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Few Chicago suburbs can claim a leaning tower, but Niles has one: a half-size replica of Pisa's famous bell tower, built in 1934 and now the village's proud symbol. Niles sits just northwest of the Chicago city line in Cook County, along the old Milwaukee Avenue route and close to O'Hare.
The village began as a 19th-century crossroads settlement and incorporated in 1899. After World War II it grew fast, drawing families from Chicago's Northwest Side, and today it has a strong Polish and Greek presence that shows up in its bakeries, delis and churches. Golf Mill, one of the area's older shopping centers, opened here in 1960.
Visitors usually come for the tower, a stop at Golf Mill and a bike ride on the North Branch Trail through the forest preserves. Downtown Chicago is about 30 minutes away by car, and the lakefront towns of Evanston and Wilmette are a short drive east.
Replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa at about half the original height, built in 1934 by industrialist Robert Ilg to hide a water tank for his employees' park. Fountains and a small plaza surround it, and the village later became a sister city of Pisa. Photos work best in late afternoon light.
Enclosed shopping center at Golf Road and Milwaukee Avenue that opened in 1960, one of the older malls in the northern suburbs. It has department stores, everyday chains and a movie theater. Handy for errands or a rainy afternoon, with plenty of free parking around the building.
Small museum run by the local historical society, with photographs, documents and objects tracing Niles from its farm and tavern days to the postwar boom. Volunteers can tell you about the Leaning Tower and early families. Opening days are limited, so call or check online first.
Outdoor water park run by the Niles Park District with slides, pools, play features for small children and lounge areas. It is open in the summer months only, with lower rates for residents. Arrive at opening on hot weekends, and bring swim shoes for the warm pavement.
Park district ice arena with public skating sessions, lessons and youth hockey, plus a fitness area. It offers a cool escape on humid Chicago summer days and a warm place to skate in winter. Skate rentals are available; check the public session schedule because times change by season.
Paved trail that follows the North Branch of the Chicago River through the Cook County forest preserves, passing along the edge of Niles. It continues north for miles toward the Chicago Botanic Garden. Good for biking, running and birdwatching; bring a lock if you plan to stop at a picnic grove.
Large Catholic cemetery on Milwaukee Avenue founded by Chicago's Polish community, with rows of carved monuments, mausoleums and chapels. Many notable Polish-American families are buried here. Visitors are welcome during daylight hours; please keep a respectful distance from services.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: VNiles, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Zol87 from Chicago, Illinois, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: VNiles, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: VNiles, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nick Number, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Nick Number, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Nick Number, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Paul R. Burley, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul R. Burley, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Miroslaw Mucha, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Erstwhile.Human from Ellensburg, Washington, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Nick Number, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
