Naper Settlement

Naper Settlement is an award-winning outdoor history museum offering 13 acres of immersive educational experiences in downtown Naperville, Illinois. Established in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum tells the story of Naperville from its founding in 1831 through the early 20th century.

The museum features over 30 meticulously restored historic buildings and structures relocated from throughout the Naperville area, including the stunning Martin Mitchell Mansion—a 12-room Victorian house built in 1883 that serves as the centerpiece of the settlement. Visitors explore authentic buildings such as a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, print shop, and various residences that showcase architectural evolution and community life from different eras.

Knowledgeable interpreters dressed in period costumes bring history to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and trades while sharing engaging stories about early settlers. Interactive exhibits include Building Naperville: Tallgrass Prairie to Today, the Thresher Experience, and We the People: Naperville and the American Story—a special exhibit commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

The Harvard Early Learning Playscape and Splashpad provide hands-on play for young children. Educational programs, guided tours, and special demonstrations occur throughout the year. The museum hosts numerous special events and festivals including seasonal celebrations, living history weekends, and cultural programs.

Naper Settlement offers comprehensive field trip programs for school groups with curriculum-aligned activities. Summer camps, workshops, and family programs provide deeper engagement with history. The facility is available for weddings, meetings, parties, and special events.

The museum houses over 40,000 historic objects and archival materials, over 10,000 photographs, and a research library available for historical inquiry. Just steps from downtown Naperville’s dining and shopping district and the scenic Riverwalk, Naper Settlement provides a unique educational destination where the past comes alive.