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The Ravinia Festival is a popular event that attracts over 600,000 visitors annually. The festival takes place from June to September at Ravinia Park, which hosts 120 to 150 music events. The Breaking Barriers Festival is part of a successful series of concerts and symposiums focusing on female conductors. This time, the festival celebrated female composers in classical, jazz, and singer-songwriter genres. The festival featured three evening concerts, panel and roundtable discussions, workshops pairing composers and conductors, and other events collaborating with New Music USA and The Chicago Network.

Naper Settlement is an outdoor museum showcasing downtown Naperville's rich history. Spread over 13 acres, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the area's cultural heritage and foster a sense of community. The museum's vision is to encourage conversations, enrich educational opportunities, and provide engaging experiences for visitors, businesses, and the local community. Naper Settlement is an excellent place for families to visit as it offers interactive learning opportunities for people of all ages. The site boasts 30 historic buildings that visitors can explore to learn about the connections between the past and present. Additionally, the museum hosts special events, programs, and on-site activities throughout the year, giving visitors a unique chance to engage with the area's rich cultural heritage.

The hidden garden behind the Lincoln Park Conservancy is a must-visit spot. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, situated in this garden, is designed to resemble a river flowing through a prairie. Walking along the stone path that encircles the lily pool, you'll come across a pavilion, a council ring, and native plants seen from mid-April to mid-November. As soon as you enter through the Prairie-style Fullerton gate, you will find yourself surrounded by a serene and beautiful garden filled with the soothing sounds of birds chirping and a gentle waterfall. Alfred Caldwell, a landscape architect, designed this garden as a hidden treasure for the people of Chicago. The gravel pathway on the east side of the Lily Pool site is partially accessible for those with disabilities. However, the stone pathway on the west has some steps up and down, making it less accessible. Visitors should also be aware that both sides of the path have a slight incline and decline, which should be considered while exploring the garden.