Bellwood, IL

• About the city
• Geography
• Climate and weather
• Landmarks
• Transport
• Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
• Museums
• Sport and Sports Legends
• Universities and Academic Institutions
• Healthcare Facilities and Services

Bellwood is a village in Proviso Township, Cook County, Illinois, United States, located 13 miles west of Chicago's downtown Loop.

About the city

Official status and administrative affiliation

The full official name of the city is the Village of Bellwood, Illinois . It is a municipality with its own government, currently led by Mayor Andre F. Harvey . Bellwood is not a capital city; it is a village within Proviso Township, Cook County, in the state of Illinois, United States . It is an integral part of the Chicago metropolitan area, one of the largest and most influential urban regions in the country.

Historical names and nicknames

• Historical names: The village's name is derived from one of its early subdivisions, "Bellewood." In later years, the final "e" was dropped to become Bellwood .
• Nicknames: Bellwood is known by the motto "Your Family Is Our Future," reflecting its focus on community and family life . It is also informally recognized as a historic "Village of Homes" due to its development as a residential suburb with tree-lined streets .

Date of foundation and age

Bellwood was officially incorporated on May 21, 1900 . As of 2026, the village is 126 years old. The area was initially farmland, and its incorporation was spurred by local businesses, particularly taverns, seeking to avoid annexation by the "dry" (alcohol-free) neighboring town of Maywood .

Geographical position and coordinates

Bellwood is located in northeastern Illinois at the geographic coordinates 41°52′59″N 87°52′35″W . Situated about 13 miles (21 km) west of Chicago's downtown Loop, the village lies on flat, mostly level grassland . It is bounded by the Eisenhower Expressway to the south and the Proviso rail yards to the north . The elevation of the village is approximately 192 meters (630 feet) above sea level . From a geographic standpoint, it is a suburban community within a larger metropolitan area.

City type and economic specialization

Bellwood is primarily a residential suburb and a transportation node within the Chicago metropolitan area. Its economy is supported by local services, retail, and some light industrial and commercial organizations . The village's location near major highways and rail lines makes it a practical base for commuters. Popular local destinations for residents and visitors, as indicated by ride data, include retail stores like Target and Macy's .

Population and demographics

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Bellwood was 18,789 . With a total area of 2.40 square miles (6.21 km²), the population density is approximately 7,835 people per square mile . By population size, Bellwood is classified as a small to medium-sized town. The village is notably diverse: the racial makeup is 68.35% African American, 26.79% Hispanic or Latino (of any race), and 6.67% White . This demographic shift has been significant since the 1970s, making Bellwood a key example of a diversifying inner-ring suburb.

City's "business card" (briefly)

Bellwood is a welcoming and historic suburban village, known as the "Village of Homes," offering a quiet, family-focused lifestyle just a short commute from the endless opportunities of downtown Chicago. Its tree-lined streets and community parks provide a comfortable retreat with convenient access to the nation's third-largest city.

Geography

Water bodies (rivers, lakes, waterfalls)

While there are no large water bodies within Bellwood's borders, the village is located near the Des Plaines River . This river is a key hydrological feature for the region, flowing through Cook County and into the Illinois River. The river and its adjacent forest preserves offer opportunities for outdoor recreation just a short distance from the village.

National and nature parks

Bellwood itself has limited park space, but it is in close proximity to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. A notable nearby preserve is Thatcher Woods, which offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, and picnic areas along the Des Plaines River .

Islands and archipelagos

There are no significant islands in or near Bellwood, Illinois.

Climate and weather

Climate type and general characteristics

Bellwood experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The village enjoys four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 49.8°F (9.9°C) .

Average temperatures by month

The climate features a wide temperature range between seasons. The warmest month is July, with an average maximum temperature of 28.4°C (83.1°F) . The coldest month is January, with an average minimum temperature of -8.0°C (17.5°F) .

*Data source: Tomorrow.io Weather *

Precipitation and humidity

Bellwood receives an average annual rainfall of 865mm (34 inches) and average annual snowfall of 109mm (4 inches) . Humidity levels are typically high, especially in the summer, averaging around 80% .

Seasonality and the best time to visit

The best time to visit Bellwood for pleasant weather is during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are mild.

• Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up from cool to pleasantly mild. This is a great time for walking trails in nearby forest preserves as nature comes back to life.
• Summer (June-August): This season is warm to hot and humid, with average highs in the low 80s°F. It's an ideal time for outdoor community events and visiting nearby zoos and arboretums .
• Fall (September-November): Crisp, cool air and colorful foliage make this a beautiful time for outdoor activities and exploring the region.
• Winter (December-February): Winters are cold and snowy. While outdoor activities are limited, this season offers a quiet charm and easy access to indoor attractions and the cultural amenities of nearby Chicago.

Landmarks

[The Bellwood Community Park]

The central hub for local recreation is the Bellwood Community Park. It features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, making it a popular spot for families and community gatherings . The park hosts local events and provides essential green space for residents.

[The Salt Creek Trail]

For those who enjoy walking, jogging, or biking, the nearby Salt Creek Trail provides a scenic route through nature along the banks of Salt Creek . The trail is family-friendly and easily accessible, offering a peaceful escape into a more natural setting just outside the village.

[Proximity to Major Regional Attractions]

While not in Bellwood itself, the village's location offers easy access to world-class attractions. The renowned Brookfield Zoo is just a short 20-minute drive away . For nature lovers, the expansive Morton Arboretum, with its beautiful gardens and tree collections, is about 30 minutes from Bellwood . These nearby destinations are major draws for families and visitors staying in the area.

Monuments that have become urban legends

Bellwood is the proclaimed fictional hometown of the American cartoon superhero Ben Tennyson from the popular "Ben 10" franchise, who is portrayed as being born in the village . This pop culture connection gives Bellwood a unique, if whimsical, claim to fame among fans of the series.

Transport

Major airports in the city and region

Bellwood does not have its own commercial airport but is strategically located near two of Chicago's major airports.

• O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Located to the north, this is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is a common destination for travelers using ride-sharing services from Bellwood .
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): Located to the southeast, this airport is another major hub, particularly for low-cost carriers, and is accessible from Bellwood via major highways.

Main railway stations

The village is served by a Metra commuter rail station, the Bellwood station . This station is on the Union Pacific West Line. Trains provide daily commuter service, traveling east to Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago and west to Elburn station . This rail link is a vital transportation artery for residents working in the city.

Public transport system (bus)

Bus service in the village and the surrounding suburbs is provided by Pace, the suburban bus division of the Regional Transportation Authority . Pace buses connect Bellwood to neighboring communities, transit centers, and other key locations.

Major highways and roads

Bellwood is conveniently located for drivers, with direct access to several major highways.

• Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290): This major highway forms the southern boundary of the village and provides a direct route into downtown Chicago and to the western suburbs .
• Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway): A major north-south bypass around Chicago, accessible a short distance from Bellwood, connecting to destinations throughout the region.
• Mannheim Road (US Route 12/20/45): A major north-south surface arterial that forms the western boundary of the village, providing access to numerous local businesses and communities .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

First Chop Suey: A Bellwood Chinese Food Landmark

While Bellwood itself doesn't have a globally recognized dish, the village is home to a beloved local institution, First Chop Suey, located at 530 Mannheim Rd . This family-owned restaurant has become a staple for Chinese cuisine in the area, highly rated by locals for its fresh ingredients and friendly service . The menu features American-Chinese classics, and patrons consistently praise dishes like the Orange Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Crab Rangoon, and Wonton Soup . The Hot and Sour Soup is another frequently mentioned standout, with some customers claiming it's the best they've had in the Chicago area . Known for its generous portions and quick service, First Chop Suey offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere with a recently updated interior . It represents the kind of unpretentious, quality dining that defines the local food scene in suburban Chicago.

Museums

Museums and Cultural Sites Nearby

While there are no museums located directly within Bellwood's small municipal borders, the village is surrounded by communities with excellent museums just a short drive away . The most notable nearby options include:

• Elmhurst Art Museum: Located about 5 km from Bellwood, this museum is a destination for modern art lovers. Housed in a park-based facility, its collection includes the McCormick House, one of only three single-family homes in the United States designed by the legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe .
• Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art: Also about 7 km away in Elmhurst, this unique museum specializes in fine jade, gemstone, and mineral carvings, alongside engaging educational exhibits about geology .
• Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio: Approximately 7 km from Bellwood in Oak Park, this is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. It is the historic home and studio where the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright began his career and developed his signature Prairie style .
• Elmhurst History Museum: About 5 km away, this museum, located in an old mansion, offers a glimpse into local history with rotating exhibits on topics like Illinois retail history and the area's past .
• Trailside Museum of Natural History: Just 4.9 km from Bellwood in River Forest, this Victorian mansion houses a museum with native animal exhibits and offers educational programs and guided hikes on its surrounding trails and gardens .
• Oriental Institute Museum: Part of the University of Chicago, this world-renowned museum, though farther away in Chicago, is dedicated to the study and display of artifacts from the ancient Near East, featuring major collections of Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Persian art and archaeology .

Sport and Sports Legends

Local Sports and Notable Athletes

Bellwood has a strong community sports presence, particularly in youth athletics. The Bellwood Youth Traveling Baseball Association NFP is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recreational and competitive baseball and softball opportunities for the village's young athletes . This reflects the village's active commitment to fostering sports at the grassroots level.

Dagen Miller: A Bellwood Native in College Football

Bellwood is the hometown of Dagen Miller, a standout offensive lineman in college football. Miller attended Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, where he was an all-conference and all-state choice in 2021, helping his team reach the state finals in 2018 . He began his collegiate career at the College of DuPage, where he earned First-Team All-American honors and was a key player on the nation's top-ranked offense . Miller then transferred to play for the Western Illinois University Leathernecks . His journey from Bellwood's local high school fields to the NCAA level makes him a notable local sports figure.

Professional Sports in Nearby Chicago

As a suburb of Chicago, Bellwood residents are passionate fans of the city's major professional sports teams, including the Chicago Bears (NFL) , Chicago Bulls (NBA) , and Chicago Cubs (MLB) , as noted by Dagen Miller on his athlete profile .

Universities and Academic Institutions

While Bellwood itself does not host any universities, its location in the Chicago metropolitan area places it within easy reach of some of the nation's most prestigious academic institutions. Residents and students from Bellwood have access to a vast array of higher education options in nearby Chicago and its suburbs.

Nearby World-Class Universities

• University of Chicago: Consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, this private research university is renowned for its rigorous academics, influential faculty, and strong programs in economics, law, and the physical sciences. It is home to the Oriental Institute Museum .
• Northwestern University: Another top-tier research university, located in nearby Evanston, is famous for its Medill School of Journalism, Kellogg School of Management, and strong programs in engineering, communication, and the performing arts.
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): A major public research university located in the heart of Chicago, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and serving as a vital educational hub for the region.
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, SAIC is one of the most influential accredited independent schools of art and design in the country . Its notable special collections and gallery spaces are a draw for students and visitors alike.

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Local Medical Services in Bellwood

Bellwood is equipped with essential healthcare facilities to serve its community's immediate needs. The primary medical center located within the village is:

Concentra Urgent Care Located at 2615 West Harrison Street, this walk-in clinic provides a range of services for non-life-threatening conditions . Services include injury treatment, physical therapy, occupational health services, physicals, and immunizations . It is designed for convenient access to medical care for both residents and employees of local businesses.

Broader Healthcare Access in Nearby Communities

For more comprehensive medical services, specialized care, and mental health support, residents of Bellwood have access to facilities and organizations in the surrounding area.

Pillars Community Health This community health organization serves the Bellwood area, providing a variety of services including behavioral and mental health support, medical care, and domestic violence services . They offer programs in community settings like schools and have multiple locations in nearby towns such as Berwyn, La Grange Park, and Summit, ensuring residents have access to holistic care close to home .

Loyola University Medical Center Located in nearby Maywood, this is a major academic medical center and a leading healthcare provider in the western suburbs. It is renowned for its specialized services, including a Level 1 trauma center, a Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, and a children's hospital, offering Bellwood residents access to advanced medical treatments and specialists.

Discover new destinations

• Fair Oaks, CA
• Berkley, MI
• San Juan Capistrano, CA
• Lemon Grove, CA
• Zion, IL
• Maricopa, AZ
• Belmont, CA
• Chula Vista, CA
• Palm Harbor, FL
• Newark, CA