Reviews of Naper Settlement (Museum)

joe goad

This review is specific to the Naper Nights concert event! June 15 2019, show cancelled! Know how I know? Because I showed and had to read the note on the door! Tickets state RAIN or SHINE, NO REFUNDS. Rain had stopped by 6pm, and yet show is cancelled!? How about an email (since I bought my tickets online) stating not to waste my time or my Uber fare coming to this concert! Piss poor customer service as far as I'm concerned.

Rob Gee

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.

Teresa Rogers

Engaging exhibits, knowledgeable staff.

Tina Johnson

Went to Kris kindel it was awesome.food was great the ornaments were

Jonathon Meyer

Love the kristkindle market! One of my holiday favorites!

David Reed

We visited right before Christmas with our family members. Fun for the whole family. The lights to the music really captured our grandsons attention. It is nice to just watch families enjoying themselves in a friendly environment. We will be back next year! P.S. some of our family drove 140+ miles one way to see this and we all agree on going back next year. Family Holiday Road Trip!

Joseph Py

Don't go on school day you will be caught up by a lot of loud kids and you can't see in a lot of buildings because they are locked

Matthew Jerkovic

Went there for Italian fest. It was a good time.

Luba Katterhenry

Was nice to see all of the culture around Christmas time. Only disappointment was website said free parking but once we arrived was told there was a charge, someone needs to change the website

ghassan darawsheh

Great place to view old town history.

Jason Lurie

Went to the fair here. Kris kringle fest.. plenty of food to eat, which we had everything, it was chilly so the hot apple cider was a flowing, props to all the food vendors. We had a great time

Duston Detrick

Family oriented destination, most of the time. The other time, adult entertainment and great for date nights. Easy to get to and adds to the ambience of downtown Naperville.

Ryan Seeden

Great place to spend some time and learn. Great for kids. Has a nice play area for them as well. Plenty to see and do

Mark

Did the Christkindlmarket was a great time. Parking is difficult kinda ruined my experience. And there is police walking all over giving tickets.

David Davis

This is such a cool place. Love the events they hold here too. Make sure to check the website for more info

Brian Line

Went to a food truck festival here.

Chris Wallin

Kris Kringle market, a lot nicer than the one in the city . The people were nicer too, didnt feel the urge to punch anyone in the face. Oh and didn't have to pay $45.00 for parking, BONUS!

Amanda Demitropoulos

I have been taking my 4th grade class on a field trip here for years, and it's great! So great in fact, that years ago I fell in love with the chapel, and decided to have my wedding ceremony there, which was perfect. They have a lot of events for kids and adults, and are right in the heart of downtown Naperville.

Michael Lawler

What a great way to understand the lives of the area settlers. The youth volunteers were very good at staying in character. I would highly recommend this experience for all ages.

Robbin Liu

Nice place for a fest. Good parking.

Carrie M

The Civil War History field trip for students was inaccurate. The southern lady character said that the Bible supports slavery. That was the rationale of the Southerners. It is true, the Bible does support it. Don't say that the Bible does not say slavery is ok. It does. That doesn't make it right. But don't whitewash the Bible for your field trip. Yes this would be controversial. But the Southern rationale was based on what the Bible says. Look up verses about slavery from the Old and New Testament. It's not a perfect book, so don't pretend it is. The South used a flawed ideology to defend slavery, while the Protestant churches of the North chose to ignore those passages of scripture and instead focused on the more loving aspects of the Bible. I would say that these religious differences between North and South carry on to this day.

Shane Gilbertson

Went there for a wedding. Church is beautiful

GG Z

Fun and educational outing. Lots of info I never saw before.

Willy Onstar

Good time to have the kids put down the devices and show them how we had fun b4 the iPhones

Won Sung

Another great place for families to spend quality time! Historical place where kids get to learn how Naperville all started. Well kept buildings and artifacts and attractive guide!

John Stumpf

Here at Festa Italiana. Great time. Fabulous music.

Michelle Caesius Martinez

Only go for Native American Pow Wows. Never have trouble finding parking. Clean. Has a small, cute wedding chapel. We go every year

Fred Goldstein

Lots of history and walk in displays. Many events and festivals

Nikky Danai

Went to the christkringle market first time, was busy but weather was awesome, don't like how one of the vendors cheated me on my change

j Stachler

Very informational on the history of the town

rhonda murff

Christkringle Market was fun as the day was fair and I was with friends!! Ornaments: glass and wooden, nuts, chocolate and German comfort foods, what's not to like!!

Michelle Cannon

I love this place. I kind of feel it is underrated but love that it is not super crowded and the settlement is very spacious. The children volunteering their do a great job. The staff that works there is extremely knowledgeable and does a great job of living in the era! It is very clean and my children absolutely love coming here.

W Fermier

A wonderful display of historical buildings with people to help you understand what you're seeing.

Veronica White

Naper Settlement hosted an extension of the Chicago Christkindlmarket. This was a great idea and offered the perfect setting for the Market. My friend and I had a great time and especially enjoyed the light displays along the main path that circles the Settlement.

Allison Reed

This year-round outdoor living museum is a treat unique to Naperville. It hosts a myriad of activities, from weddings in their chapel, Family Funland during the Naperville Jaycees Last Fling, Concerts during the summer, Christkindlmarket in November til Christmas, and more. I love this place and find it always a good spot to take out of town visitors for a tour. If you haven't made your way to the settlement, put it on your calendar. I have personally been here 2-6 times a year for the last decade, and love the grounds and the historical atmosphere.

Stefan Munker

Some nice historical buildings. Expensive for its small size. Not a lot of education.

anette olson

Family fu bbn

Lauren Stewart

This review is about Naper Settlement's Naper Nights. I have been a member for 3 years and I love the perks, but my favorite is the music series they run during the summer. The lawn is perfect for hanging out on a Friday/Saturday night with friends/family (kid friendly) and listening to some great live music. I encourage you to arrive early to hear the School of Rock kids play, which is pretty neat. Seating is always going to be better the closer you are, but you can hear the music perfectly throughout the lawn. There are always food and beverage vendors that are definitely worth trying. Only con is that they do NOT have a lot of bathrooms.

Angie Ng

Great way to enjoy the season, stroll along nicely done light display, enjoy some delicious German food and beautiful craft work.

Debra Gonzales

Went there for an October fest event. Thee caterer food was good. However one server. Pointed out my granddaughter. Whispered to his partner. Made us feel very uncomfortable. That was weird! And we weren't aware it wad only cash. That was a bit of problem. The atm they had wasn't working.other than that. It was really organized.

Metaskelly Skelly

Excellent we will be back my mother is german she loved it

Rainbow Foxes

Very nice place to spend a day at

Scott Bradford

It was excellent, albeit quite crowded. We were there for the Christmas Market, and for someone who misses Deutschland daily, it made me happy. Good food, items imported from Germany for sale. It's worth the day trip.

Connor McEleney

The Brushstrokes of the Past exhibit is stellar. The whole museum is first-rate.

Joan Rubin

The Christmas market was amazing. Fun place to visit before the holidays. Great food options to enjoy.

Laura

Interesting part of history here in Naperville

Alicia West

It was closed when we went but it looks pretty awesome just from peering thru the fence.

Tim Evans

Attended Italian restaurant festival. Live music, great food, wonderful old "7"generation circus 'Zoppe'

Rebekah Hewes

Clean and interesting place for entire family.

arturo martinez

Great place for some events, 1 complaint/safety issue, the bleachers used for... say the Pow Wow are in need of repair and I don't mean buy new ones just have you maintenance person use a few bolts or something to fix them. This is like the place where many people come to know naperville for the first time and being the so call best city in IDK how many levels the details count to think otherwise.

Michelle Mueller-Cundi

Lovely grounds. Great venue to hear good music over the summer at Naper nights.

John McGuire

One of the coolest little settlement throwback towns around Illinois. A very nice and distinctive area close to shopping and dining. For all the many years I lived in Naperville I never visited until somewhat recently. Great place to go and bring your children for a History lesson. They will soon appreciate your home when the see the log cabins of the day. The cabins are actually raw timber with chinking. Get out the camera grab lunch and check it out.

Thomas Lucas

My wife and I attended the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock Celebration at Naper Settlement. The band, weather and setting were perfect. We and all who attended had a really nice time.

Catherine Schroeder

We love this place. So nice to wander around, and look at all the neat stuff.

Julius Borchert

I took whole family there for Christlandmarket. It was very nice but very small.

John Harris

This is such a beautiful and historic place to visit. The chapel alone is worth a trip. My wife and I got married in the chapel 16 years ago and just went back for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Naper settlement. Just a unique place and walking distance from downtown Naperville. There is plenty of parking and everything in the settlement is easy walking distance for any ability level. If you are local or spending the day from out of town you really should check out this local gem.

Karen Williams

Chriskindle Market better here than in the city

Neyra Ballesteros

They had a small village set in the 1800's with a live blacksmith and printing shop.

Gerry Debi Krebsbsach

No place to park and NO gates open to get to the church.

Tyler Tresnak

When I went it was a German Christmas event sort of thing and the food was tasty and they were selling ornaments although pricy they were pretty nice so I do recommend it

Brian Opyd

Nice exhibits for the kids. If they get bored of the historical reinactors there is a great fort playground for the kids to play on.

Evelyn Fry

Very nice historical village. Enjoy Oktoberfest, Civil War days, and Naper Nights concerts.

Maria Ballesteros

I was there for the Winter Wonderland/German Festival rather than going downtown Chicago. Excellent! They have a heated tent to eat and drink, plenty of parking, Christmas lights and decorations and plenty of vendors. There were long lines with some of the most popular vendors but to be expected.

Sean Donahue

Step back into history as Naper Settlement celebrates it's 50th anniversary - 1969-2019. Features a working blacksmith, printshop, schoolhouse, and so much more! Historical reenactments by kids up to adults in period clothing only add to the authenticity. Be sure to catch civil war days if you can. Naper Settlement is free to residents of Naperville. Just show your license as proof of residency. Check it out!!

Cecilia Smith

Visited for the third year in a row for the Christkindlmarket. The weather was beautiful for a November day, and we were able to visit the settlements and the museum in the basement of the visitors center. I recommend you check it out!

Mario Melone

Have been there during Summer weather, great experience! Went for Christmas market in December...wonderful and small crowd!

James Taylor

Interesting place to see a part of history from the 1800's

Melody827

We went in the winter to see the christkindle market. Definitely a must see! A nice family tradition to start. The little knickknacks are great for gifts. Not to mention the fresh made donuts and coffee.

Beth Niedoborski

This is a good place for younger children in the spring and summer. This is also a great location for the Christkindlmarket. The food and merchandise are nearly the same as the one in Chicago, but the vendors are spaced out much nicer. Plus, there are actually places to park!

KC Barnack

Super cute place. Definitely wish they had told us before we bought tickets that several school groups were there, though, so we could have gone a different day. We only got to go into 2 buildings because the school groups were touring all the others and had packed the buildings.

Shane Farris

Incredible venue to watch a show! Beautiful, in a forest, great sound, reasonably priced food.

Jennifer Krabbeler

I love attending the events that are held annually at the Naper Settlement. My favorite ones are during Halloween and the Civil War reenactment that takes place around spring.

Bernadette Hughes

Naper Settlement hosted an extension of the Chicago Christkindlmarket. This was a great idea and offered the perfect setting for the Market. My friend and I had a great time and especially enjoyed the light displays along the main path that circles the Settlement.

Darrell Backhaus

This is a great place to see and interact with history. See and learn how the way of life used to be before all of our modern technologies.

karla marley

Went for kindle market. It was nice. Pokemon Go player was worth it.

Nancy Garcia

I loved the fact the person act and talk as if you were actually in the slavery days.

Roxana Williams

Loved the history. The educators were fun to watch and amazingly helpful and knowledgeable. Didn't like that some attractions were closed and that in some places you could not see the full home or business. Needs a bigger gift shop!

Jaiden Chokshi

It can get cold but it is an awesome experience and they have very cool goodies

John Gonzales

I was just tryjng to enjoy the old town western feel, but the kindlemarket was kn the way

Dimitris Kapsis

Always a pleasure to visit.

David Kranson

Very nice. Plan to go back when it's warmer.

carrie zalud

Nice place to visit.

Dan Brosnan

Was the location of this past year's Christmas Market, and it was a great venue for that. It's too bad it won't be held there again this year.

Mark McCready

This place is pretty cool. Tells you all about John naper and his family and lines put where everything was.

Jason Hill

Fun for the whole family. Some buildings have interprers in period costume. Very friendly and knowledgeable. It feels like you're going back in time when you're here.

DaniFran* Kinlaw

Cool to learn about everything

susan bugarewicz

A beautiful place to be on a nice sunny day

Robert Wakerly

Excellent for chriskindlemarket this year! Nice stalls for food and hot cocoa. we found the kid area with decorated Christmas Trees and benches, lollipop decorations and the fun polar express train! My kids loved it. I enjoyed the dark beer. we parked in the municipal building lot and it was a short walk over.

Cheryl peace

Great place for older children. Went in the fall and heard there is much more excitement here in the warmer weather. I will go back.

Mike Iannaccone

Great place to visit as a couple or with family. Interesting exhibits, informed personnel.

Mike Peterson

Visited the Christkindlmarket for the first time and it was awesome! Lots of great German ornaments and handcarved Christmas decorations, along with traditional food and beverages.

Joshua Park

Come here annually for the christkindlmarkt and the Naper settlement light display. Great place to take the kids and not nearly as crowded as the christkindlmarkt downtown. Try the hot spices gluhwein!

Christopher Chang

Nice place to check out around Christmas with the Chriskindlemarket. They have various shops open around that time of year. There are also other events that happen around this area throughout the year.

Zina Ibrahim

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 .

Tamme Pompilio

Love the kindle market!! Great food and drinks and just love the shops etc!

Herb Zite

Fun place to visit. Winter market was fun too.

Charie Blanchard

Beautiful spot to relax with family and see old time stuff.

Anita Klosinski

Nice, cute unique gifts lots to look at Great hot chocolate Bob's hot chocolate homemade whipped cream. scrumptious!!!

Ash Pab

Easy to walk around, great period specific costumes, buildings, and props.

Jeff Smith

Everyone is so nice here

Bill Marcosa

Very well laid out. Place for th ed kids to play. Knowledgeable staff. Cool blacksmith actually working a kiln and bending metal. Very clean and well kept.

Grant Macuba

Lots of fun at Christkindle Market!

Maksim Monastyrskyy

such an authentic place , church is gorgeous , grounds are taken care of . great time for family .

Daniel Glab

We went to the Naper Settlement to attend the Christkringle Mart that is being held there. It was a wonderful experience of shopping and eating ethnic food. We'll definitely attend next year.

Randall Pruitt

Historical reproductions (homes, gardens, blacksmith, etc.) provide opportunities to teach the kids. We were there for the Christmas Market. Similar to the one held in downtown Chicago, but more spacious and shorter lines.

Charles Keskel

Greatly improved during week for Christkindlmarkt lines that almost disappeared. Historic buildings were closed at the time, but lots of business signs peaked my interest in returning when they are open.

Christos Zafiropoulos

Great place to go

C Limor

Italian festa should not have vendors not related to italy.

Jennifer Gensch

I've been going for many years and have always loved this place. All Hallows Eve is one of the best shows they put on.

Angelika Hall

Christkindl Market going on right now. Lots of wonderful Christmas and seasonal articles, great food and drink, and not nearly the crowds as at the one on Daley Plaza in Chicago.

Kevin Sanchez

Great place for living history. While it is a treat any time off the year, I personally think the best experience is during civil war days. They have a live civil war battle with cannons and gunfire. They set up camp in the grounds and spend the night living like real civil war era soldiers. Great time for the whole family.

Steve Popdan

went for a Concert. Great lay out, good food, the beer. Prices for beer and food are bad, worse than a ball game, but the venue itself is very nice for being in town. naper nights brings some pretty good music

Bindgen Apps

Regarding All Hallows Eve event, they way over sold this. 2 hour wait to go into the mansion. They were only open 3.5 hours. Didn't even bother. All about the $ for those running this. Won't be doing this again. Got the same disappointed feedback from others there.

rochelle

Great, information, school teacher especially effective

Amira Daoud

Great place for s school field trip but not all the actors are nice to the kids or welcoming of their questions. This is the second year I take my class and the same rude, sarcastic woman has been in the cabin. The rest are very kind and patient!

Larry DeVera

We went for Kris Kidle Christmas Market. Great ornament vendors. Expensive food vendors. Not crowded on a Thursday afternoon.

Patricia Howard

Went for a sale being held on the grounds. Parking was convenient and it was a blast to walk through the various Houses / Buildings on the Grounds. Used to take my sons there when they were little.

Len Oliva

Even though it rained, the annual pow wow was great! Also, the colonial village was educational and cool to see.

josh prange

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.

Erica Katz

This is history at its best. the grounds are well maitaned and the Docents are in wonderful character. Its a great asset to our wonderful town. The special attractions they host are really entertaining. There is always something going on just check out the website for special historical days as well as Naper Nights concerts.

Rich Crowley

Naper Settlement is an amazing place. They hold numerous events each year like the Fine Arts Fair and the Car Show and typically have all of the historic buildings open to the public during these events. We attended the Fine Arts Fair this weekend and it was a great event. Tons of talented people showing their various works from paintings to jewelry to woodworking. And they have food catered That you can purchase and live music.

megan swanson

Lots of fun but pricy

Veronica Hamilton

This was a great experience. We really enjoyed the walk around the settlement. The walkway is made of brick pavers. It took about an hour to make our way all the way around. We really enjoyed the tour of the mansion. My children are 9 and 10 years old. Their favorite stop was the black smith. They enjoyed his presentation. All of the employees were kind and answered our questions. Overall great experience.

Tony Henry

Had a great time!

505

Good place to walk and learn about history good for kids and pretty much everyone.

Ken A.

A must see place in Naperville! Take an easy scroll and delight yourself in some historical sights and sounds of the West.

David Griffith

Food trucks got my eat on

Geart Bakker

We spent a lovely few hours at the Christkindl market browsing the European treats and holiday decorations. After our time here we have a better understanding of what the German word "gemutlich" means. Besides the market it was also neat to walk around and marvel at the Christmas lights all around. Unfortunately we couldn't visit any of the regular exhibits but still a good time was had by all.

Kelly Fingland

Thought it was very well laid out, exhibits were very interesting and the volunteers very helpful.

Frank Ferko

Wow, very surprising, nice experience. Civil war reenactors GREAT!

Bob F

Nice early day town.

Aaron Piper

Went for the christkind or something market. Much busier and harder to park than I expected. Very long lines for something because the some places were operating only one register when there was two there. Not sure if I'd go back again as it seemed to be a big mess. There are also very few places that accept cards as well.

sarah latsch

A really great educational place. We love to visit the Kindle Market at Christmas Time.

Jennifer Peterson

We love Naper Settlement. Have gone there for many different events and have never been disappointed. The museum is wonderful to walk through. If the church is open, it's a must to go through. Below are two windows from the chriskindlemarket.

Zoey Nemecek

Okay to go to if you have a kid and are looking to kill a couple hours. The best time to go here though is when they are hosting one of their events like Kindlmarket or Civil War Days. Not too dark away from downtown Naperville too where you can catch a bite to eat or shop to make a full day out of it.

Mike Kemp

A nice mix of pioneer history and pleasant surroundings

Tim W.

Nice people. Want to go back with family. :)

Mary Trost

Had a nice set up with old buildings. Christkindlemarket is well set up and it looks like weddings are done beautifully in the chapel.

Anne Petersen

I went to this cute little place for the wine festival, that was a great time. Tried to make it for the Christmas market, but just couldn't find the time. I'd love to check it when it's a normal day, I think it would be a fun outing. There's nearby parking lots, clean restrooms and I'd best describe as an outdoor interactive museum of early Naperville.

B W F

This is a gem of downtown Naperville. I love the Halloween event, am sad the Kristkindlmarket is leaving, but will continue to support events like the arts festival being held here.

Bonnie Bernhard

Went to Christkindlmarket. Great place. Will definitely go again.

Sergio M

Great staff. Always learn something new every time I visit with my son's school.

Chad Goldman

Octoberfest was on point!!! Will be back next year music and food A+

Dave Hall

Interesting and fun place to learn about the local history. They also host great events throughout the year fun for all ages. Ask about the splash pad!

John Adamowski

Historical but modern.

Rodney Yoswig

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.

Kelly Heffron

Great place to learn history. Volunteers dressed in period attire make it all come alive. The splash pad and fort are great fun for the kids. The fire brigade and learning at the blacksmith's shop are also popular. Great events year round.

Robert Margetts

Fun as always. Great hot chocolate.

Karen Horan

A great look of our past. Young people dress in the era and give visitors a glance of the past.

Garland Labat

I once filmed a wedding in the old (original) church. Very unique.

Patrick Flanigan

It was great we usually go downtown Chicago. Naperville had all the vendors without the hassles.

Mary Kay Duran

Nice place, went for pow wow.

Robert Sacramento

Great museum.fantastic place for a visit.

Linda Pinkard

And a blast out there went to listen to the Motown band met up with a bunch of old friends and family

David Dinelli

Wonderful living history site. Plenty of room with a lot to do and an excellent staff

Linda McCarrin

Great time, friendly vendors and just enough partners! German spaetzl and mushrooms....MMMM

debbie benz

Charming little place, I forgot we were so close to modern times. Saw the civil war, met President Lincoln and his wife, had homemade root beer and learned a lot about Naperville and the war. Beautiful day

Tana Sanders

Love coming here. Learn about history and what life used to be like.