‘Tis the season to enjoy the colorful changes and reflections along the Naperville Riverwalk, meandering along the DuPage River just south of the central business district and Jackson Ave. Free and open every day of the year for walkers from its currently set boundaries from the Jefferson St. Bridge to Hillside Rd., the natural treasure was tagged the city’s “crown jewel” when it first was started to commemorate Naperville’s sesquicentennial in 1981.
Today, the crown jewel provides a showcase for many other gems, including fountains, sculptures, covered bridges, special playgrounds, paddle boat quarry, gateway parks and pavilions. The Moser Tower with its 72-bell carillon at the base of Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk, across the DuPage River from Centennial Beach, rings out in timely fashion every day.
Click any photo to enlarge.
For the next month, a climb to the observation deck of the Moser Tower is a chance to take in the spectacular landscape of this Tree City as it stretches east toward Chicago and west toward Fermi Labs.
On weekends through Veterans Day, the Visitors Center offers a historical view of the making of the Moser Tower for the new millennium and information about the 31-year-old Riverwalk. Afterward climb the tower and see 72 carillon bells up close along with the memorable view of the entire Riverwalk.
Visitor hours in the fall are from 10AM to 4PM, Saturdays and Noon to 6PM on Sundays through Nov. 11. Remember on Nov. 10-11, the view from the observation deck also will include the Healing Field of Honor with 2,012 American Flags on exhibit on Rotary Hill from Nov. 8-13 . Note also that other hours and special requests are available by appointment via the Naperville Park District at ( 630) 848-3540.
The cost to climb is $3 for ages 5 and older; children 4 and under are free. Visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center located adjacent to the Moser Tower.
Naper Settlement
Plus, just across Aurora Avenue, special events such as Oktoberfest 2012, Oct. 5-6, are planned at Naper Settlement to provide a taste of the city’s rich heritage.
North Central College
North Central College is staging plenty for folks who enjoy the performing arts in its theater district. And the Cardinals are revved up for its fall sports season that includes the Prairie Classic between Waubonsie Valley High School and Neuqua Valley High School on Oct. 5 and the Wes Spencer Crosstown Classic between Naperville Central and Napervlle North high schools on Oct. 11. North Central College Homecoming is Oct. 27.
This week, the North Central College Cardinals will play a conference football game vs. Elmhurst College at 6PM Sat., Sept. 29, at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, 455 S. Brainard St. Tickets are $6/adults and free to students with a valid ID and to children ages 3 and under.
Keep an eye on the Athletics website, www.northcentralcardinals.com, for stories about game results, players profiles and other features, news about rankings and other information.
Downtown Naperville
Spend the day! Plan time to explore all the amenities of downtown Naperville, including a fine array of shopping opportunities from the Main Street Promenade to River Square and dining at more than 40 eateries to whet every appetite.
Discover outdoor art featured in the Century Walk exhibit that helps tell the city’s story in murals, sculpture and mosaic designs.
Find plenty of free parking, too.
One thing’s for sure. Downtown Naperville provides many opportunities for folks who enjoy walking—whether walking from Naper Settlement to Fredenhagen Park to North Central College. Oh! How the Riverwalk is the center of natural enjoyment every season with covered bridges that link to all.
One more thing: The low flow walkway along the Riverwalk is stamped repeatedly with the awareness message, “Do Not Feed Wildlife.” Herons, ducks and geese and all waterfowl are wildlife. Feeding wildlife unnatural foods such as bread, corn chips and other snacks is harmful to their health. Thanks for observing all the wildlife in nature without feeding them.
