About Our Rentals

Naper Settlement offers a selection
of unique, historic settings for your next
event. We have a variety of rooms for
rent, which offer a number of different
types of amenities. Our staff works with
you to help identify the best location
match based on the kind of program,
party or event being planned.
Our personalized rental services include a high level of customer service to fulfill your wishes for a most successful experience, no matter if you're planning a business seminar, a private family party or a youth group outing. Our rental staff works closely with you to assure that your program is a memorable one. We pride ourselves in being able to offer unique capabilities that are engaging and age-appropriate for your family, friends, co-workers or clients.

Examples of events we can plan include:

A custom Victorian-style luncheon in our historic Tavern with costumed interpreters making a brief presentation on a topic of interest.
A business meeting in the Heritage Hall, with breakout sessions in the Fort and other buildings on the grounds.
A private luncheon in the Tavern, integrated with a presentation of the Martin Mitchell Mansion renovation activities, followed by a detailed tour by a costumed interpreter.
A private, catered cocktail reception in the Fort featuring a cozy fire pit.
An outdoor company picnic, followed by instruction and a game of 19th century town ball.
A birthday party - or overnight - for youth who want to get their hands busy with crafts or interactive play in the Meeting House upper and lower levels.

Your attendees are guaranteed a one-of-a-kind, engaging experience at Chicagoland's premiere 19th century historic museum village.

Hosts for:

Business Meetings
Reunions
Seminars
Weddings

Birthday Parties
Company Picnics
Anniversaries
Rehearsal Dinners

Graduation Parties
Bridal and Baby showers
Tea parties
and more

Rental Services:
Unique & Historic Ambiance
History-Focused Tours
Costumed Speakers
History Exhibits
Custom Programming
Catering Facilities
Approved Caterers
Museum Store Shopping

Facility Amenities:
Shaded Picnic Grounds
Beautiful Landscaping
Brick Patio & Walkways
Air-conditioned Facilities
Non-smoking Environment
Wheelchair Access
Street-level Loading
Free Parking

Rates:

Weekday rates apply to events that begin and end between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Weekend rates apply to Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday and holiday rentals.

Capabilities and Limitations:

Please refer to your individual contract for specific information on capabilities and limitations. Only a few examples are included in the bullets that follow.
Decorating tables with centerpieces in rental spaces is allowed, but affixing any signage or decorations to the walls, woodwork or any interior items is not allowed.
Naper Settlement does not rent, provide or loan audiovisual equipment to any renters or guests. Individuals must make their own arrangements for AV equipment, including such items as projectors or microphones.

About the buildings

Pre-Emption House Tavern

The original Pre-Emption House, built in 1834, stood at the center of Naperville as the first hotel and tavern west of Chicago. Today, you can rent the Tavern in our re-created Pre-Emption House for private business meetings, parties and special events. Click here for rates and additional information.

Meeting House

Built in 1841, the Meeting House was originally a religious "house of meeting" for Naperville's German immigrant community.The lower level of the Meeting House is available to rent year-round. The upper level is available to rent, but on a limited basis. Naper Settlement's History Connection, an interactive exhibit directed to children, resides in the upper level. Click here for rates and additional information.

Century Memorial Chapel

Transplanted New Englanders built this traditional house of worship on the Illinois prairie in 1864. Built in the Gothic Revival style, the upper level of the Chapel is available for weddings and special services. The lower level of the Chapel is available for receptions, meetings and private parties. Click here for rates, availability and additional information.

Private Grounds Rental

Set up a wonderful company picnic in a dedicated location on Naper Settlement's grounds. Request a session of Town Ball for employees or tour the village during open hours. Plan a community event or special fundraising activity on our spacious, well-landscaped grounds. Organize a tented party and a private tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion. We work with you to make your special event a success. Click here for rates and additional information.

Make Your Event Special

The historic buildings and beautifully landscaped grounds at Naper Settlement provide a distinctive atmosphere for your personal or corporate event. Whether you are planning an elegant wedding in the Century Memorial Chapel, a business meeting in the Pre-Emption House Tavern or a fun-filled picnic on our 13-acre grounds, your special occasion is sure to be a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Naper Settlement's primary mission is to preserve our community's history and share its stories in an educational environment. The Settlement is proud of the widespread community support it receives in order to accomplish its mission. In recognition and respect of this commitment, the Museum complex is made available for use by appropriate outside groups. To ensure that the Museum continues to maintain its high level of integrity and public trust, outside renters are required to adhere to specific rules and guidelines for the use of the grounds and facilities. Scheduling priorities will defer to the Museum's mission and desire to preserve the facilities to the highest standards.