Lena Water Tower

The Lena Water Tower is a water tower in Lena, Illinois, built in 1896 and rising about 122 feet high. The lower half features limestone cladding while the upper portion is constructed of red brick, with a large steel storage tank sitting on top.

The tower was built in 1896 after an earlier structure had proven unstable and fires had damaged buildings in the town. This new construction allowed the community to have a reliable water supply for fighting fires.

The tower reflects how local residents used their newspaper to push for better infrastructure in their town. This effort showed the community's commitment to protecting itself and building a stronger future.

The tower is easily visible from the street and can be viewed from the surrounding area, with its distinctive materials and height noticeable from a distance. Visitors should know this is an active structure, so interior access may not always be available.

The tower features stone buttresses running up its sides for about 50 feet, providing extra structural support. These buttresses are an engineering detail visitors often miss but which help keep the entire structure standing strong.

Location: Illinois

GPS coordinates: 42.38083,-89.82694

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:04