The Rise and Fall of Burlington Park in Late 1800s Naperville
In the late 1800s, Burlington Park emerged as a popular destination just outside Naperville, offering a wide array of recreational activities for city residents. With the construction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in 1864, the park quickly became a hub for weekend getaways and leisure.
A Haven for Leisure Activities
Burlington Park boasted a range of facilities, including a shooting range, photo studio, grandstands, gambling area, baseball park, horse racing track, bowling alley, carousel, refreshment hall, and picnic grove. It became a place where people could escape the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge in various forms of entertainment.
On Sundays and holidays, the park accommodated up to 20,000 people a day, with as many as 10 trains lined up to transport visitors to and from the park. Organizations like the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club hosted picnics, while events such as the Illinois State Firemen’s Association Competition added to the park’s allure.
The Demise of Burlington Park
Despite its popularity, Burlington Park met an unexpected end in 1899 when it abruptly closed its doors. Speculation suggests that concerns over liability due to crowded train platforms may have led to the park’s closure.
Following its closure, the park’s infrastructure deteriorated, and local farmers utilized the grounds for grazing their cows. In 1922, the DuPage County Forest Reserve purchased the property, transforming it into the Burlington Park Forest Preserve.
The closure of Burlington Park marked the end of an era where leisure and entertainment became more accessible to the middle class, thanks to advancements in transportation and changes in labor laws. While the park’s legacy lives on in historical archives, its story serves as a reminder of a bygone era of summer weekends spent in Naperville.
