Walking tours highlight unseen Naperville history

Naper Settlement is taking its programs to the streets this summer to share local lore, connect history buffs and even sample some tasty treats.

For those looking for an end of summer adventure, a number of new walking tour programs will run through early October.

“The impetus of our walking tours was our large roadway program,” said Nancy Smith, director of learning experiences at Naper Settlement, of the construction taking place this summer at the 19th-century living-history museum. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to develop programs that take us out into the community as well.”

The most savory of the new additions is by far Naper Settlement’s History Bites food tour.

The program will combine two downtown Naperville favorites: a rich historical culture and a diverse array of restaurants.

The main course will involve a “progressive food experience” throughout the downtown area, with a side of local history and architecture to cleanse the palette.

“We thought it would be fun to visit some of our restaurants in the area rich with history,” Smith said.

Participants in the walking tour will feast on flatbread at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, bite into bruschetta at LaSorella di Francesca and cull their cravings with cookie and cake dough ice cream from Cookie Dough Creations.

Kuma’s Asian Bistro will provide honey glazed and kyochun chicken, while The Lantern will serve up burger bites, baked beans and chili.

“We developed this History Bites tour because we felt that food is an important part of community and culture,” Naper Settlement Curator of Research Bryan Ogg said.

Historical highlights include Sullivan’s, which is located in the original Pre-Emption House Hotel, as well as eateries located in the old city hall.

Food tours begin at Naper Settlement’s Pre-Emption House Visitors Center, 523 S. Webster St., and are capped at 20 participants, so reservations are recommended.

Suburban foodies can purchase tickets, costing $35 each, for the next History Bites tour scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24.

“People who go on our History Bites walking tour get a flavor of the old Naperville and architectural details they probably walk by all the time and don’t notice,” Ogg said.

Members of the walking tour also can expect discount coupons and food vouchers for the restaurants on the History Bites route.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to go back once they’ve had a fabulous taste of food at some of these restaurants,” Smith said.

Although the History Bites food tour scheduled for Saturday, July 23, was canceled due to a high heat advisory, Naper Settlement offers an array of other summer walking tours.

Among the new programs is the Living Cemetery tour, an hourlong exploration of the Naperville Cemetery in celebration of the Civil War’s sesquicentennial anniversary.

Participants will “meet” influential residents of the past and learn about local history can sign up for the Saturday, Oct. 15, event for $12.

History lovers looking for a slow stroll along the river can attend the Streaming History walking tour, a look at Naperville’s Riverwalk.

Once the site of Naper’s Mill and the Naperville Ice Cream Factory, the Riverwalk is a significant part of the city’s history.

“It’s fun to be able to pull the history out of some of the things people see every day,” Smith said.

The Streaming History tour costs $15 per person and will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

The next History Bites program is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24.

Though no matter the topic, Naper Settlement’s various programs aim to connect visitors and residents alike to the history all around them and create a city of history enthusiasts.

“Sharing a plate of food or a drink walking down the street is another type of community,” Ogg said.

If you go

What: History Bites Food Tour

When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24

Where: Tour begins at Naper Settlement’s Pre-Emption House Visitors Center, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

Cost: $35

What: Streaming History Walking Tour

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2

Where: Tour begins at Porter Avenue and Webster Street in Naperville

Cost: $12 per person, $10 Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining members

What: The Living Cemetary: An Interpretive Visit at the Naperville Cemetary

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15

Where: Tour begins at Naper Settlement’s Pre-Emption House Visitors Center, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

Cost: $12 per person, $10 Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining members

Info: <a href="http://www.napersettlement.org/">napersettlement.org</a> or (630) 420-6010