Discover why Buzzfeed recently included Belvidere, Illinois on their list of 57 "Creepy" US Towns People Think You Should Avoid. Locals share why you absolutely shouldn't.

Why Do You Love Belvidere

You may enjoy Belvidere but there's always someone who can't stand the place you love. The Buzzfeed community includes a Belvidere hater.

57 "Creepy" US Towns People Think You Should Avoid

It needs to be noted that the decision to put ANY of these towns on this 'creepy' list was solely made by Buzzfeed, who stated at the very beginning, "apologies if your hometown is on this list but everyone's experience is personal, and who knows, maybe you agree with what these people experienced."

'These people' would be the Buzzfeed community and that's how Belvidere, Illinois is now dubbed a Creepy Town.

Why is Belvidere One of the Creepiest Towns in the US

As for what makes Belvidere a creepy town, according to Buzzfeed, it's the devastating tornado that killed 24 people in 1967. Many of those killed were children as the EF4 tornado touched down as kids were getting out of school on a Friday afternoon.

Lack of Sleep Films via YouTube, Boone County Museum of History via Facebook, Canva
Lack of Sleep Films via YouTube, Boone County Museum of History via Facebook, Canva
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The same Buzzfeed community member said there was one more thing that makes Belvidere creepy. He mentioned The Grange, a former secret society, that according to him runs the city behind the scenes.

Not sure if that even registers on my 'creepy' meter as I know absolutely nothing about The Grange and what they do in Belvidere.

I do know that I spend a great deal of time in Belvidere and it usually starts with a stop at this car wash my wife loves. It's not creepy at all.

5 Things to Love About Belvidere, One of America's Creepiest Towns

Belvidere Youth Baseball Facebook
Belvidere Youth Baseball Facebook
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Belvidere Youth Baseball

From the beginning of spring through half the summer, we're cheering our kids on at one of the best youth baseball facilities around. BYB is located at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Boone County Fair Facebook
Boone County Fair Facebook
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Boone County Fair

For me, this is the best county fair in the area. It's not a good year if I don't get a footlong corndog from the Boone County Fair in Belvidere.

MORE: [UPDATE] 2 More Headliners Added to Summerfest 2024 Lineup


LivingOurDreamNow via YouTube
LivingOurDreamNow via YouTube
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Walking Mural Tour

Belvidere, the City of Murals. Take the tour.

LivingOurDreamNow via YouTube
LivingOurDreamNow via YouTube
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It's a walking tour, so do it with ice cream. For such a small community, they have some great ice cream shop choices.

Sips & Sprinkles and Dari-Ripple

Dari-Ripple

Get some good soft serve at the Dari-RIpple at 105 S State St

Dari Ripple via Facebook
Dari Ripple via Facebook
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Sips & Sprinkles

Besides ice cream treats, Sips & Sprinkles at 221 W. Locust Street also has great coffee.

Sips and Sprinkles Facebook
Sips and Sprinkles Facebook
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MORE: In Illinois, It’s Illegal To Toss These 9 Things in Your Garbage


 

Belvidere Park District Facebook
Belvidere Park District Facebook
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Doty Park Sprayground

This park attraction located at 365 W Locust St is right behind Sips & Sprinkles and you just can't have enough things to do during the summer and the Belvidere Sprayground is always a good idea.

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One last thing that's NOT creepy about Belvidere is how many locals will tell you that you need to eat here. Myself included.

El Molcajete Facebook
El Molcajete Facebook
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El Molcajete

This Mexican restaurant at 409 South State St in Belvidere is outstanding. You might also want to try a margarita at this other Belvidere spot.

Devastation Strikes Belvidere, Illinois: The Story Of The 1967 Tornado

Discover the tragic events of the 1967 Belvidere, Illinois tornado, a devastating natural disaster that claimed the lives of 24 people, including 17 children.

Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon

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