Hotels in Niles, Michigan

A little about Niles...

Niles is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city has also annexed a small portion of land in Cass County. The population was 12,204 at the 2000 census. It is the greater populated of two principal cities of and included in the Niles-Benton Harbor, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Niles is located at the site of the French Fort St. Joseph, first established in 1691. After 1761, it was held by the British and was captured on May 25, 1763, by Native Americans during Pontiac's Rebellion. The British retook the fort but it was not regarrisoned and served as a trading post. During the American Revolutionary War, the fort was held for a short time by a Spanish force. The presence of these three European powers in the area, as well as the United States, is how Niles came to be known as The City of Four Flags.

Points of Interest:
Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve
Downtown Niles is an improving area of small shops, entertainment and services. It is built on a hill to avoid flooding from the St. Joseph River. The Downtown Development Association was awarded a Main Street Initiative development package from the state of Michigan. Seasonal events are held in the park and nearby areas, including the Niles Riverfest, the Bluegrass Festival, the Hunter Ice Festival, and the Apple Festival Parade.

The Amtrak station is located along the main line east of the former Benton Harbor Branch crossing and west of the former junctions with the South Bend and Air Line Branches. Amtrak uses the old Michigan Central station; the current structure was built in 1892 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Baggage cannot be checked at this location; however, up to two suitcases in addition to any "personal items" such as briefcases, purses, laptop bags, and infant equipment are allowed on board as carry-ons.