Naperville is widely known for their award-winning schools, libraries, parks, museums, festivals and businesses. The beautiful downtown area features many fine stores and restaurants, as well as the Riverwalk along the DuPage River. The park district covers more than 2,300 acres of land and thousands of recreational facilities.

Naperville has been named the third "Most Desirable Place to Live" in the United States. It is also "The Most Kid-Friendly City in America," the number one city in the country in which to raise children and one of the best places to retire in America. And it's no wonder with attractions that include the Naper Settlement, the Millennium Carillon, the DuPage Children's Museum, Summer Place Theatre, the Naperville Municipal Band, Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery, Farmer's Market, annual holiday parades, Naper Days, Ribfest, Last Fling, Oktoberfest, Hometown Holidays, Santa Train and many more.

History:
In 1831, the original settlement was named after homesteader Captain Joseph Naper. By 1864, Naperville was linked to Chicago by the Burlington, Chicago and Quincy Railroad. Settlers then made the village a place for farming, mills, trade and manufacturing by 1870. In the early 20th century, North Central College was founded, as well as many businesses and churches. In the mid 20th century, the East-West Tollway (now I-88) brought about many new changes.

Naperville began moving from farming to a high-tech economy with the opening of Bell Laboratories and Amoco Research Center (now BP). In 1970 the Naper Settlement was established honoring the city's pioneers. When Naperville turned 150 years old in 1981, the Riverwalk was built along the DuPage River in dedication to the city. Now over 175 years since the original settlement, the population of Naperville has reached 139,000 and is expected to grow to 160,000 by 2010.

Naperville Links:
City of Naperville - www.naperville.il.us
Naperville Village Profile - www.villageprofile.com/illinois/naperville
Naperville Chamber of Commerce - www.naperville.net
Naperville Park District - www.napervilleparks.org