The Naperville Park District’s attractions on the Riverwalk include the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower and its Visitor Center, the Paddleboat Quarry and the Riverwalk Café.
Each facility has a different spring schedule. The Millennium Carillon and Visitor Center opened April 30, with tours available on weekends in May. The Paddleboat Quarry will open Saturday, May 14, weather permitting, and the new Riverwalk Café plans to open later this spring upon completion of construction.
The Riverwalk Café, undergoing renovation work that began in January 2016, will feature several building improvements, including a new outdoor patio and an enhanced menu including breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer and wine. Summer operating hours will be from 7AM to 10PM daily.
“Last summer we heard from those who completed a survey that they would like to see improvements to the Riverwalk Café and an expanded menu,” said Director of Recreation Brad Wilson. “The renovations that are being completed will transform the former Riverwalk Eatery into a versatile gathering place with high quality food, beverages and service for everyone who enjoys the beautiful Riverwalk location.”
The new patio will feature several outdoor tables with umbrellas overlooking the Paddleboat Quarry and Rotary Hill. The interior of the Café has been updated to provide a comfortable location to enjoy food and beverages year round.
The Paddleboat Quarry will be open from 10AM to 7PM on Saturdays and Sundays from May 14-29, then daily from May 30 through August 14, returning to weekend hours through September or early October, weather permitting. Paddleboats and kayaks may be rented at the Paddleboat Quarry hut located next to the paddleboat dock. Paddleboats are $10 for a 20-minute ride for up to 4 people and $12 for a 40-minute ride for up to 4 people. Kayaks are available through Naperville Kayak for 30-minute rides at $10 for a one-person boat and $20 for a two-person boat.
The Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower and the Visitor Center hours are from 10AM to 4PM on Saturdays and from noon-6PM on Sundays, April 30 through October 30. Beginning May 27, Friday hours (10AM to 4PM) will be included through August 12. Visitor Center admission is free of charge. Carillon tours are $3 for ages 5 and older; children 4 years and under are free. Visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Millennium Carillon and Visitor Center are located along the Riverwalk at the base of Rotary Hill at 443 Aurora Ave.
The Tuesday evening summer recital series at the Carillon begins on June 7 at 7PM:00 p.m. The list of 2016 performers is as follows:
- June 7: Wylie Crawford, University of Chicago
- June 14: Tim Sleep, Naperville
- June 21: Jim Fackenthal, Chicago
- June 28: Rachel Perfecto, Mechelen, Belgium
- July 5: Carol Jickling Lens, University of Denver
- July 12: Wesley Arai, Redondo Beach, Calif.
- July 19: Hylke Banning, Oldensaal, Netherlands
- July 26: Kymberly Stoone, Provo, Utah
- August 2: Ellen Dickinson, Yale University
- August. 9: Joey Brink, University of Chicago
- August 16: Sally Harwood, Michigan State University
- August 23: Hunter Chase, Chicago
Naperville’s Millennium Carillon performances during the 2016 season also include lunchtime Saturday recitals and Sunday afternoon concerts at 4PM from May through September.
