5 Things to Love About Belvidere, One of America’s Creepiest Towns
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.
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
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
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
Walking Mural Tour
Belvidere, the City of Murals. Take the tour.
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
Get some good soft serve at the Dari-RIpple at 105 S State St
Besides ice cream treats, Sips & Sprinkles at 221 W. Locust Street also has great coffee.
MORE: In Illinois, It’s Illegal To Toss These 9 Things in Your Garbage
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.
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
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
Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon
19 of the Stupidest Parking Jobs in Illinois
Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon