Wednesday, Jul. 28, 2010
Leaning Tower, Niles, Ill.
The Midwestern version of the Italian classic is only half as tall (94 ft. to Pisa's 177 ft.) and half as leaning (7.4 ft. off of vertical vs. the Italian's 15-ft. lean), but the Leaning Tower of Niles makes an outstanding snapshot if you can't fly halfway around the world. Built in 1934, Niles' leaning tower once stood in front of a YMCA but is now the center of a park. Couple a visit to the tower with a swing by the first franchised McDonald's in nearby Des Plaines, and you can even catch a flight out of O'Hare airport, only a 15-min. drive away.