Among the most distinctive landmarks in Chicago's northwest suburbs is Niles' unexpected Leaning Tower. This architectural curiosity is a precise half-scale version of Italy's famous Pisa tower, rising 94 feet tall with a 28-foot diameter and leaning a significant 7.4 feet, according to the town's website.

But what led to this striking Italian tribute being built in the American Midwest? The tower's origins date back to the 1920s and entrepreneur Robert Ilg, owner of the 22-acre Ilgair Park with its two large outdoor pools. Ilg needed a substantial water tower for the park, but his admiration for Italian design inspired him to commission more than just a functional structure.