While driving through Naperville, Illinois, traffic came to a standstill as a mother duck led her ducklings across the road. I found it appropriate, considering Ducks! is Naperville’s latest public art exhibition.

Eighteen colorfully painted duck sculptures decorate Naperville’s downtown area, including on the beautiful river walk. Each duck has a fun name, such as Duck Duck Doc and Disco Duck.

Naperville’s painted sculpture dates back to the late 1990s. After a hiatus in 2005, the program resumed in 2012. As a big fan of such sculpture programs, I think this is one of the funnest I have seen. The ducks certainly brightened up this particularly cloudy day.

Along with the sculptures, many smaller rubber ducks are inside businesses as part of a scavenger hunt. Although that part is aimed at children, we tested our sleuthing skills at a few places. Some ducks were easily found in the shop windows while others were more creatively placed inside.

Before leaving Naperville, we dined at Jackson Avenue Pub. Known for their burgers, there are plenty of other great options, too. No, we did not order duck. We ordered loco shrimp tacos and triple cheese quesadillas. Both were outstanding!

— John Wroblewski, online writer