Content Summary
Initially settled by Europeans in 1832, this North Shore community spans across the North Branch of the Chicago River.
This waterway traverses a series of Cook County forest preserves, accessible to hikers and cyclists along the 20-mile North Branch Trail.
An advantage of Niles is its complimentary public bus service, linking local shopping centers and public facilities seven days a week.
The Niles Park District also operates a variety of notable public amenities, including a water park, mini-golf course, and batting cages.
The Leaning Tower of Niles is a faithful half-scale replica of the renowned Medieval tower in Pisa, while the public Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Niles was a prominent venue on the PGA Tour during the 1950s and 1960s and was home to the country’s first live televised golf broadcast.
1. Leaning Tower of Niles
This landmark in the Chicago area originated in the 1930s when industrialist Robert Ilg constructed a recreational park for employees of the Ilg Hot Air Electric Ventilating Company.
The centerpiece of the complex is a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which, akin to its Italian counterpart, functions as a campanile, featuring a ring of five bells, three of which are believed to be historic and were cast in Italy.
The Leaning Tower of Niles also serves a functional role as a water reservoir for the outdoor pools at the previous recreational site.
Adjacent to the North Branch of the Chicago River, the tower is flanked by retail stores such as Target and Costco, as well as a variety of dining options nearby. At the base of the structure lies a modest amphitheater, bordered by trees and hedges.
2. North Branch Trail
Niles is situated along a Class I bicycle trail, which meanders through the North Shore from Gompers Park, Chicago, in the south to Glencoe and the Chicago Botanic Garden in the north.
The North Branch Trail spans approximately 20 miles and follows the river of the same name. In Niles, the North Branch of the Chicago River curves through a variety of public spaces and Cook County forest preserves, including Miami Woods, Bunker Hill, and the Tam O’Shanter Golf Course.
Regardless of whether you choose to proceed northeast or southeast, the verdant corridor continues for miles through a chain of picturesque preserves, comprising wetlands, wildflower-rich prairies, open savannas, and flatwood forests—a habitat rare in the Chicago area.
3. King Spa & Sauna
A Jjimjilbang, or Korean-style bathhouse, may not be what one anticipates encountering in the Chicago suburbs, yet this facility has gained immense popularity.
Featuring a blend of gender-segregated and unisex areas, these amenities offer relaxation, health, and beauty treatments, along with entertainment and overnight accommodations.
King Spa & Sauna is the largest Jjimjilbang in the United States and provides a wide array of therapeutic sauna rooms (sudatorium, oxygen, ionized, charcoal, ocher, ice, and more), in addition to pools, cozy lounges, sleeping areas, a food court, and a movie theater.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept, it is advisable to review the rules and etiquette online before participating, as complete nudity is expected in the gender-segregated spaces.
4. Oasis Waterpark & Fun Center
As one of several excellent amenities managed by the Niles Park District, this outdoor pool complex remains open throughout the summer, up until Labor Day weekend.
The primary attraction at Oasis Waterpark is the expansive zero-depth pool, which is complemented by a children’s splash pad, three slides, diving boards, and snack concessions.
The splash pad is equipped with numerous sprinklers and sprays, as well as slides designed specifically for young children.
While rates and seasonal pool passes are slightly elevated for non-residents, they remain affordable, and children’s pool parties are available throughout the season during regular hours.
5. Bunker Hill
This riverside preserve in the southeastern part of Niles showcases remarkable natural diversity.
Bunker Hill consists of a floodplain forest, prairie, savanna, oak woodlands, and rare flatwood forests, all populated by a rich array of wildlife.
Notably, this location is a cherished destination for picnics, where visitors can relax by the slow-moving river and observe waterbirds such as herons, geese, and ducks.
During spring, one might witness a woodcock performing its courtship display at dusk, while in summer, song sparrows and swallowtail butterflies are frequently seen.
Throughout the season, the abundance of wildflowers and blooming grasses is exceptional, with blazing star, fringed gentian, prairie sundrops, mountain blue-eyed grass, and big bluestem being among the highlights.
6. Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park is a public facility that exceeds expectations as a popular family attraction during the summer months.
This park features a challenging yet enjoyable 18-hole mini-golf course, adorned with an array of unique obstacles and well-planned landscaping.
Additionally, the park provides a set of batting cages, equipped with six baseball machines alongside two fast-pitch and two slow-pitch softball machines.
Accompanying these facilities is a concession stand offering snacks and beverages. Notably, Fridays host family fun nights, during which guests can enjoy a round of mini-golf, a batting cage token, a hot dog, a drink, and chips for just $10.
7. Une Année Brewery
This independent craft brewery was established on the near west side of Chicago in 2013 and subsequently relocated in 2017 to a light industrial building at 6343 W Gross Point Rd in Niles.
Comprising a talented team of brewers, Une Année Brewery initially focused on Belgian-style beer but has since diversified its offerings to include a distinguished lineup of sours.
With weekly and bi-weekly releases, there is always a new addition available at the taproom, which also features a kitchen renowned for its BBQ dishes, including ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, burnt ends, and pickle-brined wings. Stay updated with the calendar for live music and trivia nights.
8. Niles Historical and Cultural Center
The Niles Historical Society manages this remarkable museum housed within a beautifully preserved structure that was previously located in unincorporated East Maine.
Erected for the Cook County Highway Police in the early 1920s, this brick building is easily identifiable by its rooftop balustrade and loggia.
The museum is accessible on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and is filled with engaging objects that evoke the domestic life of Niles, noteworthy residents, and the village’s sports history.
Visitors can learn about local institutions such as the former Mill Run Theater and St. Hedwig’s Industrial School for Girls and Boys, in addition to exploring a detailed timeline of the village’s history.
9. Tam O’Shanter Golf Course
This respected nine-hole course on the North Branch River in Niles is operated by the local park district and has a captivating history.
Previously owned by the innovative golf promoter George S. May (1890-1962), Tam O’Shanter Golf Course was envisioned as a venue that could transform golf into an accessible spectator sport, and during the mid-20th century, it hosted several prominent tournaments, including the World Championship of Golf and the PGA Tour’s All American Open.
Golf was first broadcast live on American television in 1953 from this course, attracting an audience of two million viewers for the World Championship of Golf event. The Niles Park District acquired the course in the 1970s, with the most recent renovation taking place in 2018.
10. AMC Niles 12
While the Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles has arguably experienced better days, it continues to house stores like JC Penney, Target, Claire’s, Bath & Body Works, and several local retailers.
A key attraction is the AMC theater, recognized for its cleanliness and featuring spacious stadium seating, modern sound systems, and, of course, the beloved butter popcorn.
Consider attending a film on the IMAX or RealD 3D screen for an enhanced cinematic experience. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and military personnel, as well as for AMC members on Tuesdays.
11. Grennan Heights Park
This community park, situated on a spacious rectangular plot, is located in the tranquil neighborhood of Grennan Heights.
What distinguishes Grennan Heights Park is its series of complimentary outdoor movie screenings during summer evenings, where families can enjoy a film from blankets or lawn chairs.
Among the amenities available in this dog-friendly park are basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, a soccer field, softball/baseball fields, and a modern children’s playground.
The playground is situated on the north side, adjoining the recreation center, which includes an indoor basketball court, open gym, and preschool classroom, offering a variety of programs.
12. Miami Woods
The North Branch Trail provides access through this tranquil Cook County Forest Preserve, where it is worthwhile to take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the floodplain.
Since the 1970s, considerable efforts have been dedicated to restoring the native prairie and woodlands in this area, and the results are evident in the stunning array of wildflowers that bloom during spring and summer.
Coneflowers, bergamot, blazing stars, rattlesnake-master, and St. John’s wort are just a few of the flowering species found here during this period.
Miami Woods is also a popular location for birdwatching, with chances to observe common yellowthroats, savanna sparrows, and various migratory warbler species. Additionally, a picnic grove is situated between the North Branch Trail and the preserve’s access road.
13. Play and Spin
This classic family amusement center located in Niles provides a variety of activities all under one roof.
The standout feature at Play and Spin is the 6,000-square-foot indoor go-kart track, where visitors can compete against seven other participants in eco-friendly electric karts.
Moreover, the facility offers laser tag in a fog-filled maze-like arena, alongside a video arcade, rock-climbing wall, VR games, a sports bar, and a restaurant serving comfort food such as pizza, wings, and burgers.
Play and Spin frequently runs promotions, including discounts for multiple kart races or laser tag games.
14. Sky High Sports
For additional inspiration for family activities, this indoor trampoline park in Niles offers an exciting environment for all ages. At the core of Sky High Sports is a large freestyle court, featuring wall-to-wall trampolines that provide an engaging workout for adults and endless entertainment for children.
Additional facilities include a bouncy dodgeball court, an oversized foam pit filled with soft cubes, sky-high hoops for slam dunks, and a designated area for younger jumpers to play safely.
15. IceLand Skate
Operated by the Niles Park District, IceLand features both indoor and outdoor skating facilities.
This venue offers a range of programs and private lessons for “learn to skate,” competitive hockey, and figure skating, in addition to a youth house league catering to children of all ages.
For those simply seeking fun on the ice, regular public skating sessions and stick & puck times for casual hockey games are available. Individuals can also reserve the entire indoor rink for birthday celebrations (three hours).
