Naper Settlement is Chicagoland’s outdoor history museum, located in the heart of suburban Naperville, just 28 miles west of Chicago. Explore historic homes and businesses throughout the 12-acre site where you’ll understand the past and how it connects to the present. Discover Naperville’s history through engaging and unique experiences.

Our 12-acre village comes to life during the summer season. Enter the buildings and meet costumed interpreters who will share the experiences of daily life, work and celebration in a 19th century Midwestern town. Stroll the grounds and feel free to talk with the young people involved in old-fashioned children's activities. Interactive guest programs, special events and tours abound, so check our calendar for events.

Naper Settlement offers a selection of unique, historic settings for your next event. We have a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to rent. Our staff works with you to help identify the best location match based on the kind of program, party or event being planned. We also work to ensure that your program is a memorable one. We pride ourselves in being able to offer unique capabilities that are engaging and age-appropriate for your family, friends, coworkers or clients.

During the months of April through October, geocaching is open and available as part of the admission fee. A person, family or group can pick up a geocache sheet and rent a hand-held GPS for $1 per unit at our lobby desk. You are also welcome to bring and use your own GPS device to join in the search at Naper Settlement. One lucky searcher will even find a Naperville medallion in one of the caches. There is one medallion prize available per day!

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Naper Settlement, Chicagoland's outdoor history museum. Naper Settlement was founded by and is brought to life daily through the efforts of volunteers committed to preserving and presenting Naperville's rich heritage. To see additional information about volunteering with Naper Settlement, please view our Volunteering Brochure on our website.

Benefits: As a member of the Naperville Heritage Society and Naper Settlement, you and your family not only receive free admission to one of the country's premiere outdoor history museums, but you are a part of the efforts to preserve our region's rich heritage. Purchase your membership online at our website or by calling 630.305.5253.

Naper Settlement creates community by connecting visitors to Naperville’s history through engaging, unique experiences.

The museum complex began as a cooperative effort between the Naperville Heritage Society, a not-for-profit organization, and the City of Naperville in 1969. Legal ordinances formalizing this unique private-public partnership were approved in 1975 and 1976. The recreated village concept was truly a grassroots venture born from the desire, energy and enthusiasm of local residents to save endangered historical landmarks. Buildings that could not be preserved on their original site (usually due to new construction and development) were relocated to land adjoining the 1883 Martin Mitchell Mansion. The Martin Mitchell home was deeded to the City of Naperville in 1936 by Caroline Martin Mitchell, the last descendent of one of Naperville’s founding families. It was the vision and commitment of the early members of the Naperville Heritage Society that convinced the City Council to support the development of the museum village. In 2002 Naper Settlement became the only outdoor history museum in Illinois to be accredited by the American Association of Museums.