Visit Belgium Vermilion Illinois and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Belgium, Illinois: Discover the historic city of Bellevue with old architectures and the annual tulip festival!
Honestly, if you're looking for "Belgium Sights", imagine that you land in a tiny spot of Illinois that has more history than you would suspect at first sight – founded in 1858, named after the far kingdom, because the founders probably needed a bit of romance in their name. The village is located in the heart of Danville Township, Vermilion County, and is practically the counterpart to a well-oiled tractor: sturdy, a bit crunchy, but surprisingly charming.
I don't quite understand the hype about the old railroad rails, but the small railway station building, which today serves as a café, is really great for a fast espresso when you come to Danville Highway 1 – just turn right, then a few minutes on County Road 12, and you're here. The main road is lined with old wooden houses that tell more stories than most guides. And yes, the local primary school building from 19th. Century is a real eye-catcher if you happen to be passing a sunny afternoon.
A short detour to the nearby Vermilion River lets you smell the water that has irrigated the fields here for centuries – no joke, that is almost poetic. And while you are there, take a look at the small monument that reminds of the first Belgian settlers; that is what I would personally call the true "Belgium Sights" experience. When you drive back to Danville, take Route 1 because it leads you right through the heart of the county – and that's the best thing you can do with a bit of land air.
I have to admit right at the beginning that my favorite place in this little spot earth is not some hip café, but the venerable one. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the heart of Belgium. The 19th Gothic building The century has not only an imposing bell game, but also a story that you don't find in every guide – I remember how I secretly flipped the benches as a child at Sunday worship to explore the hidden crypt. Parking is usually easy, except on the first Sunday of a month, when the municipality is holding a festival and suddenly every parking space is overrolled by a colorful tent sea.
A short walk down the main road leads you to Belgium Public Library. Yes, this is really a place where you can borrow books – not a joke. The 1915 building exudes an almost nostalgic tranquility that forces you to put the phone aside and read a little. I once found an old local leaf, which tells about a fair from the 1920s – a real find for historical lovers. The library has a small reading room window, which remains pleasantly cool in the summer, and parking is right outside the door as long as you do not miss a Poetry-Slam event on Friday night.
If you have enough of quiet halls, look at this Belgium Historical Museum in the former school building. There are old school books, an original school bus and some dusty photographs showing how the city was once characterized by coal mines and agricultural fields. I once discovered an old coffee jug that a local collector called "artwork" – I don't quite understand the hype about such curiosities, but the piece is a real conversation if you want to impress your friends.
A short detour to Danville, which is practically in the same township, takes you to Danville River Trail. The path winds along the Vermilion River and is perfect if you're looking for a short run that doesn't seem too touristy. I met an older gentleman there who told me that he has been jogging here for over 30 years – the conversation was a good example of how the locals see the trail as their personal retreat. Parking is usually free on the Trailhead, but it can be done quickly on warm weekends, so it's better to come early.
A bit further south, but still in the Danville environment, lies the Constitution. This is not an ordinary cycle path, but a 37-mile network that has transformed old railway lines into green paths. I once made a picnic with friends while discussing the history of the region – that was really great, because at the same time you drive sports and learn something. The trail facilities are well signposted, and parking at the main entrance is usually easy as long as you do not arrive on Saturday night with a group of cyclists.
For those who prefer to enjoy art inside, this is Danville Museum of Fine Arts A must. The museum houses changing exhibitions of regional artists and occasionally also larger shows of national names. I was there when an exhibition ran over abstract landscapes, and had to admit that I was more impressed by the captions than by the paintings themselves – but this is the beauty in such places, they challenge you to form your own opinions. Parking is in the back of the museum building, and there is always enough space, except when a special event runs.
Another little treasure I like to mention is that Vermilion County War Museum. The museum is not huge, but the collection of uniforms, medals and personal letters from both world wars is impressive. I once found a letter written to his family by a soldier from Belgium, Illinois, which gave me the feeling that history is not only living in dusty books but in the hearts of people. The museum has a small parking space right in front of the door, and check-in is uncomplicated as long as you don't come to the main exhibition on Monday morning, when the staff is building the new exhibits.
Finally, if you feel that you have enough of museums and trails, take a look at the Danville Train Depot. The old railway station from 1901 is a beautiful example of the Victorian railway infrastructure, and today it serves as a venue for local markets and occasional concerts. I once experienced a street music festival where a local blues guitarist brought the crowd to death – that was a real highlight because one saw the old gems merge with modern music. Parking is usually free at the railway station, but on market days it can get tight, so better arrive a few minutes earlier.
If you're going through the streets of Belgium and Danville, you'll notice that the Belgium sights not only consist of old buildings, but of the stories that the locals are ready to share – and this is the true highlight of every trip here.
The first stop I put to each newcomer is the Danville Lake State Park, a piece of nature that fits like a green junction between fields and asphalt – perfect if you want to escape the city noise without driving too far. The lake is not only a popular fishing area, but also a place where I spent almost the whole day on a hot July afternoon with an old, squeaking kayak, while the children on the shore exercised their “I-bin-one-fish” rufe loudly. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, it becomes a real problem because then the whole family from Danville shows up with their picnic baskets.
A short detour to the north leads to Vermilion County War Museum, a rather inconspicuous brick building, which however houses a surprisingly extensive collection of artefacts from both world wars. I have to admit, I was skeptical, whether this is really “very well-known” here, but the leadership of the former soldier who still wears the uniform has completely knocked me down – he told how he survived after the war in a field swamp in Danville, because the food there was better than what he got in the war. The museum has a small parking lot behind the building, and the sign “Only for visitors” is more a proposal than a law.
If you have enough of history, Danville Art Guild a real light look. The small but fine gallery space in the city center shows works by local artists who often say more about rural life here than any tourist brochure. I remember discovering a painting of an old tractor that reminded me of the first days of my childhood when I drove over the fields with my grandpa. The entrance is free, and the café next door serves the best homemade apple cake in the area – a real secret tip that the locals only whisper.
Another highlight I cannot leave is the historical Danville Train Station. The old railway station from the 1890s radiates a charm that is only found in films today. I once missed a train because I was too busy admiring the artistic wood carvings, and then had to take the bus back to the city – a little trouble, but the experience was worth it. Parking is possible directly in front of the building, but you have to be there early, otherwise you are overrun by the daily commuters.
For those who prefer to walk on the water, the Danville Riverwalk along the Vermilion River a must. The path is well maintained, and I walked there almost all the way on a sunny autumn morning, while I tried to count the ducks that repeatedly jumped out of the water. There are several small stops where you can park your bike, and a few benches that invite you to stay – ideal if you need a break after a long day in the car.
A little off but definitely worth a visit, this is imposing Old Courthouse the Vermilion County Historical Society. The building is an architectural jewel from the founding period, and I have seen a guided tour there with a very self-contained historian who dramatically lifted his hands every time he spoke the word “justice” as if he was rehearsing a play. The courtyard is freely accessible, and parking is possible on the opposite road – a bit narrow, but feasible.
Whether you are a nature lover, history fan or art enthusiast, the surroundings of Belgium, Danville Township, Vermilion, Illinois have something to offer for everyone. The mix of quiet lakes, impressive museums and charming historic buildings makes every visit a small adventure. And if you pack all this together, you get a real picture of what Belgium sights makes up a mix of authenticity, a bit of peculiarity and a lot of local stories you don't find in any guide.
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