Northern Illinois University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

The DeKalb community is very proud of its association with the University, and locals are a constant presence in the lives of students, usually for the better. Area businesses rely on the student population for their survival, so they go out of their way to be welcoming and friendly. Some local politicians have expressed frustration at the city’s boozy culture and have begun attempts to limit bar hours and accessibility. Not being located in an urban area allows DeKalb to be a safe and quiet haven for its students, who are protected from the harsh realities of big city life. The trade-off is that the cornfields, especially come wintertime, aren’t exactly the most appealing surroundings. A Super Wal-Mart constitutes the hippest mall in DeKalb, so shopaholics won’t have many options to feed their cravings. In terms of cultural destinations, it doesn’t get much worse. There are a few interesting museums and art displays, but nothing to sustain an artistically-inclined young mind for four years. Thankfully, Chicago is only a relatively short drive away. But that is little solace to students without cars or gas money who are stuck in a farm town in the middle of nowhere—no matter how charming its inhabitants are.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

DeKalb has a pretty sleepy... DeKalb has a pretty sleepy atmosphere most of the time. It’s surrounded by seemingly endless cornfields, and the first time you drive through downtown you’d think the local economy revolved around kitschy antique stores, until you get into the growing commercial area on Sycamore Road. There are some really great park trails for biking and walking in town, as well as a pool, but outside of NIU’s Recreation Center, there’s a surprising shortage of gyms or even sporting goods stores. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Otto’s always seems to book... Otto’s always seems to book great concerts, and the House is one of the best spots to relax on campus. People might want to stay away from the bars on nights that there are big concerts drawing people from the city, because city folk are rough around the edges. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I think there are times when... I think there are times when DeKalb has an amazing atmosphere, and then there are times when it is just a bore. There seems to be a lack of options for students in the town. However, I believe that people should definitely check out ‘downtown’ DeKalb, because it has a number of dive restaurants and dive bars. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

It’s a college town without... It’s a college town without a tattoo artist, so it’s not too good of an atmosphere. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

DeKalb has an overall friendly... DeKalb has an overall friendly small-town atmosphere. I can’t think of anything to really stay away from in DeKalb. The things to visit in DeKalb are Corn Fest, the Paperback Grotto, and of course, all the bars that DeKalb has to offer. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts about DeKalb:

• The city is named after General Baron Johan DeKalb, a German soldier of fortune who served under George Washington during the Revolutionary War. He died from 11 wounds suffered while defending Camden, SC.

• In 1873, DeKalb farmer Joseph Glidden invented barbed wire, giving the town its nickname—“Barb City.”

• DeKalb succeeded in landing NIU over Rockford and other Illinois cities in 1895 by tricking the selection committee. The committee placed an importanceon their choice having a scenic river, but local Kishwaukee River had low water levels. So the whole town didn’t use water for the entire weekend before the committee came to inspect the town in order to build the water levels ludicrously high. Needless to say, the gambit worked.

• The 2000 romantic comedy Love 101 was filmed entirely on location in DeKalb. Jeff Anderson from Clerks was the straight-to-video’s only real recognizable face.

• Corn Fest, DeKalb’s most famous tradition, has been an annual event for nearly 30 years. It draws nearly 200,000 people to downtown DeKalb each year, with festivities such a well-attended auto show and ferociously competitive corn-art contest.

Famous People from DeKalb:
Cindy Crawford, Barbara Hale, Richard Jenkins, Charles Nash (former head of General Motors)

Local Slang:
Corn County – The local surroundings
Kish – Kishwaukee Community College
The City – Chicago
Wally World – The local Super Wal-Mart

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