Naperville Historic District

The Naperville Historic District is a residential area in the city center with almost 500 buildings that are protected as historic structures. The area stretches across several blocks and includes single-family homes, larger residential complexes, and some public buildings.

The area received federal protection in 1977 when it was added to the national register. Later, the protected zone was expanded to include buildings from later decades as well.

The district displays different architectural styles that reflect how people lived in the city over time. Walking through the streets, you can see the mix of homes and buildings from different decades side by side.

Visitors can walk freely through the streets and view the homes from the outside without needing special permits. The best time to explore is on a quiet weekday, when the area feels less crowded.

The area operates under two separate protection systems: a national one and a local one, each with different rules. This dual system makes it an uncommon case of historic preservation in America.