Plug Your Nose: 5 of the Stinkiest Places in Northern Illinois

Ah, Northern Illinois - an area that is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and unfortunately, some seriously foul odors. From the putrid scent of the Rock River to the nauseating stench of the local landfill, there are plenty of places in the area that will make your nose wrinkle in disgust.

Here are the five worst-smelling places in northern Illinois:

The Rock River

This body of water may be a local recreational hub, but it's also home to some seriously rancid smells. On hot summer days, the river can emit a nauseating stench that can be smelled from miles away. Some speculate that the cause of this odor is the high levels of algae and other microorganisms present in the water, while others believe it's due to the various forms of pollution that have contaminated the river over the years. Either way, one thing is for sure - you definitely don't want to go for a swim in the Rock River on a particularly smelly day.

Winnebago Landfill or Orchard Hills Landfill

When it comes to unpleasant smells, it's hard to beat a landfill. The landfills just outside of Rockford are no exception, emitting a nauseating stench that can be smelled for miles around. The cause of this odor is the vast amounts of garbage that are dumped at the site on a daily basis, including everything from food waste to old tires. It's a smell that can make even the most seasoned trash collector nauseous, so it's best to avoid this area if you value your sense of smell.

See More: Winnebago Landfill Gets Hit With Fines Over Odor Control

The 4th of July Fireworks

It's the most patriotic day of the year and what better way to celebrate than with a giant fireworks display? Well, if you're not a fan of the smell of burnt gunpowder, you might want to stay away from your city or town on the 4th of July. The lingering smell of the fireworks can be quite overpowering, and it can take hours for it to dissipate. If you're sensitive to strong odors, you might want to consider spending the holiday indoors.

Any Walmart Parking Lot

No one likes the smell of dirty diapers, and unfortunately, you're likely to encounter it in the parking lot of a Walmart. It seems that no matter how many times the staff power wash the asphalt, the smell of soiled diapers just won't go away. It's a smell that can be quite nauseating, and it's one that you'll definitely want to avoid if at all possible.

The Smell of Defeat

There's nothing quite like the smell of defeat, and it seems that cities like Rockford (and Illinois as a whole) have been smelling it a lot lately. Whether it's a news outlet publishing a story about how terrible Illinois is (or one of its cities) or a sports team suffering a crushing defeat, the scent of disappointment seems to hang in the air. It's a smell that can be quite demoralizing, and it's one that you'll want to avoid if you value your sense of optimism.