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Transportation
Unique to our community, Niles offers a free bus service at no charge to riders.
The bus operates within the Village and stops at all major shopping center and
public facilities and within a short distance of every residence. Bus schedules
can be picked up at the Village Hall and Chamber office.
In conjunction with our free bus is one of the world's most extensive public
transit systems. Elevated electric trains, commuter trains, buses and
multi-lane roadways, are within a walking distance.
Government
Niles is governed by the council-manager form of government with a mayor and
six trustees who are elected, at large. Council meetings are held on the fourth
Tuesday of each month (except December) and are open to the public.
Our responsive government satisfy the needs of over 28,000 residents with
superior municipal services and programs including: a Class 3 Fire Department
in which all personnel are state certified in fire fighting and paramedic
techniques; a Police Department of 51 sworn personnel, along with 50 part-time
officers known as the reserve force; a superb Human Services Department which
offers an active senior division, a supportive family services; curbside
recycling, garbage pickup, tree and shrubbery removal; as well as no-fare
courtesy buses.
The Village Hall, located at 1000 Civic Center Drive, provides state of the art
facilities and houses the Manager's Office, administrative offices, finance
department and code enforcement.
Culture and Attractions
Village residents enjoy access to a full spectrum of cultural and entertainment
opportunities.
Niles is perhaps best known for its replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Located on Touhy, the structure is exactly 50% of its likeness. The Village of
Niles recently renovated the popular tourist attraction, restoring it to its
original majesty. Each summer the Leaning Tower is the sight for the Village's
Concerts in the Park.
Attracting visitors from all over the world, the Bradford Exchange contains a
museum that displays all limited-edition collector plates. Plates are
beautifully exhibited in a setting complete with indoor garden, rippling stream
and stone walkways.
Local organizations, schools, and churches, provide another source of
entertainment. Lively musicals, concert series, plays and festivals are widely
attended.
Niles Fourth of July Parade has been a key part of our history, tracing back to
the early 1900s. Today, residents and visitors are treated to one of the most
elaborate parades in the State. Close to 100 participants take part, including
bands from as far away as Canada.
The Niles Public Library serves a population of over 54,000. Their collection
includes over 177,000 books, 6,000 video cassettes and 9,000 audio recordings.
In addition to providing materials for home and office use, the library
provides special services to users including: a computer lab, reference and
information service, reader's advisory service, children's department, and
bookmobile service. The libraries beautifully expanded facility allows more
parking, seating, a larger collection, and meeting rooms.
The Niles Historical Museum is one of the largest in the Northeast area. The
building was formerly the Cook County Sheriff's quarters and is the oldest
municipal structure in Niles. Replicas, collectibles and display cases, filled
with items of yesteryear are just some of the treasures to be seen. The
Historical Society is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tours may be scheduled by appointment.
Niles continues to beautify its hamlet. A magnificent fountain stands on the
corner of Touhy and Milwaukee where the old village hall once called home. This
site is a calming place to sit as well as a beautiful background for wedding
pictures.
Dining and Lodging
Niles has long been known for the multitude of ethnically diverse eateries that
cater to any taste bud. Whether its fine dinning, lunch on the run, catered
parties, or weddings for hundreds, Niles fits the bill.
Several motels are located within Niles city limits along with numerous hotels
within a 3 to 5 mile radius.
Niles offers over 20 meeting facilities and banquet halls which seat from 10 to
over 1000 people. Whether you are planning a small business conference or large
wedding, Niles can accommodate your needs. Call the Niles Chamber for
recommendations on dinning and lodging.
Hospitals and Health Care
Four full-service hospitals are located in the immediate area, including
Lutheran General Hospital and Holy Family. These hospitals are dedicated to
providing the latest in technological advancements and quality care. A great
number of quality medical centers also service our locality.
History
Niles is located in territory once inhabited by Indians who settled here about
1700. On August 20, 1835, a portion of land, including Niles, was purchased by
the U.S. Government. In 1831, John and Katherine Ebinger, natives of Stuttgart,
Germany, journeyed to America. Their intent was to set up a farm in the Chicago
area. Finding the lake front land too swampy for farming, they traveled further
north along the Indian trail toward Milwaukee, WI. According to local legend,
their horse stepped on a rattlesnake, along the Niles boarder, and died shortly
afterwards. Left without a horse, the Ebingers settled here and established a
home and farm.
On August 24, 1899, Niles was officially incorporated as a Village in the State
of Illinois.
Niles grew at a slow pace until the sixties which produced unbelievable changes
in the structure of the Village. Park and library districts were established,
new fire and police stations were built, modern shopping locations were
introduced, large industries located along Touhy Avenue and Howard Street.
In 1965, the Village of Niles won the highly coveted "All American City Award."
This award was given to a city or village that displayed significant
accomplishments.
Shopping
Consumers by the thousands have long been attracted to the fine shopping
districts represented. From the multitude of friendly store fronts to large
shopping malls, Niles promises a pleasant shopping experience.
Niles houses several shopping centers including Golf Mill, Four Flaggs, Village
Crossing, Civic Center and coming in 2000...
Free parking everywhere, reasonable prices, and large selections add to the
enjoyment of shopping in Niles.
Recreation
With over 20 park sites encompassing 95 acres, the Niles Park District offers
year-round activities.
Tam Golf Course is a beautiful 9-hole course, situated on a branch of the
Chicago River. The course gives golfers, of all abilities, a chance to play
under conditions normally only seen at private country clubs. Tam also features
a large putting green, golf lessons, and pro shop. A beautiful clubhouse was
recently constructed overlooking the course and is open to the public seven
days a week.
Other special features of the Park District include: an indoor ice-skating
rink, lighted tennis courts, basketball, volleyball courts, floor hockey,
softball, baseball fields, indoor, outdoor swimming pools, batting cages, and
miniature golf. The Park's administrative are located at 6676 Howard.
Golf Maine Park District also services a small district in Niles. They too,
offer a wide variety of athletics and recreational classes.
The Leaning Tower YMCA, located on Touhy, also offers a multitude of programs
and services to meet any recreational need. Their extensive facility house
fitness centers, a weight room, swimming pools, and living quarters.
In 1998 the Village of Niles opened a new health and wellness center which
houses a full-service health club, swimming pool, basketball courts, aerobics
room, and running track.
For the avid cyclist, trails wind for miles in the nearby forest preserves
surrounding Niles.
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