we enjoyed their Cristkindlmart. A lot of fun and good food available. Definitely worth the time and effort to stop in and join the fun.

Great place for the family. Unfortunately the doors are all locked to the buildings but we enjoyed the Summer Slice toy making activities and splash pad for free!

A great mix of local historic buildings and a multiple use entertainment facility. Attended an Adult Halloween party. 2 great bands, fire dancers, magician, sword swallowing, food trucks,haunted houses and much more for $20.00.

Attended All Hallows Eve with the family and it was AWESOME. The kids had an amazing time and are already talking about going again next year. It really felt like being in a Halloween themed town, and there was so much to do. My kids loved the black light painting, Zombie Maze and fire performers. Never went to Naper Settlement before but plan on looking into other events throughout the year. Can’t wait to go back!

Today my son went on his field trip and it was amazing he had so much fun.