Leaning Tower of Niles.

Leaning Tower of Niles

Field review by the editors.

Niles, Illinois

The Leaning Tower is a perennial stop for travelers in the Chicago area, only 15 minutes northeast of O'Hare International Airport and 10 minutes from the World's First Franchised McDonald's in Des Plaines. The Leaning Tower of Niles is, naturally, a replica of Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is roughly half-sized, 94 feet vs. the authentic's 177 feet, and leans about 7'4" off plum (vs. Pisa's 13 foot tilt). But that hardly matters when you're standing across the street taking a picture. And the savings in overseas airfare and reduced risk of injury is worth considering.

America's Leaning Tower was built in 1934 (600 years after the original) by businessman Bob Ilg, who anchored it in concrete so that its lean would stay consistent. Originally it was a utility tower, made from steel, concrete, and precast stone, designed to hide water filtration tanks. A plaque at its base says it was built to honor the outstanding scientist Galileo Galilei, who dropped various objects from the top of the Pisa tower to prove his theory of gravity.

The plaza around the tower was renovated in the late 1990s, adding a fountain, reflecting pool, and other touches, just in time for a visit from Niles' sister-city -- Pisa, of couse.

Leaning Tower.

Also see: Other World Attractions

Leaning Tower of Niles

Leaning Tower YMCA

Address:
6300 Touhy Ave., Niles, IL
Directions:
Leaning Tower YMCA. I-94 exit 39A. Drive west on Touhy Ave. for about two miles. The Tower will be on the right.
Phone:
847-647-8222
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Sit with Lincoln on a CouchSit with Lincoln on a Couch, Niles, IL - < 1 mi.
Superdawg Drive-InSuperdawg Drive-In, Chicago, IL - 1 mi.
Booby's SignBooby's Sign, Niles, IL - 2 mi.
In the region:
Grandt's Rocket, Arlington Heights, IL - 11 mi.

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August 5, 2016

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