Haunted Naperville     Trip-Planning Site
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Enough Fun Stuff for 10 Great Weekends...
All the things to do, listed below, are within a short walking distance of the ghost tour.
Park your car or bus once, and enjoy the entire day & night.


Click the links to visit the websites.
Start your Naperville getaway by
booking a place
on the Ghost Tour that participants call
"The Best Ghost Tour in the Nation"


Click the banner for more tour info




                 Centennial Beach - Cool off in our award-winning Beach!                        
Offering a friendly atmosphere, sand beach, concession stand,
      sand volleyball area, & playground this is truly one of a kind.        
Dedicated in 1931, a former stone quarry, now it's one of the

world's largest chlorinated swimming pools!
Visitors passes available.  Spend the day at the beach!!!
On Jackson Street, west of downtown.
For more on Centennial Beach, click HERE Centennial Beach Naperville





The Comedy Shrine - Live Comedy shows, comics and improv.
For more on The Comedy Shrine, click HERE Comedy Shrine Naperville







22 E. Chicago Avenue, Suite 205
Naperville Illinois 60540
630-35LAUGH   or 630-355-2844






                                                                                                                         

The Moser Millennium Carillon - Enjoy a Free Carillon      
concert in Rotary Park on the River.

With 72 bronze bells that range in weight from ten pounds to six
tons, Naperville’s musical tower is ranked among the four largest
carillons in the world. In fact, it's 9 feet taller than the
Statue of Liberty!! 


On Aurora street, just west of Eagle St. 
Click HERE for more info. & schedule.
630-848-5000



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The Naper Settlement Museum -
A huge, multi-acre, 19th Century, living museum.
Has to be seen!
For more on The Naper Settlement, Click HERE.

523 S. Webster Street
Naperville Illinois 60540
630-420-6010






The DuPage Children's Museum- Fun hand's-on learning for all ages.
For more on the museum, click HERE DuPage Children's Museum Naperville

301 N. Washington Street
Naperville Illinois 60540
630-637-8000





                                                                                                                       



Naperville Riverwalk Park
- 5 Miles of unsurpassed natural

beauty along the DuPage River's edge.   
Downtown Naperville      
630-848-5000







Paddle Boats Rental at the Quarry
Located across from Centennial Beach, the Quarry is
open all non-school days, Spring through Fall.


Colorful foot-powered Paddle boats can be
rented for a small fee.
For more info, click HERE Boat Rental Naperville.






                                                                                                                


Riverwalk Amphitheater & Labyrinth
Downtown Naperville   
For more info, click HERE Naperville Labyrinth.

At Jackson between Eagle

and Webster streets.

630-848-5000    







The Summerplace Theater at Central High School
On Aurora Street at West St.  Naperville's impeccable Community
theater since the 1960s.
For show & ticket info, click HERE Summerplace Theater Naperville.   




2010 Season tickets now available.  Pick up tickets now!
630 355-7969





                                                                                                                              
Historic Homes Tour



Plan a tour of Downtown Naperville's Historic and Plaqued homes.
For more info, click HERE Historic Home Tour Naperville.     




 


                                                                                                                  
Kernel Fabyan's - Gourmet Popcorn, Cotton Candy,  & More
22 E. Chicago Avenue
Naperville Illinois 60540
For more info, click HERE Gourmet Popcorn Naperville



Open till 8pm on Friday & Sat.
630-232-7151







Naper Nuts & Sweets -
                   Gourmet Chocolate, Popcorn,& More!                      
10 W. Jefferson Street
Naperville Illinois 60540
For more info, click HERE Naper Nuts & Sweets Naperville

Open till 9pm on Friday & Sat.
630-355-5330






The DuPage Symphony at Wentz Hall





For schedule & ticket info, click HERE DuPage Symphony Naperville
171 E. Chicago Ave
Naperville Illinois 60540




The Magic Starlight Theater
320 W. Jackson Avenue
Naperville Illinois 60540
Past performances have i
ncluded such classics as The Wizard of Oz, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and Peter Pan. Performances by Magical Starlight are held at Naperville's Central High School (on Aurora Street between Eagle & West) with two productions a year.
For schedule and ticket info, click HERE Magic Starlight Theater Naperville.


 

                                                                                                                         

Saint's Peter & Paul Church


Don't miss seeing this

stunning Church built in 1924, for $350,000.

Its Stunning Clock/Spire peaks
at an unbelievable 216 feet!
For more info, click HERE Sts. Peter & Paul Church Naperville

 

36 N. Ellsworth Avenue
Naperville Illinois 60540

 



  Naperville Art League & Gallery


  For more info, click HERE Naperville Art League & Gallery

  508 N. Center Street
  Naperville Illinois 60540

 

 


Coldwater Creek Spa - Go ahead, treat yourself to a day at the spa...

 

 


55 S Main Street
Naperville Illinois 60540
630 527-9298
For more info, click HERE Coldwater Creek Naperville

                                                                           

                    

                        

Pottery Bayou - Create a Masterpiece! 

You choose the figurine, paint it, and Bayou does the rest!



For more info, click HERE Pottery Bayou Naperville

117 Water Street
(on the south side of the River, west of Eagle Street)
Naperville Illinois 60540

 


                                                                                                                     

Serendipity Store    
12 W Jefferson

Naperville Illinois 60540

This is a 2nd hand store run by volunteers.  All proceeds
benefit Little Friends Organization.


Check it out for great bargains on clothes, collectibles,
toys, artwork, and more.


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Central Park
Located north on Washington Street at VanBuren street,
it is one of Naperville's gems. 

In the late 1800s it was the original "Town Square," complete with courthouse and jail (no longer there, but a plaque marks where the building was located.)
For more info, click HERE Central Park Naperville


 
If you enjoy parks you see in old-time movies,
check out our Central Park. 



 

The First Congregational Church
The Oldest Church in DuPage county! 

        


Located north of Central Park, across Benton street. 
This is the oldest church in Dupage county, founded in July 1833.

For more info, click HERE First Congregational Church Naperville


If it's open, treat yourself to a peek inside.

 

 


   The Old Nichols Library
    Naperville's First Public Library.
    It opened on September 22, 1898. 
    Note: Not open to Public


    

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Nichols Library
               on Jefferson Street 2 blocks west of downtown.               


This is no ordinary library! It has been voted the
#1 library in
America for 8 years in a row!
Offering a quiet place to relax and get out of the weather too.
Snack and pop machines on the lower level. 
Huge children's library on the lower level.
For more info, click HERE Nichols Library Naperville

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5th Avenue Station - Built in 1850 as a furniture manufacturing building. Today it is retail & condos. While visiting 5th Avenue Station, be sure to check out the Cafe Buonaro Restaurant as well as the Mediterranean cuisine of Raffi's.  To locate, from downtown Naperville, head north on Washington Street about 1/2 mile - to 5th Avenue.  Turn right.  5th Avenue Station is on your right, 1 block.

Also, 1946 Train Wreck Sight                                

Visit the sight of one of the worst train wrecks in American History! 
It happened in the heart of Naperville in 1946. Behind 5th Avenue Station, at the railroad crossing.   Read about it HERE.




 Skateboard Park - The kids will go wild for our spectacular
 Skateboard Park.  You can relax under a tree along the river while
 the kids have a ball on their rollerblades or skateboards.
For more info, click HERE Skateboard Park Naperville
 

Don't forget to bring a picnic.  
Get your Brown's Chicken picnic lunch HERE




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Naperville Cemetery - Opened in 1856, our cemetery is fascinating. Read about the Naperville Cemetery Here.  

Don't forget to visit the grave of Naperville's superstar
cowboy: Otto Klein!  Read about Naperville's Otto Klein here. 

Also interred here is our town's founder: Joseph Naper, and
Revolutionary War Soldier John Dudley.

To locate - from downtown Naperville, head south on
Washington Street.  It's about 1/3 of a mile down.



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9/11 Memorial on the Riverwalk - One of our town's memorial's to the lives lost on 9/11, including one of our own who perished at the Pentagon.  


The memorial, named "Freedom isn't Free," includes an actual I-beam from one of the twin towers. 
For more info, click HERE.


May we never forget.



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Veteran's Plaza Memorial on the Riverwalk

One of our town's memorials to the
lives lost fighting for American freedom.




 

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The Pre-Emption House Museum - On Aurora Ave at Webster.


A reproduction of the outside of the original Pre-emption House that
stood on Main street (at the river) where
Sullivan's Steakhouse
today stands. 

The original Preemption house was a Hotel, Restuarant, Stable, Saloon,
and more. Today's "Pre-emption House" is a museum dedicated to
Naperville's incredible history.  It is part of the
Naper Settlement Living History Museum
.  Don't miss it! 
For more info, click HERE Pre-Emption House Museum Naperville




Let's Go Fishin!  In the River or the Quarry
Our waters are bursting with many types of aquatic life
(even large snakes!)


Both the river and the Quarry (Paddle boat Quarry)
are great ways to spend a lazy day...






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Civil War Cannon in Central Park


Check out an authentic Civil 
War Cannon up close. 

The kids can even sit on it for a memorable photo.

Back in "the old days" this puppy would actually
be fired on 4th of July!


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Picnic in Centennial Park on the Riverwalk.

The kids can play in Riverwalk Park while you enjoy a
quiet afternoon in one of the most beautiful picnic
grounds in Illinois. 

Or, leave the kids home and have a lovely,
romantic picnic by yourselves.
 

Get your Brown's Chicken picnic HERE






"The Grotto" in
Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery

Originally a "German Cemetery" back in 1840, this became Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in 1846.  At that time, just an acre in size.

To locate - from downtown Naperville, head north on Washington Street a few blocks to North Avenue.  Turn right onto North Avenue.  The cemetery is on your left about 1/2 mile down.


 


Pfeiffer Hall - North Central College's Theater. 
This spectacular building was built in 1926 at a
staggering cost of $230,000.00! 
Always amazing performances.   A state of the art facility. 

Did we mention that it's haunted??? 
Read about one of the Pfeiffer's haunts here.

Get tickets and enjoy a spectacular show while you're here. 
It's walking distance to dozens of great restaurants, too.
  

310 E. Benton   
Naperville Illinois 60540
630 637-7469

For a schedule or tickets, click photo





Soldier Memorial at Central Park
At Washington Street and VanBuren Street.

Naperville has made considerable contributions to every major
war effort our country has ever fought - starting with our own
Black Hawk War.  The incredible statue, named Veteran's Valor,
pays honor to the men and women of Naperville who have served
unfailingly in the defense of our country.


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Stained Glass Tribute to Naperville's Automotive History
In the wall of the parking Garage on VanBuren and Benton streets,
It's called Cars Of The Century 1900 - 2000.


Awesome, Don't miss it.


Note: the Glass Artwork is on the VanBuren Street side.


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"Landforms" Sculpture on Riverwalk"
                Dedicated in 1984.                    


Sculptor: Jack Arnold. 
Commissioned by the Naperville Art League.

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Obelisk-shaped Veteran's Memorial in Central Park

Enter Park at Washington and VanBuren Streets.



Erected in 1898, the Obelisk honors those who served
in the Black Hawk War - 1832, the Mexican War - 1846-1848,
the Civil War 1861-1865, and the Spanish American War of 1898.  









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The Dandelion Fountain
On the Riverwalk, at Jackson Street and Webster.  

This spectacular fountain uses thousands of
water jets to replicate a dandelion flower in bloom. 


Don't forget to toss a penny in the pool for the granting of a wish.

 

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"The First House Built in DuPage" Monument
This Marker stands in the spot where the first frame house in
Dupage county was erected.  It was built by George Martin,
a Naperville businessman and humanitarian.

 

 

In the photo, Naperville's Carillon Tower looms in the background.





To locate - From downtown Naperville, head south on Washington Street 3 blocks to Aurora Avenue (Burger King on left), turn right.  Go 3 blocks to marker on right.


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The "Old Main" Building of North Central College
The
college began in Plainfield Illinois, Naperville bought it in 1870 for $25,000. They then built the "Old Main" building.  This was the first building used for college purposes in Naperville.  Originally, all classes were taught in the language of German only!


FYI: The college was originally called Northwestern; the name was changed in 1926.


Located 3 blocks east of Washington and 1 block north of Benton.







Abe Lincoln and the Pre-Emption House
On the ground where Sullivan's Restaurant stands.
(where Main Street intersects the river)
The story is that Abe Lincoln slept in the original Pre-emption House Hotel.  It seems that Lincoln gave an impromptu speech off the Pre-emption House balcony, on the west side along Main Street, during his stay for the Lincoln/Douglas debates in Naperville.

Note: There is no official record of the speech, but there are written correspondence from the time that refer to it and mention that it happened.

For more info, click HERE.

 
Ride the Glass Elevator
Get a Bird's Eye View of Naperville from the glass elevator
at the VanBuren Street Parking Garage. 






Located one block west of Washington Street on VanBuren.




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Fedenhagen Park
The park is located on the original location of the Naperville Cock Robin Restaurant. 



Now the east branch of Riverwalk Park, the natural beauty invites you for an afternoon of peaceful easy feelings.  One block south of Chicago Avenue, on Washington.


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Great Family Pix on the Riverwalk!  

Don't forget your camera!  Our Riverwalk boasts some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere - from tree-lined pathways to covered bridges!  You'll snap spectacular photos of your kids. 
Want a beautiful family shot?  Ask a friendly passer-by to snap a photo of all of you.  You'll treasure it forever. 




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Cold Stone Creamery
Ice Cream Creations produced while you watch.  The kids love it.
Click photo to visit them online.



23 W. Jefferson
Naperville Illinois 60540
630-369-5646




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Kite Flying on Rotary Hill
Now that's old-fashioned fun!

Naperville's Rotary Hill is the perfect spot to fly your kite - wide open and grassy.
It's the hill where the Carillon Tower sits, on Aurora street at the Riverwalk.

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Anderson Books - Check out this Naperville gem.

Anderson Books has a huge children's book department and you can purchase Naperville's first-ever book of true ghostly tales here at Anderson's Books. 
The book is called: Naperville, Chicago's Haunted Neighbor. 


Anderson's is located at 123 W. Jefferson Street,
next to Lou Malnati's Pizza!
Click photo to visit them online.

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The "Cat in the Hat" statue -  A Naperville not-to-miss!

This 10 foot fellow will wow the young and the young at heart!  He's just west of town, at the corner of Jefferson street and Eagle street.













Don't miss our new Dick Tracy Statue too!    Click HERE for the story.




Need a New Professional Photograph of the Kids?

You're in luck,  Jill's Photography is located in the heart of downtown Naperville.
Click photo to visit Jill's online.




She's busy, be sure to make an appointment!  630 355-2229 

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Naper School

 

The oldest school in Naperville!  Originally the Naper Academy was built on
this spot back in 1851.  Because of the quality education, students came
from other states to attend.  Then in 1929 the current building was built
at a cost of $99,000.00. 

The school opened with 185 students in attendance.
This school still uses the bell from the original Naper Academy.
It's located on Eagle Street, one block north of Jefferson. 


 

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Cookie Dough Creations - Fresh Cookies, Ice Cream & more

 

22 W. Chicago Avenue
Naperville Illinois 60540
630-369-4833
Open till 10pm on Friday & Sat.



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Sugar Monkey Cupcakes








Click photo to visit Sugar Monkey online.
28 W Chicago Ave

Naperville Illinois 60540
Naperville, IL  60540




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Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Freshly made gourmet chocolate, caramel apples, & more!
 22 E. Chicago Avenue
Naperville Illinois 60540
Phone: (630) 717-8878
Click photo to visit Rocky online.

 


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