Townships

The entire length and breadth of Niles Township is comprised of the terminal moraines – an accumulation of earth and rock desposited by glaciers – that border the St. Joseph River and embrace this river valley. This geological feature created a pleasant, rolling landscape that immediately distinguishes Southwestern Michigan from the broad vista of grain fields in Indiana. This feature also created a river system that served the needs of the settlers on and near its banks for untold centuries. Entering Niles Township driving north on the US 31 Bypass and descending into the river valley, motorists are greeted by a breathtaking vista – a mile-long view of rolling orchards, vineyards, pastures, woodlots, and the broad, shining St. Joseph River.

Niles Township’s past, present and future, is intertwined with the river. The past is for our history; the present and future are for you!

All Roads Lead to Niles Township

Niles Township is easily accessible from five major highways, including US 33 and Interstate 80. It is situated just 95-miles from Chicago and 189-miles from Detroit. Eight miles to the south of Niles Township is South Bend, Indiana, home of the University of Notre Dame, and 20 miles to the west are the beautiful sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. Niles Township surrounds the City of Niles and covers 42-square miles, making it one of the largest townships in Michigan. The beautiful rolling hills provide an expansive space for current and future residences and businesses to continually grow and prosper while maintaining the quiet rural life for raising a family.

Continuous Prosperity and Growth

Niles Township has evolved over the last 200 years from solely a farming community to one that offers a variety of business opportunities including agriculture, industrial, and commerce. Today, Niles Township has a diversified economic base with its manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, retail and service industries thriving throughout the 42-square miles of rich soil and easily accessible roads leading to several major cities.

With roots in Native American and pioneer history, Niles Township has been a place to call home for generations of residents. Niles Township is centrally located near larger communities – such as South Bend/Mishawaka and Elkhart, Indiana and St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and Kalamazoo, Michigan. These nearby communities offer employment opportunities in professional, manufacturing, service and management areas. Workers who commute to neighboring communities will find the drive less stressful with a fraction of the drive time that is found commuting in many of the larger cities.

New industrial and corporate centers are forming in Niles Township and are attracting businesses nationwide. Among these corporate developments is the Longmeadow Corporate Village – a planned community and corporate office park – providing the township with 310-acres for further growth in commerce and residential facilities. Other sites for manufacturing and commerce include Bertrand Crossing Technology Park, a prime manufacturing facility. Niles Township offers commerce and manufacturing companies the ability to grow.