City Guide: Running in Naperville, Illinois

Looking for the top places to run, local running stores, group runs, and more? Here’s your guide to running in Naperville, Illinois.

(Feature photo courtesy of Naperville Development Partnership & Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Article last updated: November 7, 2025

The Naperville City Guide is developed in partnership with Naperville Running Company. Read more about Naperville Running Company in the Running Stores section below!

If you’re visiting Naperville for the first time, get ready to be delighted by an expansive and well-maintained trail system. If you’ve been here before, you know how special it is. There are several forest preserves with crushed limestone routes to explore, plus the paved Naperville Riverwalk that meanders through downtown and connects with the Illinois Prairie Path — this path will take you all the way into Chicago if you keep running!

After a run on the Naperville Riverwalk, be sure to stop by one of the coffee shops close to the trail. And if you’re in the mood for a non-alcoholic beer, Go Brewing is your spot (it’s founded by a runner).

Looking to get connected with the local running community? Naperville Running Company is your hub. First opened in 2000, the company has three locations, plus various running events and training programs throughout the year.

Bookmark this guide for your next trip to the Naperville area. Rather than researching where to go, you can spend more time exploring the trails and sipping a post-run non-alcoholic beer.

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Running in Naperville, Illinois

Naperville is fortunate to be surrounded by well-maintained, safe, and accessible trails. The Naperville Riverwalk backs up to the downtown area’s shops and dining options. Other popular trails and parks include Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, Illinois Prairie Path, Knoch Knolls Park, and Dupage River Park.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Naperville, Illinois?

Spring and fall are great seasons for runners visiting Naperville. The blooming flowers in the spring and changing leaves in the fall offer vibrant colors and landscapes, which are beautiful to see along the city’s well-maintained trails.

Where to Stay in Naperville, Illinois

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Where to Run in Naperville, Illinois

A river with a walking path above it and a gazebo with green trees and a blue sky in the background — Naperville Riverwalk (Photo courtesy of Naperville Development Partnership & Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Naperville Riverwalk
The Naperville Riverwalk is a beautiful paved/brick trail that runs through downtown and along the DuPage River. Choose to do a hill workout at Rotary Hill or cruise some easy miles along the riverwalk. This trail leads into McDowell Grove Forest Preserve, and later onto the Illinois Prairie Path, making it a great choice for long run days. While you’re here, downtown Naperville is an incredible place to dine and shop. There are plenty of big names plus local shops and restaurants, including Anthropologie, Ramsey’s Kitchen, Hugo’s Frog Bar, Filson, MAC, Alo, Athleta, and lululemon.

Parking on the north side of the DuPage River:
320W Jackson Avenue, Naperville, Illinois
500 Jackson Avenue, Naperville, Illinois
912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court, Naperville, Illinois

Parking on the south side of the DuPage River:
440 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, Illinois

Find more information about the Naperville Riverwalk here.

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve
This 465-acre preserve was once a camp for the Civilian Conservation Corps, part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal. About 7 miles of turf and crushed limestone trails wind through the beautiful park. The longest of the trails is the 3.7-mile West Branch DuPage River Trail, which connects to the Naperville Riverwalk at its south end and the Illinois Prairie Path at its north end. The entrance to McDowell Grove Forest Preserve is on the east side of Raymond Drive on West Drive. Find more information about McDowell Grove here.

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
Less than 5 miles southwest of downtown Naperville is the 1,829-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, known for its birdwatching potential and summertime flower blooms. The Springbrook Prairie Trail is a 5.5-mile crushed limestone loop, with the option to add on another 3 miles along the trail’s offshoots. The trailhead is off of 83rd Street and Book Road, with ample parking, water fountains, and restrooms. Find more park information and a trail map here.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a 25-minute drive east of downtown, just outside of Naperville’s city limits. The Main Trail is an awesome 9.5-mile crushed limestone loop. Expect hills and access to little waterfalls along the way. The park’s main entrance is off of South Cass Avenue on Northgate Road. Find more park information and a trail map here.

As with any running route, take the necessary precautions for a safe run. Whenever possible, run with a buddy. Tell someone you know well where you’re going and when you expect to return, bring your cell phone and an ID, and remain aware of your surroundings.

Running Stores in Naperville, Illinois

A large group of runners dressed in winter running gear posing for a group photo in front of a brick storefront — (Photo courtesy of Naperville Running Company)

Naperville Running Company
Naperville Running Company has been part of the Naperville community since 2000. At any of the three locations, you’ll find team members who are ready to share their enthusiasm for running. Stop in to pick up some new gear for your time on the nearby trails, or leverage the staff’s knowledge and go through a personalized fitting process to find your next pair of running shoes.
34 West Jefferson Avenue, Naperville, Illinois; 630-357-1900
3416 South Route 59, Naperville, Illinois; 630-445-8285
102 West Front Street, Wheaton, Illinois; 630-668-7867

Run Clubs in Naperville, Illinois

Naperville Running Company’s three locations are host to a variety of free running events throughout the year, often aligned with large annual race weekends. Find the events calendar here.

Destination Races in Naperville, Illinois

St Paddy’s Day 5K (Photo courtesy Naperville Sunrise Rotary)
Naperville Women’s Half Marathon & 5K (Photo courtesy of Naperville Running Company)
Naperville Sprint Triathlon (Photo courtesy of Naperville Sprint Triathlon)
Naperville Trails Half Marathon and 10K (Photo courtesy of Naperville Trails Half Marathon and 10K)

St. Paddy’s Day 5K | March | Naperville, Illinois | 5K
An annual tradition, the St. Paddy’s Day 5K hosted by Naperville Sunrise Rotary runs through downtown Naperville. Race proceeds benefit several health and fitness-focused nonprofits.

Naperville Women’s Half Marathon & 5K | April | Naperville, Illinois | Half Marathon, 5K
Starting and finishing on the track at North Central College, just east of downtown Naperville, the half marathon follows an outer loop and an inner loop. The last couple of miles run along the West Branch DuPage River.

Naperville Sprint Triathlon | August | Naperville, Illinois | Sprint Triathlon
Swim in the Centennial Beach outdoor pool, ride through Sportsman’s Park, and run a section of the Naperville Riverwalk. Other race events include a duathlon (run, bike, run), aquabike (swim and bike), and a kids-distance triathlon.

Naperville Trails Half Marathon & 10K | September | Naperville, Illinois | Half Marathon, 10K
Run through the Danada Forest Preserve, just 5 miles northeast of downtown Naperville. The smooth and flat crushed limestone course makes it a great race for beginner trail runners.

Naperville Turkey Trot | November | Naperville, Illinois | 5K
The annual Thanksgiving morning community race is hosted by the Naperville Noon Lions Club and has been running for more than 25 years.

Top Places to Eat in Naperville, Illinois After a Run

Allegory — A chef-owned, farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of downtown Naperville, just steps away from the Naperville Riverwalk. Expect a cool vibe, delicious brunch on the weekends, and great craft cocktails.
224 South Main Street, Naperville, Illinois; 630-536-8862

A close-up of glazed and chocolate- and vanilla-frosted donuts — (Photo courtesy of DeEtta’s Bakery)

DeEtta’s Bakery — A local favorite, these made-from-scratch baked goods are the ideal post-run treat. Choose from danishes, scones, and muffins in the morning (donuts are available Friday-Sunday), and cookies, bars, and cupcakes in the afternoon.
428 5th Avenue, Naperville, Illinois; 630-548-4078

A brewery's taproom with tables and chairs and a big bar with oak and gold accents and a red brick back wall — (Photo courtesy of Go Brewing)

Go Brewing — The taproom for this non-alcoholic craft brewery is just south of McDowell Grove Forest Preserve. Fun fact: Founder Joe Chura is a runner! You’ll find IPAs, pilsners, wheats, and stouts, plus a couple of gluten-free options, hopped water, and electrolyte water (the perfect way to rehydrate after a run!). If you’re looking for a pint of beer with a typical ABV, Solemn Oath Brewery is in the building behind Go Brewing.
1665 Quincy Avenue, Naperville, Illinois

Two lattes in white mugs, each held by people's hands, and two pasties on black plates all on a small round wooden table — Sparrow Coffee (Photo by Jack Stopka)

Sparrow Coffee — Locally owned coffee shop in a modern-industrial space just steps from the Naperville Riverwalk. In addition to a coffee, latte, and tea lineup, you’ll find a variety of food options: scones, croissants, cinnamon rolls, quiche, avocado toast (gluten-free bread is available!), and several lunch sandwiches. Sparrow Coffee’s roastery is in Chicago.
120 Water Street, Naperville, Illinois; 630-384-8940

A clear plastic cup filled with cold coffee with cream being poured into it, changing the color of the coffee — (Photo courtesy of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea)

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea — Another downtown coffee spot to check out after a run on the Naperville Riverwalk. Order a cold brew or a latte to pair with a breakfast sandwich, pastry, or pretzel melt.
110 South Washington Street; Naperville, Illinois; 331-457-5546

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