Millennium Carillon
Millennium Carillon
4
About
14-story tall tower with a 72-bell Carillon instrument inside. Climb to the top and see Naperville and beyond. On a clear day, see the Chicago Skyline. Concerts are performed by world-renowned carillonneurs spring-fall and concert-goers can enjoy the music from the lawns surrounding the tower. Also a site for weddings.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
472 within 5 kms
Attractions
158 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
79 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
25
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
4
MaryFrances1223
Glen Ellyn, IL86 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
The Carillon great to look at and nice when it is quiet.
The bells are out of tune, the music selection played is really poor compared to what you will find in comparable carillon's in Europe.
nice walk up to the top. Concerts along the riverwalk are nice, as is the riverwalk itself.
But, the music from the Carillon is really discordant.
The bells are out of tune, the music selection played is really poor compared to what you will find in comparable carillon's in Europe.
nice walk up to the top. Concerts along the riverwalk are nice, as is the riverwalk itself.
But, the music from the Carillon is really discordant.
Written 6 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WesternSprings
WesternSprings1 contribution
What a treat to get to go inside this world class instrument and hear about its history and how it works. Naperville is lucky...how many places have a treasure like this!
Written 4 April 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
markmillieramon
Naperville, IL890 contributions
Aug 2019
The carillon is an icon of Naperville, easily seen from anywhere along the Riverwalk. Guided tours are available at little cost and is well worth the climb. Of course an elevator takes you about two thirds of the way but then you must climb metal stairs to the top. You pass the bells as you go, from very large to very small. The guide explains the mechanism that is the carillon as you go, stopping at the keyboard that is set in a small room. The top offers grand views of the surrounding area as you would expect from being a hundred and sixty feet off the ground. Hang onto your hat, it's windy up there. After about fifteen minutes it's time to head down and survey your pictures. A nice way to complement a day at the riverwalk.
Written 13 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe_Drutz
Naperville, IL39 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
I have lived in Naperville since before it was built. I hate it! It is too big for the area. It is 9 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and 33 feet taller than the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington National Cemetery (flanking the Iwo Jima memorial.) Who do we think we are? AND, it was supposed to be financed by private funds but the organizers could not raise enough money to finish it and managed to stick the Naperville taxpayers with a bill for about $2 million. Thanks a lot, City Council!
Written 23 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thaumaturge
Chicago, Illinois73 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
Like another reviewer, I lived in Naperville before this concrete nightmare was built and can't look at it without remembering the financial boondoggle it represents. Just think of all the worthy projects that could have been funded with over $2 Million dollars of taxpayer money!
Setting the history of it aside, the Carillon is ugly, sounds terrible when played, and is not worthy of a visit by anyone coming to Naperville. It's likely you will see it from a distance, and I recommend you keep it that way. The closer you get to it, the uglier it becomes.
The unfortunate part is that is has become the signature landmark of Naperville as it is so unavoidably large.
Setting the history of it aside, the Carillon is ugly, sounds terrible when played, and is not worthy of a visit by anyone coming to Naperville. It's likely you will see it from a distance, and I recommend you keep it that way. The closer you get to it, the uglier it becomes.
The unfortunate part is that is has become the signature landmark of Naperville as it is so unavoidably large.
Written 15 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabe10101
Lexington, KY890 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
Love it or Hate it, definitely visit downtown Naperville. The riverwalk is special. It's a well-done attraction. Every city should strive to provide a reason for people to visit, not just another "Visit historic downtown Anywhereville". The Carillon is a unique architectural structure taller than anything nearby. I personally like it. The shape kept me gazing from different angles. The hourly chimes were nice yet not obtrusive. I'd like to return and climb to the observation deck someday.
Written 27 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bfree271
Eagan, Minnesota247 contributions
Aug 2013
We took the tour of the tower and there is a great view from the top. While we were on the tour we found the musician about to play and he gave us an impromptu song on the bells and let my two year old hit one of the keys. The bars are close enough that we felt safe having our 2 year old walk around on the different levels.
Written 10 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravelers34
Chicago, IL2,274 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
The Riverwalk goes right by it. Visitors can climb the 253 steps to the top of the 160-foot tower and enjoy a spectacular view while learning about the workings of the Carillon, its history, and its unique features. With 72 bronze bells that range in weight from ten pounds to six tons, Naperville’s musical tower is ranked among the four largest carillons in the world. Musical selections are played automatically on the bells at noon, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily. The summer recital series brings artists from around the world to perform. Special recitals are also scheduled at various times.
Written 3 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SussexGrove
Horsham, UK92 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
This is an unexpected interesting find and an attractive building in an exceptional setting. Don't miss it if you are anywhere near the area.
Written 15 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happyhiker10
seattle112 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Another example of Naperville trying to pretend it is some patriotic destination in the heartland. This monster makes irritating noise far too often. It sounds like a tinny recording. They should get rid of it and recognize the expensive mistake.
Written 3 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing