Entry No. 30 — the Chicago file — filed under: roadside-oddity

Leaning Tower of Niles

A half-scale replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa rises 94 feet over a Chicago suburb, complete with a deliberate tilt of about seven feet off plumb. Built in 1934 by industrialist Robert Ilg, it originally disguised water-filtration tanks for an employee swimming pool before becoming a beloved municipal landmark. The aging YMCA building behind it was demolished in 2025, but the village owns the tower itself and is keeping it as the centerpiece of a new development.

The move: Pose for a forced-perspective 'holding up the tower' photo in the little plaza, then grab gelato nearby to complete the faux-Italy bit.

📍 Before you go Surrounding site is under redevelopment as of 2025-2026; the tower remains but access paths near it may shift during construction.

• 📍 Niles
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 6300 W. Touhy Ave, Niles, IL 60714

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23