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Naperville Riverwalk
Categories: Active Life Parks Local Flavor Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Parks, Local Flavor, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
178 W Jackson AveNaperville, IL 60540
(630) 305-5984
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Naperville Riverwalk
24 reviews in English
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Review from Mike O.
11/20/2011 2 photos
This was out first visit to Naperville, on a perfectly sunny September day. I imagined a big box retail chain paradise but I got quite a surprise when I got there. The quaint, old-fashioned downtown main street shopping district is next to a beautiful pedestrian park along a river that runs through Naperville. Benches, fountains, flowers and bridges give it a distinct character. And speaking of characters, there's even a Dick Tracy statue along the walkway, a tribute to the legendary comics detective.
After our lunch in town, it was pleassant to take a walk along the river and admire so many flowers still at peak colors in early fall. The walk was pretty crowded on the Saturday afternoon. We wondered if people fall into the water, but from the look of it, the water is pretty shallow that you can see the rocks along the bottom.
Though we were headed to the DuPage Children's Museum, this detour was well worth the extra time we spent in Naperville. -
Review from Joy G.
The Riverwalk is one of the great many FREE things to do around Naperville!
I go to the Riverwalk once a year for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, but I always enjoy it. It is wheelchair/stroller accessible, for the most part - and the places that aren't have an alternate route.
If you go late enough in the year, you can avoid being accosted by hissing geese. It's a great place to take pictures.
I'm always amused by Centennial Beach, though. It's not a beach. At all. It's a pool. But the kids love it. And I wish my legs still worked enough to get into and work a peddle boat, because if they did, I'd be in those things all summer! -
Review from Michelle D.
Clearwater, FL
8/16/2011
There is plenty to do for everyone here. Take a nice stroll down the walk along the river. We saw ducks and geese.
Lots of nice water fountains and art displays. Big playground for the kids. -
Review from Christopher L.
Naperville, IL
7/12/2011
Sweetie Pie and I were married on the Riverwalk...July 4th ...14 years ago! You know that little concrete landing by the covered bridge?...yeah, that was the place. We had about 30 people there.
We make a pilgrimage each year to OUR spot. I don't recall the name of our minister...other than his first name: Dick. Pastor Dick! ...and he was late, so everyone was asking "Where's Pastor Dick!!" Exciting times!
The Riverwalk is the best of America! The people, the scenery...the whole concept.
I'm sayin' WOOHOO! As good as it gets!
Kit Lawson -
Review from Morgan M.
6/17/2010 ROTD 9/16/2010
Gorgeous does not even come close to describing this perfect little spot. I was in town for a random "Time to Figure out Your Life" and thought about Chicago and the Western Suburbs....stories from friends and co-workers that the people are friendly and the land is beautiful.....
Needless to say they were right, I stumbled across the Riverwalk and felt like I got lost in beauty. From all of the carefully and very detailed landscaping to the sculptures and the wooden bridges that cross over the river.
Definitely a must stop if you are in the area and the weather is gorgeous. I heard that there is even an Art Fair in mid September that is supposed to be stellar so I'm uber excited to be in town for it!
Thanks Naperville for keeping this hot spot so fresh and so clean clean!Listed in: Park Me, OH! for ROTD!
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Review from Cathaleya C.
Naperville, IL
12/29/2010 7 Check-ins Here
One of the best smalltown downtowns I have ever been to. I'm glad I live nearby. There are several shops and boutiques to buy from, coffee shops to hang out in, and Zagat-rated restaurants to dine in. I love strolling the sidewalks and along the river with my family.
This is the perfect place to also take portraits with the beautiful backgrounds. -
Review from Lisa P.
Schererville, IN
6/12/2011
Every time I come to Naperville, I love it even more!!! I'm a big fan of towns that have rivers flowing through them! The Riverwalk is just gorgeous! I love every aspect of walking along the river on the beautiful grounds! Every part of the trail is different and interesting. The dandelion fountain is great, as well as the view of Centennial Beach and the cute bridges. Riverwalk is the gem of Naperville and it keeps me coming back for the beauty of it, whether it be winter or summer! I love it!!!
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Review from Candice G.
Naperville, IL
3/17/2009
Yay! I'm a fan... I moved to Naperville 4 1/2 years ago and have truly enjoyed all it has to offer. I work in the city and though I hate the commute i don't feel like I could ever move there. I'm a suburb girl, born and raised. I love going out in the city, my place of work is amazing, and if I want a day or night full of excitement and mayhem I know I can always goooo... downtown (in sing song voice). But Naperville river walk is where I go when I'm not looking for any of those things. It's not exciting, there will likely be no mayhem, and though there's nothing to call amazing it is a wonderful easy going good time.
Along the river walk is very calm and relaxing. There are plenty of places to lay down on the grass and take a nap, watch the river, play pooh sticks on the bridge, watch the blue gills and friendly little duckies... though on several occasions my bf and I have seen a duck with a very frogged up little beak, like maybe it was hit by a car or something. It seriously was like a right angle and he couldn't close his mouth or chew efficiently or properly; I was understandably very worried and disturbed. Besides that it's truly wonderful and very relaxing.
There's even an area were you can rent a paddle boat for a very nominal fee to go out on the water.
My advice is to go to Red Mango, walk your butt and your yogurt down the river walk, and relax & burn some calories on the paddle boats. Cheers, Naperville. -
Review from E. O.
Boston, MA
7/1/2010
Am I in Europe?!
Ok not quite but I had the great opportunity to hang out in "downtown" Naperville for a day and I loved it. Really well thought out bike path and park that gives you the feeling you are miles away from a city of 100,000.
A great place to take a bike ride or a walk. Don't miss those covered bridges and prime photo opportunities! -
Review from Michelle K.
Naperville, IL
6/19/2009
I have so many wonderful memories of walking down the Riverwalk with a cup of coffee and a few friends! There are plenty of benches to sit on and watch the river or feed the ducks (if they're around and you're feeling generous). It's actually quite an extensive walk that even takes you into the woods. The wooden bridges are quaint and romantic, and it's a perfect way to end a date in downtown Naperville.
Oh, and yes: there are paddleboats.Listed in: Napervillains, Five-Star Rock Stars, Bored?
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Review from Thom Z.
Normal, IL
2/12/2010
I grew up in Naperville. And I can't believe how much I took this for granted.
The Riverwalk was something that we, as teenagers, generally regarded as the epitome of "rich monotony." But, upon growing up and moving away, I realized that the Riverwalk was what made Naperville truly different.
It's beautiful, scenic and helps you get a good work out. It actually runs a pretty long distance these days (I heard it goes all the way down past Bailey and Washington, now. Is that true?!) and really helps to beautify my ex-hometown.
About a half mile or so past the fountains, near the VFW, lies a playground, series of baseball and volleyball fields and picnic area.
If you're from Naperville, you know damn well what you're doing down there. If you're not: well, you can take a stroll on the River Walk with some ice cream from the near by Downtown (Cookie Dough Creation or Cold Stone Creamery), or pick up some food to have a picnic down the way.
There's also the 9/11 memorial, which is actually quite moving. It involved faces of victims, as drawn by grade school students, carved into a sunken wall, as well as pieces from Ground Zero and the Pentagon.
It's actually a pretty good way to spend the day. -
Review from Emily C.
Naperville, IL
6/24/2007
As much as I believe that the Riverwalk in Texas is 1000 times better, this isn't a bad place to stroll if you don't mind gnats. Now that the authoritarian government has outlawed feeding the ducks and geese, there is less poop so that is a plus I guess.
The best part is the paddle boat rental. Something like $8 for 20 minutes up to 4 people and you can have a canopy - great fun for the kiddies, they have all size life vests too.
The Riverwalk eatery provides a standard little snack booth atmosphere and food - but great if you need to cool off or refuel with an icepop -
Review from Wing Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/3/2010
I've been to Chicago quite a few times but this was my first time in the 'burbs! Hubby J's auntie was the best unofficial tour guide for her town; she took us around and introduced us to the neighborhood Portillo's (ha!) and local hangouts.
One evening, J's auntie took us to the Riverwalk to work off some of the Portillo's calories. As we strolled along, we saw families picnicking (and even singing!) by the river, and some young men fishing patiently! The very awesome community pool, well-sized library and cute downtown shops are all situated around this Riverwalk! There's definitely something for everyone.
Hubby and I are self-proclaimed suburban homebodies. Throw this gorgeous Riverwalk on top of the serene neighborhood homes, hubby and I are ready to go midwestern! :) -
Review from Danielle C.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the Riverwalk! It is so peaceful and there are great places to sit and read, you can people watch or take a jog or walk. Get hungry? There are tons of cute restaurants and cafes around. You cant go wrong in downtown Naperville!
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Review from Maria S.
Naperville, IL
4/7/2008
What's not to like? A meandering walking path along the river. The play ground at the west end near Centennial Beach has been recently re-done for the kids.
Be sure to make stops at the Carillon and the paddle boats.
In the summer, check the park district and the library schedules as the library puts on a lunchtime puppet show on the riverwalk and the PD puts on kid-friendly entertainment at lunchtime at Riverwalk Park. -
Review from S. M.
Naperville, IL
6/16/2009
This is a beautiful place to walk in the warm weather. I like to go early-ish on week-end mornings, take a book and read; the sound of the water and the shade of the trees is lovely and restful. Of course later in the day it's clogged with families with double strollers (hard to get by on the rather narrow walkway along the river, and there's no guardrail or anything).
I've discovered the pond with the pedalboats, which look like a fun afternoon event. This is near the Carillon, the big bell tower which has free concerts on Tuesday nights in the summer. Centennial Beach is on the other side, which looks like a throw-back to the Fifties with the big floating rectangular astroturfed rafts.
There's a snack shop where you can get ice cream to eat as you roam along, or just laze on the lawn under the Carillon.
Overall, it's a nice summer diversion. -
Review from Leslie Q.
Lombard, IL
4/12/2010
I might love this riverwalk more than Jerry Seinfeld. Now, I know Seinfeld incorporated some bird related material to an episode or two (Little Jerry), but the riverwalk's bird abundance puts Jerry's birds to shame. I understand that not everything I love should be compared to Jerry Seinfeld, but for those who know me, this is a huge compliment for Naperville.
Walking along this riverwalk, I was granted time to take in my beautiful surroundings. One thought, dad ducks are not deadbeats. This lesson was learned quickly and efficiently when my mother tried to cross the path of a stationed duck on duty, patrolling the sidewalk.
"That duck looks serious. I wouldn't mess with it," I advised my mother.
My mother will sometimes set caution aside and stroll along bravely. Well, brave she was and what a fool! This duck meant business! As soon as mother stepped near his path, he hissed like a cat! Turns out old father duck was guarding his wife's nest filled with a tribe of feathered friends. Pleased to say the least, I let father duck continue and thought he set an excellent example as a father in the bird community. This was truly a beautiful ending to a very bird heavy week. I was earlier in the week honked and yelled at by an irate driver who thought I was foolish in stopping for a duck to cross the road. I screamed back obscenities and flicked him off, but I'm still concerned for the birds who accidentally land in his path. What an animal!
To understand exactly how strongly I feel about the bird population here, youtube Boombox with Andy Samberg and Julian Casablancas and replace the word "boombox" with "admirable father duck." Just make sure to keep Julian in the video. -
Review from Ellen M.
10/9/2005 1 photo
My favorite things about Naperville - the park activities and the Riverwalk. A site for a scenic walk, art shows and even live jazz at times. In the summer we bring our kids to the playground and Centennial Beach. There are carillon bell tower concerts, paddle boat rentals, kids' magic shows, nice flower gardens and shelters for picnics. If you're lucky, you'll catch a wedding in progress. After dinner, get some ice cream. I hear if you walk while eating dessert it cancels itself out.
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Review from Timothy M.
Chicago, IL
12/8/2006
They've done a great job making this river nice. If you're not one of those bitter, jaded souls that finds it hard to say anything nice about Naper-hell, you might enjoy a stroll on the Riverwalk.
Listed in: Cultural Cornucopia
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Review from Meagan L.
Chicago, IL
8/8/2010
I was pleasantly surprised by the Riverwalk. I expected more people on the Friday night I went but the paths were clear with relatively little noise and no bugs! The paddle boats are a great deal if you want to spend time with family or a loved one on the calm water with the ducks. Sometimes they follow the boats and it's quite funny. This seems like a great place to walk your dog; I haven't, but on my next trip back to the Riverwalk I will definitely consider bringing my dog with me.
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Review from Jon G.
9/17/2010
This place is amazing. Lots of nice plants, animals, and walking paths. This is also a great place to look at ducks. There are alot of ducks here during the summer. But they love this place all year round. And guess what folks? I have fished here, and caught fish. The water is usually extremely shallow, and the fish are small, but they are in there. The big bridge is also pretty cool. It is nice to stand on and look at things, especially the ducks. And how about that kooky pavillion right by the bridge? Anyone remember that they used to have concerts there? I saw The Plain White T's there in 2002. There was a huge crowd there. This was a few years before that number song and delilah one or whatever it is. If you are with friends or a sig other, this is a great place to walk around. And just to mention again, I love going here and looking at ducks. Sometimes after my duck watching, I will go to Jimmy's and have a beer and some amazing fries. This place really fixes my wagon.
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Review from Wayne C.
IL
5/25/2007 1 photo
This place makes me wanna puke. Straight up.
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Review from Susi D.
Bolingbrook, IL
4/30/2007
I wish I lived in Naperville nice & close to the Riverwalk. It's great. Now that my kids are old enough to notice their surroundings it has been so fun to bring them out to the Riverwalk where we can do stuff like have picnics, play at the park, watch the geese, etc. The bonus is that its so close to the shops and restaurants so you can duck in to grab lunch and back out to plop under a tree and eat. Love it!
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Review from Johnny T.
Minooka, IL
4/23/2008
An important part of Naperville that shows why its one of the most desirable places to live. It can tends to get crowded, especially by out of towners that wish to live in such an area so, my advice would be to avoid showing up during the weekend.
