Niles is a city in southwest Michigan, located in Berrien County along the St. Joseph River. It sits about 12 miles north of South Bend, Indiana, and 25 miles southeast of Benton Harbor. The city is known for its historic downtown, Fort St. Joseph Museum, and riverfront parks. Niles also has a long history tied to transportation, trade, and early settlement in southwest Michigan.
Location Map of Niles, Berrien County, Michigan
About Map: The map shows the location of Niles in Berrien County, in the U.S. state of Michigan.
Niles Map, Michigan
About Niles Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Niles in Berrien County, Michigan. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Niles Located?
Niles is a city located in Berrien County, Michigan, the United States. It lies in southwest Michigan along the St. Joseph River, about 12 miles north of South Bend, Indiana, and roughly 25 miles southeast of Benton Harbor. Buchanan is about 8 miles west, while Dowagiac is around 15 miles northwest. Niles is positioned near 41.831° North latitude and 86.254° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 11,137 residents. The city covers about 5.71 square miles, or 14.79 square kilometers, including land and water. The St. Joseph River is a defining geographic feature and runs through the city, creating a scenic setting for parks, trails, and historic sites. Fort St. Joseph Museum is one of Niles's best-known attractions and tells the story of the French trading post that once stood nearby. Niles was settled in the early 19th century and incorporated as a city in 1835. A unique fact about the city is that the community developed near the former site of Fort St. Joseph, an important French colonial outpost established in the 18th century. Niles later became an important railroad and manufacturing center in southwest Michigan.
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Niles City Facts
| City | Niles |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Berrien County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southwest Michigan |
| Incorporated | 1835 |
| Founded | 1827 |
| Total Area | 5.71 sq mi (14.79 sq km) |
| Land Area | 5.54 sq mi (14.35 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.17 sq mi (0.44 sq km) |
| Elevation | 722 ft (220 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 11,000 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 11,137 |
| Population Density | 2,010 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 49120 |
| Area Code | 269 |
| Major Highways | US-12, US-31, M-60, and M-51 |
| Public Transit | Dial-A-Ride and Berrien County regional transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Fort St. Joseph Museum, Niles Riverfront Park, Riverfront Park, and Niles Historic District |
| Official Website | https://www.thecityofniles.com/ |
Distance from Niles, MI to Nearby Cities
- Buchanan, MI – 8 miles (13 km)
- South Bend, IN – 12 miles (19 km)
- Dowagiac, MI – 15 miles (24 km)
- Edwardsburg, MI – 10 miles (16 km)
- Granger, IN – 12 miles (19 km)
- Berrien Springs, MI – 15 miles (24 km)
- Three Rivers, MI – 30 miles (48 km)
- St. Joseph, MI – 25 miles (40 km)
- Benton Harbor, MI – 25 miles (40 km)
- Cassopolis, MI – 20 miles (32 km)
- Kalamazoo, MI – 55 miles (89 km)
- Battle Creek, MI – 65 miles (105 km)
- Elkhart, IN – 25 miles (40 km)
- Michigan City, IN – 45 miles (72 km)
- La Porte, IN – 40 miles (64 km)
- Coldwater, MI – 60 miles (97 km)
- Grand Rapids, MI – 100 miles (161 km)
- Chicago, IL – 95 miles (153 km)
Top Attractions in Niles, MI
- Fort St. Joseph Museum – A local museum interpreting the history of the French colonial fort and the Native American, French, and British communities connected to the site.
- Niles Riverfront Park – A scenic park along the St. Joseph River with walking areas, open space, and views of the downtown riverfront.
- Riverfront Park – A popular community recreation area with trails, green space, and access to the St. Joseph River.
- Niles Historic District – A collection of historic homes and buildings reflecting the city's 19th- and early 20th-century development.
- French Paper Company Historic District – A historic industrial area connected to Niles's long paper manufacturing tradition.
- St. Joseph River – The river flows through Niles and provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and scenic walks.
- Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve – A nearby botanical garden and nature preserve with gardens, woodland trails, native plants, and educational programs.
- St. Patrick's County Park – A nearby Indiana park with hiking trails, wooded areas, fishing, picnic facilities, and outdoor recreation along the St. Joseph River.
Airports Near Niles, MI
- South Bend International Airport (SBN) – 15 miles
- Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) – 55 miles
- Southwest Michigan Regional Airport (BEH) – 30 miles
- Elkhart Municipal Airport (EKI) – 25 miles
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 100 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Niles city website and local government records.
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