Our little church was once at the corner of Jefferson and Ellsworth Streets, when it was called St. John’s Episcopal Church. In 1969, a group of concerned residents (part of the Naperville Heritage Society) rescued the chapel from new development. Its successful relocation to its current site sparked awareness in historic preservation and formed the cornerstone of what is now Naper Settlement.
The Copenhagen Schoolhouse is a reconstruction of the last one-room schoolhouse in the area, originally part of a community called Copenhagen Corners in what is now south Naperville.
Some of the other buildings and structures that are part of Naper Settlement include a doctor’s home and medical office,
The Bottom Line on Naper Settlement
Verdict: This is a great destination for families and history buffs alike, regardless the time of year. Grant and Grandpa got quite the bang out of the Civil War re-enactment. We're building family memories alongside all that history.
How to Get There: From the east, take the Eisenhower Expressway west or the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) toward Aurora. Exit at Naperville Road and make a left turn at the end of the exit ramp onto Freedom Drive. Take the 3rd right onto E. Diehl Road. Turn left onto N. Washington St. Turn right at the stoplight on Aurora Avenue and go two blocks to Webster Street. Turn left on Webster Street and
proceed one block for parking.
From the west, take the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) east toward Chicago. Exit at Winfield Road and turn right (south) at the end of the ramp. Proceed to the stoplight at Diehl Road and turn left (east) to Washington Street. Turn right on Washington Street and proceed south into downtown Naperville. At the stoplight at Aurora Avenue, turn right and go west two blocks to Webster Street. Turn left on Webster Street and proceed one block for parking.
From the north, take Route 59 south to Aurora Avenue. Please note: Aurora Avenue turns into East New York Street west of Route 59. Turn left (east) on Aurora Avenue; proceed to Webster Street. Turn right on Webster Street and proceed one block for parking.
From the south, take the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) to I-355 North (Veterans Memorial Tollway). Exit at Maple Avenue West. Proceed about seven miles into downtown Naperville. Maple Avenue will turn into Chicago Avenue after Naper Boulevard. Turn left (south) at Washington Street, and go one block to Aurora Avenue. Turn right (west) onto Aurora Avenue. Go two blocks to Webster Street, turn left and continue one block for parking.
Insider Information: Civil War Days is just the tip of the iceberg (or should I say cannon) when it comes to special events and programs at Naper Settlement. From the summer camps for kids to the Celebration of Beer for adults, there’s something for everyone.
Nearby Food: Food vendors on the premises during Civil War Days offer the usual hot dogs, hamburgers and fries. Naper Settlement is a block away from Naperville’s renowned Riverwalk
Area and enough restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.