With all the fascinating roadside attractions around the Prairie State, it may be difficult to pick a favorite. From a rabbit ranch along Route 66 to a fire-breathing dragon and a town that's home to several of the world's largest objects, traveling around the state can be a blast. But did you know that here in Illinois you can find one of the only leaning towers in North America? It's true! Let's find out a bit more about the Leaning Tower of Niles in Illinois.
To commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, Illinois built its own tower in 1934. Head to the village of Niles in Cook County where you will find the Leaning Tower of Niles!
Located at 6300 W. Touhy in the city's 22-acre Ilgair Park, the Leaning Tower of Niles is on the National Register of Historic Places.
It's not just a landmark, but a whimsical roadside attraction that everyone should see in person. Visit the park, take a picnic, take photos, and just marvel at this extraordinary tower!
Built between 1931 and 1934, the Leaning Tower of Niles is half the size of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It measures 94 feet tall with a 28-foot diameter, and it leans 7.4 feet.
Each day at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m., the historic restored bells of the tower ring for a few minutes. The seven bells at the top of the tower actually play tunes many of us are familiar with.
In 1991, the Villages of Niles, Illinois, and Pisa, Italy, became sister cities, bonded by their leaning towers. It's the perfect pact!
The Leaning Tower of Niles may look remarkably like the original Leaning Tower of Pisa, but it's certainly a unique attraction in Illinois. And it's one of the only leaning towers in North America.
Have you ever seen the Leaning Tower of Niles in Illinois? If you have, tell us about the experience in the comments. To learn more about this whimsical roadside attraction, visit the Village of Niles' website and Facebook page.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
