Moser Tower Carillon Naperville Hours and Tour Schedule
Naperville · Community Photo
Plan your visit to the iconic 160‑foot Moser Tower, home to the 72‑bell Millennium Carillon, with all the details you need. Guided tours run from May 9 through September 20 on Saturdays, Sundays, and Fridays (seasonal schedule below), cost $3 for guests 5 years and older and are free for children under 4. Tickets are sold inside the Paddleboat Quarry Rentals at 441 Aurora Ave. The tower’s 253 steps can be bypassed via an elevator that brings visitors to the Gallery Level Observation Deck. Summer recitals fill the evenings with music—free to the public—while the famous "Big Joe" bourdon bell reson ates across Rotary Hill.
Welcome to Moser Tower & Millennium Carillon
Standing majestically along the Naperville Riverwalk at Rotary Hill (443 Aurora Ave),Moser Tower and the Millennium Carillonrise 16 stories—or 160 feet—over the West Branch of the DuPage River, housing an impressive 72 bronze bells.
Understanding theMoser Tower carillon Naperville hours and tour scheduleensures you can climb to the top for sweeping views that stretch as far as the Chicago skyline on clear days. Managed by the Naperville Park District, this guide offers verified operating times, ticket purchase details, and visitor tips so you can make the most of your experience.
When you arrive, tickets are sold inside Paddleboat Quarry Rentals at 441 Aurora Ave. Guided tours cost $3 for ages 5 and older, with children 4 and under admitted free. The ascent includes 253 steps, and an elevator provides access to the Gallery Level Observation Deck for those unable to use the stairs.
Check theMillennium Carillon Naperville hoursbefore you go, and enjoy the landmark’s historic bells—each a piece of the 72‑bell instrument that rings across the city.
2026 Moser Tower Tour Schedule and Seasonal Hours
Season / Date Window | Days Open | Tour Operating Hours | Tour Pause / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Spring (May 9 – May 24) | Saturday & Sunday | 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm | No tours between 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm |
Peak Summer (May 29 – August 9) | Friday, Saturday & Sunday | 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm | No tours between 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm |
Late Summer (August 15 – September 20) | Saturday & Sunday | 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm | No tours between 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm |
Tour Schedule Overview
All visits are guided and operate within the officialmillennium carillon tour hours. Tours begin at 1:00 p.m., pause from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and resume until 6:00 p.m.
Seasonal Operating Dates
May 9 – May 24: Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (no tours 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.)
May 29 – August 9: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (no tours 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.)
August 15 – September 20: Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (no tours 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.)
Planning Your Visit
We recommend arriving at the 1:00 p.m. opening or after the 4:45 p.m. break to enjoy the full tour experience without interruption. Thenaperville carillon tour datesare fixed, so checking the schedule ahead of time ensures a smooth visit.
Weather Contingencies
Operations may be paused or cancelled due to high winds, lightning, or other adverse weather, in accordance with Naperville Park District policies. Visitors should verify current conditions before heading to the tower.
Moser Tower Tour Tickets and Purchase Details
Ticket Pricing
Millennium carillon ticket priceis $3 per person for ages 5 and older, while children 4 and under enter free. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where to Purchase Tickets
Tickets are not sold inside the tower. You must buy your pass at the Paddleboat Quarry Rentals building located at 441 Aurora Avenue, just steps from the Moser Tower Visitor Center. The purchase providesPaddleboat quarry rental ticketsthat grant entry to the scheduled tour.
Tour Inclusions
The guided experience includes a walk through the Visitor Center exhibits and then ascent of Moser Tower, allowing guests to hear the carillon bells and enjoy panoramic views of Naperville.
Payment Methods and Tips
The Naperville Park District accepts cash and major credit cards at the ticket window. Tours operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 6 pm with a short pause between 3:30 pm and 4:45 pm. Arriving early on busy sunny weekends is advisable to secure a spot, as capacity is limited for each afternoon time slot.
Ticket Purchase Details
Admission is just $3 per person for ages 5 and up, and children 4 and under are free.
Allmoser tower tour ticketsmust be bought in person at the Paddleboat Quarry Rentals office, located at 441 Aurora Ave, before heading over to the Moser Tower entrance on Rotary Hill at 443 Aurora Ave.
Tours operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis during the scheduled tour hours.
The Climb: Millennium Carillon 253 Steps & Elevator Views
The Ascent
Guided visitors climb themillennium carillon 253 stepsto reach the open‑air belfry on the 16th story, where the 72‑bell instrument awaits.
Elevator Option
Guests who cannot manage the full flight of stairs are welcome to usemoser tower elevator accessibilityand remain on the Gallery Level Observation Deck. Please tell your tour guide upon arrival.
Panoramic Views
From the Gallery Level, thenaperville carillon tour experienceoffers sweeping sights of Rotary Hill, Centennial Beach, downtown Naperville, and, on clear days, the distant Chicago skyline.
Tour Schedule & Pricing
Tours follow themoser tower tour scheduleof Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 6 pm, with a short pause between 3:30 pm and 4:45 pm, running from May 9 through May 24. Themillennium carillon ticket priceis $3 for ages 5 and older; children 4 and under enter free. Tickets are purchased aspaddleboat quarry rental ticketsat the Paddleboat Quarry Rentals location.
Rules & Safety
Do not throw, drop, or release any items from the tower.
No smoking or vaping.
No outside food or beverages.
Do not climb, lean over, or hang from railings.
Stay with the group; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Carillon Recitals, Daily Chimes, and Bell Specs – Naperville
Carillon Overview
The Millennium Carillon, perched in the iconic Moser Tower, is a celebrated musical landmark of Naperville. Its 72 cast bronze bells were forged by the world‑renowned Royal Eijsbouts Bell Foundry in Asten, The Netherlands, creating a resonant instrument that spans six octaves.
Bell Specifications
Number of bells:72
Weight range:from 10 pounds up to nearly six tons
Total weight:32.5 tons
Moser Tower bells Big Joe:The centerpiece, officially the Captain Joseph Naper Bell, affectionately called Big Joe, weighs 5.8 tons and marks each passing hour.
Chime and Performance Schedule
Automated melodic chimes sound daily at 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., each lasting about two minutes.
Hourly automated strikes pause while live concerts are in progress.
Live concerts are performed manually by skilled carillonneurs from the player’s cabin high above the ground.
Naperville Carillon Summer Recital Series
During the beloved Naperville Carillon Summer Recital Series, Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. from June through August draw residents and visitors to the grassy slopes of Rotary Hill. Attendees spread blankets and lawn chairs to listen to world‑class guest carillonneurs alongside the city carillonneur.
Occasional post‑recital moonlight tours of the tower are available for $2, offering a quiet close to the evening’s music.
Moser Tower Naperville FAQ: Visiting Guide
Free surface parking is available along Aurora Avenue and the lot beside Centennial Beach, providing convenient access for visitors seeking millennium carillon parking naperville options.
Downtown Naperville also hosts several municipal decks, including the Water Street District Parking Facility (120 Water St.), the Central Parking Facility (75 E. Chicago Ave.), and the Van Buren Parking Deck, all within a short walk of the Riverwalk pathways.
Pedestrian routes from these decks lead directly to the rotary hill area, making it easy for thosevisiting rotary hill napervilleto reach the tower on foot.
Tour operations follow the Naperville Park District Weather Cancellation Guidelines, which assess actual site conditions rather than forecasts alone.
Lightning risks are monitored by the automated StrikeGuard system, which watches for strikes within an 8‑10 mile radius. A 15‑second horn blast and flashing strobe signal a warning, while three short horn blasts signal an all‑clear.
Real‑time updates on closures and safety alerts are available through the RainoutLine app for iOS and Android, or via text and email alerts on the district’s website.
After exploring the tower, you can enjoyvisiting rotary hill napervilleas a relaxed grassy spot for picnics or to listen to upcomingmillennium carillon recitals napervilleevents.
The Riverwalk stretches 1.75 miles along the DuPage River, featuring brick‑paved paths, covered bridges, fountains, and public art. It provides seamless connections to downtown dining and shopping just a block away.
Centennial Beach at 500 W. Jackson Ave. offers swimming, a zero‑depth entry, and a sand play area (open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Paddleboat Quarry at 441 Aurora Ave. supplies seasonal paddle‑boat, kayak, and paddle‑board rentals on a first‑come,‑first‑served basis.
These attractions together create a full‑day itinerary that blends cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences.
Schools, scout groups, and private parties can arrange larger tours by contacting the Naperville Park District customer service team at 630‑848‑5000 or via email at info@napervilleparks.org.
Standard public tours follow themoser tower carillon naperville hours and tour schedule, with tickets priced at $3 for guests 5 years and older and free admission for children 4 years and under.
Since the tower’smillennium carillon tour hoursvary seasonally, checking the currentnaperville carillon tour datesensures you arrive during operating times.
Visitors often describe thenaperville carillon tour experienceas a blend of historic architecture, the distinctive sound of 72 bronze bells, and panoramic views from the observation deck.
In addition to regular tours, the venue can host private events, and the elevator provides access to the Gallery Level Observation Deck for those unable to navigate the 253 steps.
