Experience the award-winning Naperville Riverwalk in the heart of Downtown Naperville. It's lush landscaping, lit brick pathways and covered bridges amongst the wooded river banks are truly a site to behold during every season of the year. The Riverwalk was initially built and dedicated in 1981 as a celebration of Naperville’s Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary.

Enjoy the natural surroundings and activity along the beautiful five-miles of paths just one block away from the bustling city streets. Take in the beauty of the season strolling by the river, bubbling fountains and pavillions. The serenity will take you back to easier times, the quiet beauty might just inspire you. The Riverwalk is the perfect place to meet up with friends or family during your visit downtown.

The Riverwalk Amphitheater, an open-air, multi-tiered structure is also located along Jackson Avenue between Webster and Eagle streets. Embedded in the amphitheater's stage is a labyrinth path. Situated behind and above the Riverwalk Amphitheater is the Millennium Wall that commemorates the community spirit of Naperville residents and businesses who contributed to Celebration 2000, a citywide celebration to welcome the new millennium.

West of Eagle St. (south side of the river) is Rotary Hill, off of Aurora Avenue across from Naperville Central High School. At the base of Rotary Hill is the Moser Tower Millennium Carillon (bell tower). Ten feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, rising 158 feet, 14 stories above the Riverwalk, the concert quality carillon has seventy-two bronze bells that resonate at the top with the largest weighing almost six tons. In spring through summer enjoy concerts on the hill and learn the history of the Tower, Riverwalk and Centennial Beach at the Tower's Visitor Center. Climb up to to the open-air Observation Deck and see the breathtaking view of Naperville the Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, and on clear days, the Chicago skyline! Bring your camera.
Find out more at http://www.naperville-carillon.org/


For a refreshing and unique view of the Riverwalk, try a relaxing ride on one of the Riverwalk paddle boats at the quarry just to the east of the Carillon. Four-passenger models are available for 20-minute and 40-minute rides. Paddle boat rentals are available on all non-school days from mid-May through September.

In September, national artists perform at Rotary Hill as part of the annual Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling.

The western branch of the Riverwalk (north side of the river) is home to Centennial Beach at 500 W. Jackson Ave. In 2007 The Beach was named as one of the 150 Great Places in Illinois by the American Institute of Architects. It was originally built in the 1930's out of a double quarry and still has the original rock faced walls. The entire complex is six acres of fence-enclosed area with four acres of grass and trees surrounding the two acre pool which has re-circulated and chlorinated water. There is a large sand beach with zero-depth entry to the water and award-winning, licensed lifeguards posted all around. Centennial Beach is open to the public on all non-school days from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The west branch of the Riverwalk also has spacious green parks, baseball & volleyball fields, a skate board park and the Grand Pavillion which is used for picnics and special events throughout the summer.

Fredenhagen Park was dedicated in 2001. The gateway park, which leads to North Central College as well as downtown Naperville, is located east of Washington St. one block south of Chicago Ave. (behind the building that houses Timpano's Chop House). The park features gardens, Rotary Plaza, the Jaycees Gazebo, the Exchange Club Memories Fountain and a Century Walk sculpture titled "Two in a Million". It is a tribute to Walter Fredenhagen and his wife, Grace, and to the spirit of volunteers. The Fredenhagen's helped build Prince Castles and Cock Robin Ice Cream Companies, a thriving enterprise located at the site from 1931 to 2000.

Use our free MAP to guide you to your destination in Downtown Naperville.