Top 10 Best Naperville Destinations

Coming from Naperville, it’s clear that just like any other town, Naperville likes to be a tourist destination. I’ve lived in Naperville since 1999 and I’ve seen some really great destinations. It hasn’t been just restaurants, it’s been the buildings and scenic destinations. Destinations for most cities and towns are what make people have an interest in coming to the town. This blog will be one of my more unique blogs as it’s not exactly going to involve pop culture like my other blogs.  So, let’s check out the Top 10 Best Naperville Destinations. And if you don’t like these destinations, that’s okay, we’re all entitled to our own opinions.  I’m glad you can see the good in other Naperville destinations that I’m not able to.  So, onto the countdown!

10. Ifly
Ifly is sort of the new “thing” that Naperville has to offer. While not popular with me, I can see why Ifly is becoming popular. You know how you can feel the pressure when we have the thought about actually skydiving?  Well, Ifly takes the fear out of that.  They put you inside a simulator and I actually think the thought of that is pleasurable and not as fearing as the thought of actual skydiving.  All I can say is, “Doesn’t technology get better and better as the years move along?"  

9. Naper Settlement
As much as Naperville claims to be a historical town, I sometimes think it’s not. Naper Settlement is more of a tourist attraction. It serves as an elementary school field trip  destination (because I went there from second through fourth grades for a field trips).  At Naper Settlement, they do give good insight of what Naperville was like, from the old schoolhouse, the blacksmith, the fire station, and even churning butter.  You can’t help but just admire the taste of history that Naper Settlement provides.  Naper Settlement is also  a wedding destination because of the chapel on the grounds where people have been getting married for years.  Naper Settlement remains one of Naperville’s historic landmarks.

8. Top Golf
Thinking about the sport of golf just amazes me. While it’s not entirely thrilling to watch, it’s far better to play it. Top Golf has decided to take the pleasure of playing golf to the next level. As a golfer myself, I usually take more pleasure in hitting balls on the driving range rather than playing an actual game or putting.  I think Top Golf is aware of this because 90% of Top Golf seems to be a driving range. Keep in mind that Top Golf is among one of the more expensive places in Naperville.

7. Millennium Carillon
Remember how people will always say that the Willis Tower is the tallest building in Chicago?  Well, I’m considering calling the Millennium Carillon the tallest building in all of Naperville.  Truly, there is no taller building in this city.  At the heart of the Riverwalk is the Millennium Carillon, a building full of musical bells that ring every hour. Generally I find this pleasant.  I attended Naperville Central High School and every hour I would be able to hear the Carillon’s bells go off.  It’s easily noticeable because it’s height is tall enough to be seen from your bedroom window. I find the Carillon to be peaceful and beautiful because of its delightful sound and feeling whenever it is played. They do give tours of the tower and if you’re lucky, you’re allowed to ring the bells. I often wondered as a child if there was an actual person operating the bells up in the tower every hour or if it was an automatic player. Either way, I still enjoy seeing the tower’s view from my bedroom window.

6. Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo opened on the Naperville riverwalk.  I actually wanted to put this at number 9 but I realized how much effort they were putting into the new hotel.  Generally, Naperville isn’t as scenic as Downtown Manhattan or Downtown Chicago and isn’t entirely worth staying more than 3 nights.  Hotel Indigo will be opening within 2 months and although I have doubts about the hotel’s opening, I think that Hotel Indigo will be a popular destination in Naperville.    

5. Morton Arboretum
Many people may disagree with me about this one because it borders between Lisle and Naperville, but I personally think it still counts as being in Naperville. The Morton Arboretum is just blissfully wonderful, peaceful, relaxing, and feels like someone should be out in the fields painting a picture.  The Morton Arboretum is the Botanic Gardens of Naperville as it is devoted to nature and flowers. The Morton Arboretum finds interesting ways to draw visitors such as statue art and special flowers from around the world.  The Morton Arboretum is beautiful for walks, hikes, and bike rides. You can also get tickets to ride their tram. The restaurant has just enough to offer to fill your stomach. The gift shop does have enough items to turn your house into the next Botanic Gardens because half of the items sold are usually have something to do with nature. I personally think the Children’s Garden is among the best for young children.  Winding paths lead you through various trees and special displays of origami.  I highly recommend Morton Arboretum even if you’re not a nature person.  

4. DuPage Children’s Museum
Ah, this museum, I can easily say that it almost deserves the number 1 spot. The DuPage Children’s Museum introduces the wonder of creativity to young children in the most fascinating ways and it’s a play place where children can entertain themselves. There’s everything to stimulate a child’s mind: bubbles, playing with light, building tools, controlling air, and creating puzzles.  The activities challenge kids creatively, from the water area to the huge light bright. DuPage Children’s Museum also provides different classes involving art and music. All the interactive exhibits are just enough to be very unique and allow children to stay active while their parents aren’t around.  Long story short, it’s a nice, open, and pleasant place to be.  The most interesting part of the DuPage Children's Museum is that the museum overlooks 5th Avenue Station, which means kids can watch passenger and freight trains go by while they’re exploring.

3. Hollywood Palms
When Nova 8 closed back in 2007, it was described as a major disappointment by my family.  I didn’t think another theater would be able to top Nova 8.  Little did I realize that Hollywood Palms would bring a completely new experience when it comes to going to the movies. Generally at the movies, we buy the basic same thing over and over again, But Hollywood Palms is above and beyond when it comes to the movie experience.  We have can choose to purchase popcorn and soda but we also have appetizers such as “Moe Sticks."  Most of their meals are usually named after famous movies. I personally go to Hollywood Palms not just for the food but for the theater rooms themselves.  Unlike most movie theaters, the rooms in Hollywood Palms are devoted to a certain theme: the jungle, the Wizard Of Oz, and the ancient Egyptian theater (I personally consider the kids theater to be the best).  For more classy dining at a theater, Hollywood Palms is up there.

2. Centennial Beach
Centennial Beach is a "family approved" destination.  Beaches generally have a wide range of space and plenty of room to run.  But if you’re looking for a much more smaller, relaxing beach to lounge at, Centennial Beach is definitely your destination.  Centennial Beach is perhaps among the perfect destination for both adults and kids.  Unlike most beaches, Centennial Beach has everything you need for a summer day: grassy and sandy areas, trees for shade, chairs, food, a volleyball area, the option to bring your own food and cooler, grills, plenty of parking spaces, reasonable prices, umbrellas, a shallow end with sand, life jackets for little kids, and three diving boards for low, medium, and tall heights. I think Centennial Beach has everything from the snack bar, the safety break in between, and it is the perfect walking distance from downtown Naperville.

1. Naperville Riverwalk
Out of most things that make Naperville the tourist destination it is, the Riverwalk is the Willis Tower of Naperville.  With shopping stores around the area and the recent addition of Hotel Indigo, people from neighboring cities and villages including drive to see this area. I’ve lived in Naperville since 1999 and I haven’t seen anything more popular in Downtown Naperville than the Riverwalk. You can learn a lot about the town just by walking up and down the Riverwalk.  The Riverwalk is quaint, peaceful, and a great place for a nice walk, it even has paddleboats and a cafe.  The only downside of the Riverwalk and is that it gets crowded in late spring and early summer.  The Riverwalk is just a nice location to walk around and explore Naperville.  

When looking back on the history of Naperville throughout its 186 year existence, we’ve seen tremendous improvements and change.  We’ve gone from being a small village to becoming a huge scenic destination.  With the additions of Hotel Indigo and the Apple Store, we can see that Naperville is determined to become a fierce tourist foe for many cities and I can envision more and more improvements in years to come.

Do you think I missed a particular Naperville destination? Believe me, as most of us have lived here for a long time, I’m sure there’s a thousand destinations that couldn’t quite make this list, so let me know in the comments.  And a special thanks to Ms. Anderson, who has allowed me to write these blogs throughout the year.  I share my sincere gratitude and thanks to all the staff here at Connections who’ve supported me in writing these blogs. For the last time of the 2016-2017 year, thanks for reading and I hope to be writing next year soon.

T

And from the Connections team to T, it is a pleasure.  We love seeing your writing grow and supporting you in developing your voice.  It gives us great pride to share your thoughts and views with our community and world.  

Ms. A.