Residents of Tower Lakes have access to Tower Lakes Beach, a small, private beach with a volleyball net, boats, water toys, and a life guard on duty.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
The tiny village of Tower Lakes may not have its own post office, church, school or any commercial businesses. But the small community surrounding Tower Lake is chock full of cozy nature and scenic views.
The population barely hits 3,000. It houses a beach, numerous parks, some 400 homes and narrow, winding roads.
The village is within Barrington Community Unit School District 220 and falls under Barrington's ZIP code and post office.
I spent some time on one of the last warm summer afternoons exploring this little village, soaking up all the nature. I saw someone kayaking on the lake. I saw a herd of kids get off the school bus. I saw a lot of ducks. I even spotted a Little Free Library, which just so happens to be one of my favorite things on the planet.
Here are some of the things that caught my eye during my time in town.
Perched in front of the Tower Lakes village offices is a sculpture of a fish welcoming visitors.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
Tower Lakes has a few small parks. The Nazareth Barsumian Memorial Park is one of those, a little green space with trees, flowers, and benches.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
A bumble bee enjoys a flower in The Nazareth Barsumian Memorial Park in Tower Lakes.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
Houses that back up to Tower Lake get access to the lake, and many homes have their waterfronts lined with paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
The Play and Rest Islands Suspension Bridge crosses a portion of the Tower Lake. It was erected in May 2009 and is a replica of one that stood there since 1928.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
A Little Free Library, with the motto "Take a book, return a book," stands before Tower Lakes Beach. On Sept. 14, it was filled to the brim with children's books, classics, and crime novels.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
A small bridge leads to a grassy area around Tower Lake.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
The Tower Lakes village office houses its small government and police force.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com
Bulletin boards stand at various points throughout the small lake front neighborhood of Tower Lakes.
Ashley Holstrom/aholstrom@dailyherald.com