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    Leaning Tower of Niles

    4.6 (23 reviews)
    Open 5:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Leaning Tower of Niles Photos

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    Kristin B.

    Who knew there was a half-sized replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the suburbs of Chicago? We stumbled on this place while on a driving trip, and decided to stop off and check it out. We figured it would be easier and faster for us to visit here than to make our way to the original in Italy ;-) Easily seen from W Touhy Avenue, the Leaning Tower of Niles is ninety-four feet tall. If you take a walk around the outside, you find some great spot to take photos, and you'll see a number of plaques containing interesting historic facts. Tip: The LTON was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. It was designed by architect Albert L. Farr and construction was completed in 1934. There's ample free parking available, and the area that the Tower is situated in looks peaceful and lovely. If you take the time to walk around the tower, it's difficult not finding yourself thinking about its history. You might even find yourself planning a trip to Italy. After all, it's only a hop, skip, and a 5000 thousand mile jump from Niles Illinois to Pisa, Italy ;-)

    Joshua D.

    Review Visit: May 27th, 2015 The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa... in your backyard. This scaled-down replica is awesome since flying to Italy to see the real thing is out-of-reach for most people. Surrounding the tower is a nice, quaint park that, at the time of my visit, was undergoing repairs. So because of that, you couldn't get too close to the tower, but still close enough to take a photo with it. Definitely a Must-Visit for anyone who is in the area (North of Chicago). Maybe you can even fool people to think you are actually in Italy!

    Sherwin C.

    As far as fun roadside attractions in the state of Illinois go, this is one of those that's definitely worth a special visit. You'll definitely get more than your usual number of pictures here as this spot features bells, pools, fountains, plaques, and a mini tower. When I made a visit here it wasn't super busy so it wasn't too challenging to get some fun pictures and others were respectful to try to not get in each others' way for photos.

    Ryan D.

    The Leaning Tower of Niles is a total tourist trap. It is a fun roadside attraction to take pictures in front of. I had heard of this before, but when I saw it in person, I was impressed with how immense it was. I was not expecting the quality of the building that I experienced. There is the ability to climb the tower but the door was locked when my husband and I were there. There is parking behind the Leaning Tower of Niles in the YMCA parking lot. There are seats in front of the tower, which leads me to believe that civic events are held there. There were a fair number of people when I visited, but there was still enough room for people to take pictures. The Leaning Tower of Niles is a fun place to take friends, family and visitors to take pictures. I highly recommend the Leaning Tower of Niles!

    Lori S.

    Being a little tourist today with my daughter. It's pretty cold so the outside water isn't on due to it being the winter season. I don't know if you can in it at one time but you can't now.

    Joe C.

    I'm all FOMO with multiple friends going to Tuscany and the Amalfi coast. I'm pretending I'm there sitting in the Italy section of the Art Institute. My European day dreams just got a bump closer to reality with the Leaning Tower of Niles! A half sized replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Worth the drive or I biked through forest park. There's also a scaled down version of the Leaning Tower of Niles in front of the Leaning tower of Niles! Friggin Inception! Now you can can bask in the glory of taking all the novelty selfies for the gram or the Tok or whatever. Fool your friends! Jet setter pose like you actually went to Pisa for the weekend. The possibilities are truly endless.

    Lefai K.

    Leaning Tower of Niles is a fun, somewhat gimmicky attraction, but the kids really enjoyed it. They have plenty of ledges to sit down and just enjoy a little bit of Italy.... right next to a busy loud Touhy Avenue street. From what I read, this is about half the size of the real Leaning Tower of Pisa. Personally I haven't been to the real deal, so this one will have to do for now. Head closer to Touhy and you'll get the right-angle to take the cliché "Omg, I'm holding this tower and I alone am keeping this from tipping over" photo shot.

    Maronda H.

    I love exploring and finding hidden gems throughout Chicago/Burbs. The Leaning Tower of Niles is a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Located in Niles, Illinois. You can spot the leaning tour while driving in your car. You will instantly want to pull over and park your car. To get some good photos for social media. Just a fun way of taking some cool pictures of the tour. There is free parking. There is an area where you can sit and enjoy the surrounding of the tour. Bring a book and some lunch to enjoy the weather.

    Plaque
    Tabitha W.

    Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. I love novel attractions like this that are great for a photo opp but won't take up a ton of time.

    elaine w.

    Well it's a leaning tower... looks just as crazy in person as it does in pictures. There's TONS of free parking, but nothing else to do there besides look at the tower. There's a nice little park there... you could sit and contemplate it. It's totally safe and empty there. Take your photos and head over to Barnaby's for some real Chicago tavern style (thin) pizza.

    Me in front of the Leaning Tower of Niles
    Jazmin M.

    Finally after driving past this building for so many years I decided to stop by the Leaning Tower of Niles for my photo op and it did not disappoint. The Leaning Tower of Niles is a half size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa located in Italy. I've heard stories that this building was originally for utilities and then designed to replicate the tower when Niles became a sister city with Pisa. You currently aren't able to go inside (I don't know if you ever were) but you can kind of see inside of the building as well as the other floors and it looks cool. There were other people trying to get their photo in & some people just enjoying lunch near the tower, but it wasn't congested at all. There is seating space all around the tower and on one side it's completely accessible. Niles is a really nice area and I would recommend stopping by if you have the chance to. There is a parking lot behind the tower, but I think it might be for another business. I'm sure if you are quickly parking to get a photo and then leaving it wouldn't be a problem.

    Kathy F.

    Not the real thing but it's pretty Darn close in feeling. Had the opportunity to visit the real one many years ago and if you close your eyes and just imagine when you open your eyes you might feel like you're in Italy for a moment until you see Aldi's next door but overall Great experience and just to say I say it

    National Register of Historic places plaque

    Went to see the replica of the Leaning Tower in Niles. We went with friends from out of town so we decide if we wanted to see the actual one in Italy. Parking was easy to get in. Getting out was a little tricky since it was one way in

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    Just a fun spot to take a goofy photo of you trying to hold the building up. Why not??? It's so cliché but it's too much fun.

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    Ask the Community - Leaning Tower of Niles

    Review Highlights - Leaning Tower of Niles

    Added to the National Register of Historic places in 2019 the tower is closed for tours while the tower itself, the grounds around it and the parking area are getting a face lift.

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    Noble-Seymour-Crippen House

    Noble-Seymour-Crippen House

    4.3(7 reviews)
    2.1 miNorwood Park

    It's a 4 star if you are into this type of thing...it's not really my thing, which is why it's a 3…read more This is Chicago's oldest house, according to the literature. Pros: The guides are extremely knowledgeable. Our guide was a history major & she knew every little thing about the house & and its history. She also grew up in the neighborhood. One guide was a biology teacher & when we were outside, she told us all about cicadas, more than the generic info you read about in the news. It's really pretty & the interior was filled with old wedding dresses & it's history. Interesting fact I observed... wedding dresses don't seem to go out of style. The wedding dresses were numbered & correspond to a phamlet detailing its history. It's a recommendation of $5-$10, affordable & you do your part on old building restoration. Cons: It's a very small house.

    Check out some old Chicago history. If looking for the oldest place in the city then come here for…read morea look. The Noble-Seymour-Crippen House is the oldest structure. Even though it wasn't a part of the city for a long time, it is now and it's older than anything else. Pretty much this is used for banquets and stuff mostly even though it's also a museum but you can make an appointment to visit. Before coming here it should be known this isn't like a museum that a lot of people know about. It's used mostly for events. Things like weddings and that. It has pretty limited hours if just coming to look around. This is open only Saturdays. It's the oldest known structure in the city. The oldest part was built in 1833, and the addition was built in 1868 or so. Among the artifacts are a collection of things found in the ground collected in an archeological dig. There's objects like buttons, guns, toys, and more. Other exhibits show the history of Norwood Park and what it was like. This place is also the home of the Norwood Park Historical Society and is where they have meetings. Good place to check out if you can make the limited hours. It's a must if wanting to learn more about the local history and what it was like back then. This is also pretty popular for those looking to have some big event like a wedding or whatever.

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    Noble-Seymour-Crippen House
    Noble-Seymour-Crippen House
    Noble-Seymour-Crippen House

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    Prospect Park

    Prospect Park

    3.7(6 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    I really like this park. The only thing that would make it a 5 star instead of 4 star park would be…read moreif the playground was fenced in, but that's the cry of a toddler parent who's kiddo likes to take off in every direction. And it's got a pirate theme! There's a toddler play structure (or one that's more toddler friendly, anyway) and a bigger kid play section. There's a climbing structure and new fangled monkey bars. There is a covered area with a half dozen so picnic tables. There's also a great splash pad right next to the playground (can't wait to take my kiddo there!). The splash pad has an admission charge, or if you have a Park Ridge pool pass you can gain entrance using that. There's a nice amphitheater here as well. They have summer concerts or movies in the park that take place here. Last week they had a family concert and I'm hoping to take my kiddo to the next one. This is also a historic site; the Park Ridge Historical Society is located here, too. Parking is pretty good though with some of the popular activities they host here I'll bet it pays to be early.

    First time at Prospect Park. Adding in my review because reviews were limited when I was browsing…read morefor splash pads in the area. I give it 4 stars because here's why: -easy access of parking: there's a parking lot and easy to enter. -entrance fee: $5 per person for Park Ridge residents and $8 for non-Park Ridge residents -plenty of chairs for the littles and lounge chair for adults, including under umbrellas for shade -relatively small so you don't necessarily have to "follow" your child everywhere, however this also says about the price you're paying -bathroom is not such great quality for a park that charges; same as Chicago beach quality that is free Prior to going to the park, I read there are too many kids on the slide. I didn't quite understand until I got there. There's a very short and small water slide. There are many kids who want to ride it and no one to monitor it. I stood to watch my child and signaled when to come down (which I didn't mind). However, other kids were piling on and on, on top of each other, but it wasn't my job to tell them what to do. The slide is also rather fast but the landing area is short so many kids go to the concrete area and could easily get hurt. I wish the splash pad and playground would connect better instead of a long walk, but I could see the reason because splash pad requires pay whereas playground doesn't. It was worth a visit. It was clean and well maintained.

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    Prospect Park
    Prospect Park - August 2023

    August 2023

    Prospect Park - August 2023

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    August 2023

    City of Park Ridge - City Hall, as you know what approaches

    City of Park Ridge

    3.8(5 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    So far my time in Park Ridge has been fine. I've used the park district a few times and it's been…read morevery good; I've taken a class with my little one and will be starting another one in a couple weeks with the Wildwood Nature Center. The park district also has a preschool program, including a nature preschool, which has really piqued my interest. They did a leprechaun hunt that was kind of easter egg hunt but make it leprechauns, and I also signed up for their thing where residents can put out a leprechaun trap and a park district employee will come to leave fun stuff from the leprechaun. I signed up for the easter egg hunt at home that they have too, and that will be fun for my little one. The schools are excellent; one of the elementary schools has recently been deemed the 20th best elementary in the state. And there are some famous Park Ridgians (none who live here any longer, of course): Hillary Rodham Clinton and Harrison Ford are probably the two most famous. Park Ridge is bordered by three Chicago neighborhoods: Edison Park, Norwood Park, and O'Hare. The plane noise isn't too bad, given its location to the airport (which can be quite a convenience). There's ample access to public transportation as well; the CTA blue line can be found in Chicago just across the street from the border to Park Ridge. There's a large parking lot there for commuters. In addition, there's both a Dee Road station and a Park Ridge station on the Metra line (currently called the Union Pacific Northwest line, though Metra is planning to change the names). The Dee Road station has a lot of parking (I've never had a problem finding a spot, though it may have been different pre-Covid) and I think there's probably plenty of parking for the Park Ridge station as well. The farmers market is really great. I have been to several neighborhood markets in Chicago, and only the North Branch Market in Edgebrook is better. That's including the Green City Market, in my opinion. Last year they started a night market that took place once per month during summer and it was a lot of fun as well. There was a band and adult beverage vendors, as well as quite a few food vendors. Parking wasn't bad for either market. Overall, it's not a bad suburb nice that it's so close to Chicago.

    Park Ridge City Hall is a stately building located in Uptown PR. City Hall is the home to most of…read morethe governmental offices for Park Ridge. The city council meets here, so this is the place if you want to attend a meeting and voice your opinion. If you are a resident then you will likely need to come here for a variety of reasons - to pay City bills in person, get vehicle stickers, dogs tags or bike tags. During elections this acts as a voting place. The lines are typically shorter than the local schools and there is ample parking by the attached police station. The City does a great job of decorating the building for holidays and really adds to the community feel. They also host a variety of summer concerts on the steps of City Hall. Hodges Park is located in front of City Hall and is the home to many grea community events.

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    City of Park Ridge - City Hall in October

    City Hall in October

    City of Park Ridge - Our freshly painted water tower on Dempster St, circa June 2025.

    Our freshly painted water tower on Dempster St, circa June 2025.

    City of Park Ridge - A great suburb, and proud to be a resident here.

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    A great suburb, and proud to be a resident here.

    Maine Township Town Hall

    Maine Township Town Hall

    3.8(11 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    We had such a wonderful experience with Jessica at the Maine Township office in Park Ridge while…read morecompleting our passport applications. She was incredibly kind, patient, and helpful throughout the entire process. My husband and I came in close to closing time, and despite that, Jessica never made us feel rushed. She truly went above and beyond to make sure everything was completed correctly and answered all of our questions with such a positive attitude. It's rare to find someone who genuinely cares about helping people the way she does. We are so grateful for her professionalism, warmth, and willingness to stay and help us finish our passport packages. Thank you again, Jessica, for making what could have been a stressful process so easy and pleasant!

    I have to be honest; I don't really understand the township form of government. It's not something…read moreI'm familiar with having grown up in Oregon, and in Chicago it has little meaning (even though my home in Ravenswood was in Lake View Township). However, in the areas of Illinois where there is a township and it's actually a functional form of government, it seems like the purpose is to provide services specifically to those who live in unincorporated areas of the county while also providing service to others in the township's borders as well. Maine Township has various programs ranging from young to seniors, in addition to providing government services. The building is particularly interesting. When I saw the building, my first thought is that it looked like a church, which was a good instinct because it began as the Good Shepherd Community Church. What's interesting about it is that it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr. in 1961 and is an example of Mid-Century Ecclesiastical Style. It is one of only two works by the younge Wright here in Illinois, and was made a local landmark.

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    Maine Township Town Hall
    Maine Township Town Hall
    Maine Township Town Hall

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    Leaning Tower of Niles - landmarks - Updated August 2026

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