Tucked Next To Rockford Is An Unsung Midwest City With Vibrant Parks, Tasty Restaurants, And Historic Street Art

Northern Illinois has a few major destinations that create their own gravitational force. Chicago and Rockford tend to draw most of the attention, while Wisconsin's Milwaukee and Madison are not too far north of the border. Yet tucked next to Rockford lies Belvidere, an unsung Midwest city with vibrant parks, tasty restaurants, and historic street art.

The 12-square-mile city is off many radars. About 30 minutes east of Rockford and 20 minutes from the Wisconsin border, its 25,000 residents live where European settlers first set up camp almost 200 years ago, near the Kishwaukee River. It bisects the town today, serving as the heart of the city's downtown area. It's also a rare Midwest town that maintains an industrial identity, with General Mills and other large firms still present, while agriculture occurs on the periphery.

Perhaps the most important thing to bring to Belvidere is a big appetite. The city's food scene may surprise you. The highly rated eateries include a mix of cuisines, from Japanese to Mexican and all-American fare. Johnny Pamcakes is where you should start your day, with a full menu of breakfast items — or eat any time if you're into pancakes and waffles for lunch or dinner. If you're looking for hearty, greasy eats, head over to S.S. Subs. Its fresh sandwiches have something of a cult following, with the signature Italian beef sandwich earning rave reviews. Travelers who prefer a bit of spice should stop by La Pasadita. The authentic Mexican food is known for its generous portions and homemade tortillas. If you're harboring a sweet tooth, head over to Sips and Sprinkles. Its long menu of ice-cold treats, combined with hot beverages, can satisfy any hankering for sugar and caffeine.

Known as Illinois' "City of Murals," travelers will first notice Belvidere's nearly omnipresent street art. The local chamber of commerce launched the tradition in 1997 during a "walldog" festival that saw street artists coat the town with 10 murals, and the habit stuck. The murals, which include patriotic homages, tributes to local businesses and institutions, and work by local students, mostly line State Street between Hurlbut and Logan streets. Others are on South State Street near First Street. The murals have even migrated off the streets and into indoor spaces, both public and private. The Boone County Conservation District office and the Belvidere Fire Protection District No. 2 both have indoor murals. More murals will be added, so repeated visits may reveal new sites to see. But travelers to Belvidere should devote a few hours to a walking tour of the public art, then stay on their feet to take in the green spaces.

Belvidere's residents enjoy a rich selection of parks, each with different amenities and features. Spencer Park is one of the city's largest green spaces, with 354 acres of conservation area mixed with public space for gatherings and festivals, as well as fishing. The city's eponymous park is another gem. The Kishwaukee River dissects its 60 acres, and the Belvidere Park District notes it includes tennis courts, beach volleyball, playgrounds, ballparks, fishing, and a swinging bridge. For the truly old-school and minimalist, the Glenn Green Open Space lives up to its name, with 23 acres offering walking paths and well-manicured grounds. At the opposite end of the spectrum lies the Prairie Fields Sports Park, with 90 acres of various sports fields. Just south of town is one of the only zoos in northern Illinois, the Summerfield Zoo, which offers one-on-one meetings with sloths, a capybara, and lemurs.

Travelers have several means to reach Belvidere. The tangle of interstates and highways leading to the city makes driving there a viable option. The closest major transit hub, O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, is just an hour's drive away. Though it receives fewer nonstop flights, Rockford International Airport is less than 20 miles away and bypasses one of the busiest airports in the Midwest. The harder part may be finding a place to stay. 

Belvidere's diminutive size leaves travelers with few accommodation options within town. The bulk of places to stay remains in nearby Rockford, the "City of Gardens," with stunning green spaces and endless recreation. There, chain hotels and inns await. It'll also leave you within driving distance of 10 state parks around Rockford, offering endless outdoor fun.

If you're visiting for the street art and food, then there's technically no wrong time to visit Belvidere. The city experiences the full breadth of all four seasons. The chilly winters make exploring the parks a hassle, so aim for shoulder season or summer if you're looking to see the outdoors. If you want a taste of the town's life, stop by during the Boone County Fair. Held in August just outside of town, it showcases Belvidere's best sides, from its agricultural offerings to amusement rides, live music, and exhibits.