Driving Around Small Town Niles, Michigan in 4k Video

Filmed on Monday, October 30 2023, I drive around Niles, MI to see what's going on.

Geographically, Niles is located on the St. Joseph River banks, marking the historical site of the French Fort St. Joseph, established in 1697. This fort's history is rich, having been under the control of France, Britain, Spain, and the United States, thus earning Niles the nickname "City of Four Flags."

The city is named after Hezekiah Niles, editor of the Niles Register in Baltimore. Its modern settlement traces back to 1827. Notably, between 1820 and 1865, Niles played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, aiding slaves in their journey to freedom.

An architectural highlight of Niles is the Chapin Mansion, built by Henry A. Chapin, which has served as the city hall. Niles is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, centered around the Riverfront Park. This park, stretching along the St. Joseph River, is the venue for many city events like the Niles Riverfest, Bluegrass Festival, Hunter Ice Festival, and Apple Festival Parade. It also features a memorial, a public stage, a free skateboard park, playground, and volleyball courts.

The Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail passes through Niles, offering scenic views of the St. Joseph River. Other parks in Niles include the Saint Joseph River Park, noted for archaeological significance with ongoing excavations revealing artifacts from Fort St. Joseph, and Island Park, situated on an island in the river.

In terms of urban development, Niles received a MEDC Community Development Block Grant in 2003, facilitating significant downtown improvements. The Jerry Tyler Airport, located at the city's edge, hosts the annual Fourth of July celebration.

Near Niles are the Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, Barron Lake, and the University of Notre Dame, just six miles south in South Bend, Indiana. Lastly, the city marks the northern end of the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail, linking it to Mishawaka and South Bend in Indiana.

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