
Where is the old Naper Settlement in Naperville?
Naper Settlement. Visitors can come for hands-on activities and tours led by museum educators in period costumes. The Settlement is situated on land bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin Mitchell.
Is the Naperville settlement worth a visit?
Considering the history of the beginnings of Naperville isn't much to write home about to start with and much of it is actually an embarrassment the whole Naperville Settlement concept is closer to smoke and mirrors more than any historical substance. Save your money and take a walk down Webster to Aurora Ave and head to the Riverwalk instead.
What's new at Naper Settlement in 2022?
Check back soon for our 2022 dates & line-up! Get ready for a howlin' good time at Naper Settlement's all-new Halloween event for adults (21+). The Weed Ladies Sales features creative seasonal floral arrangements with silk and dried florals and popular dried bouquets.
What is the Naper Settlement volunteer Open House?
This will be a great day to see if volunteering for Naper Settlement is of interest to you and also a chance to thank our current volunteers for the great job they do! Staff will be available to answer questions and help with registration. The Volunteer Open House will include activities, such as lawn games, an escape room, and a raffle.

What is Naper Settlement?
Naper Settlement, established in 1969, is a 12-acre (49,000 m2) outdoor history museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums that consists of a collection of thirty historical buildings and structures from the Naperville, Illinois area.
Can you bring food into Naper Settlement?
Consumption of food, chewing gum, and/or beverages is prohibited in all buildings. Exceptions for certain programs, private functions or special events are made at the discretion of Naper Settlement administration.
Who owns Naper Settlement?
the Naperville Heritage SocietyEstablished in 1969, Naper Settlement, through a management agreement with the City of Naperville, operates under the direction and governance of the Naperville Heritage Society, whose mission is to “document, preserve and interpret the community life of Naperville, Illinois, including, but not limited to the social, ...
How old is Naper Settlement?
Established in 1969, Naper Settlement, through a management agreement with the City of Naperville, operates under the direction and governance of the Naperville Heritage Society, whose mission is to “document, preserve and interpret the community life of Naperville, Illinois, including, but not limited to the social, ...
How long is Naperville Riverwalk?
1.75 milesCreated in 1981 to honor Naperville's 150th anniversary, the Riverwalk features 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, meeting and event places, outdoor sculpture and artwork, recreational facilities, and celebratory memorials.
Camp Naper at Naper Settlement
Campers will go on adventures in history, art, science, and more! Each of our 16 themed day camps provides immersive learning experiences that will capture your child’s imagination while strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learn More
February 2022
School's Out! - Pioneer Kids (SOLD OUT) During Pioneer Kids, you’ll see just how tough pio...
How big is the Naper Settlement?
Naper Settlement, established in 1969, is a 12-acre (49,000 m 2) outdoor history museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums that consists of a collection of thirty historical buildings and structures from the Naperville, Illinois area.
Who was the first person to give the settlement of Naperville to the city?
The Settlement is situated on land bequeathed to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin Mitchell.
When was Pine Craig added to the National Register of Historic Places?
He named the house Pine Craig, and his family members lived in the house until 1936. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The mansion is now part of Naper Settlement and underwent an extensive restoration from 2000-2003.
Guided Walking Tours
Tours begin April 1 Sign up for a tour in the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center Explore Naper Settlement’s campus and learn about the museum’s more than 30 buildings in this historical guided tour. Please visit the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center to view the available tour times and to sign up for a tour.
Guided Tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion
Tours begin April 1 Sign up for a tour in the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center In this guided tour, you will view this elegant, yet functional, Victorian home restored to its original splendor. Please visit the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center to view the available tour times and to sign up for a tour.
Harvard Early Learning Playscape
Open April 1 – October 31 Included in general admission | Sign up online for a 90-minute time slot Nestled in a replica of a wooden fort, the Harvard Early Learning Playscape is designed for children ages 2-7 to explore the outdoors in a setting created just for them.
Playscape Readers: Peter Rabbit
Wednesday, April 7 • 1 PM Free virtual children’s program on Naper Settlement’s Facebook Playscape Readers is going to the garden, Mr. McGregor’s garden to be exact. Join Naper Settlement for The Tale of Peter Rabbit, a busy bunny with a taste for turnips.
Wednesday Walking Club
Wednesdays, April 7 – October 27 • 8-9 AM Free drop-in program for all ages | Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult Imagine yourself in another place and time as you walk through Naper Settlement’s beautiful museum grounds.
Weed Ladies Spring Sale
April 8 – 10 • 10 AM-4 PM and April 11 • 1-4 PM Located in the Daniels House at Naper Settlement | Free to attend the sale The Weed Ladies Spring Sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements. Each one-of-a-kind silk or dried floral creation has been designed by the Weed Ladies volunteer group.
History Speaks: Visual Cultures of WWII Japanese Incarceration
Sunday, April 11 • 4-5 PM Virtual lecture on Zoom | $10 per person | Purchase Tickets One of the darkest chapters in modern American history is the WWII-era Japanese Internment camps. This lecture examines the historical background of this period—the government’s role, the war era, and the plight of the victims.
Is Naper Settlement worth visiting?
Well worth the visit for individuals, family and couple s. There are many events that individuals can take advantage of. Very family friendly. Don't miss spending time at Naper Settlement
Is the Naperville settlement smoke and mirrors?
Considering the history of the beginnings of Naperville isn't much to write home about to start with and much of it is actually an embarrassment the whole Naperville Settlement concept is closer to smoke and mirrors more than any historical substance.

Overview
Naper Settlement, established in 1969, is a 12-acre (49,000 m ) outdoor history museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums that consists of a collection of thirty historical buildings and structures from the Naperville, Illinois area. Many buildings were moved here from their original locations and refurbished in a style fitting of their time periods that range from 1831, when Naperville was founded, through the early 20th century. Visitors can come for hands-on activitie…
Martin Mitchell Mansion
The Martin Mitchell Mansion, known to the original owners as Pine Craig, is a historic residence. The 12-room house was built with materials from Naperville businesses and stone from DuPage River quarries. George Martin II was the son of an immigrant from Scotland and made his fortune by taking advantage of local resources. He made agriculture his first venture, cultivating a farm and gradually expanding his land holdings to 1,000 acres. Martin then developed a limestone quar…
Programs and activities
Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum that offers numerous other large special events. From 1982 until 2019, this included Civil War Days, a two-day reenactment, where the settlement was converted into a large encampment and more than 300 actors and actresses at a time re-enacted historical life and battles. Other special events had included Christkindlmarket and NaperLights. both of which were also cancelled in 2019.
Public funding
In 2014, Naper Settlement was one of 47 Illinois museums to receive funding from the Illinois Public Museum Capital Grants Program as part of the state's larger construction initiative.
External links
• Naper Settlement Official Site