Niles

Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or looking to explore beyond downtown Chicago, the Village of Niles offers a memorable destination filled with history, entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly attractions. Conveniently located just minutes from O'Hare International Airport and only 13 miles from downtown Chicago, Niles is an easy stop for visitors seeking unique experiences on Chicago's North Shore. Niles is accessible via CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus routes  from Chicago, the surrounding suburbs and the airports as well as by Metra, the commuter rail system.
 

• Niles Chamber of Commerce
• Village of Niles
• Niles Park District
• Downloadable Map

No visit to Niles is complete without seeing the iconic Leaning Tower of Niles. This nationally recognized half-scale replica of Italy's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa has welcomed visitors for generations and remains one of the region's most photographed landmarks. Featured in the opening scenes of Wayne's World and recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the tower offers a perfect backdrop for photos and a chance to experience one of Chicagoland's most distinctive attractions. Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy the restored bell chimes that fill the air with familiar melodies, adding another memorable touch to every visit.
 

Leaning Tower of Niles

The Leaning Tower campus is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. With nearby restaurants, shopping, green space, enjoy a relaxing picnic, capture unforgettable photos, or simply admire this remarkable piece of architecture. During the summer months, the area comes alive with outdoor concerts and community events, making it a lively gathering place for families, couples, and visitors of all ages.  

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the historic Tam O'Shanter Golf Course, a beautifully maintained public course with a rich championship legacy. Once home to PGA Tour events, including the All American Open and the Western Open, Tam O'Shanter offers golfers the opportunity to play a course steeped in history while enjoying one of the finest recreational amenities in the region.
 

Tam O'Shanter Golf Course

In addition, Niles offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities that promote active and healthy lifestyles for residents of all ages. The Niles Park District operates modern fitness facilities, including the Golf View Recreation Center and Tam Tennis & Fitness Center, which feature fitness equipment, indoor tracks, basketball courts, pickleball, tennis, group exercise classes, and wellness programs. Outdoor recreation is further enhanced by an extensive network of walking and biking trails, including the North Branch Trail and the nearby Des Plaines River Trail, which provide scenic routes for hiking, cycling, running, and nature observation. Together with the village's numerous parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and recreational programs, these amenities make Niles an attractive community for outdoor recreation, fitness, and family activities.

Shopping and dining are just around the corner in Niles. A unique recreational and wellness destination in Niles is the King Spa & Sauna, one of the largest Korean-style spas in the United States. Located in the Civic Center Plaza, the 24-hour facility offers a comprehensive wellness experience featuring multiple themed sauna rooms, hot and cold therapeutic pools, steam rooms, traditional Korean body scrubs, massage therapy, skincare treatments, and relaxation lounges. Guests can also enjoy a fitness area, movie theater, café, and authentic Korean cuisine, making the spa a popular destination for both local residents and visitors from across the Chicago metropolitan area

Niles is home to a vibrant and diverse dining scene that reflects the community's multicultural character. Residents and visitors can enjoy an array of international cuisines, including authentic Korean, Middle Eastern, Greek, Indian, Thai, Filipino, Polish, Mexican, and South American fare. This wide variety of dining options attracts visitors from across the Chicago metropolitan area, making Niles a regional destination for unique culinary experiences.

The redevelopment of Golf Mill Mall is a transformative project designed to revitalize one of the village's most recognizable commercial destinations. The shopping center is being reimagined as Golf Mill Town Center, a modern mixed-use development that will feature new retail stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, pedestrian-friendly public spaces, and future residential, hospitality, and medical office components. The approximately $440 million project aims to create a vibrant community hub that supports economic growth, attracts new businesses and visitors, and enhances the quality of life for residents. 

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