Belgium's lakeside location and Luxembourger roots
Despite its name, Belgium doesn’t have strong Belgian ties. Instead, the town was founded by Luxembourger immigrants, where their presence is still strong today through organizations like the Luxembourg American Cultural Society and Center and the community’s ties with the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. “People from other areas of the state and the country come to check out their heritage,” says sales partner Mike Koepke with Emmer Real Estate Group. While its Luxembourger history helps residents connect to their roots, people here also love living so close to Lake Michigan, where Harrington Beach State Park is less than 2 miles of the town. “The proximity to the lake is really nice, especially in the summer,” Koepke says. “The breeze comes off the lake and its about 10 degrees cooler than more inland cities like Madison.”
Beaches along Lake Michigan and nearby amenities in town
At Harrington Beach State Park, people can swim, boat and fish off the 1 mile of shoreline along Lake Michigan. “Lake Michigan is like an ocean — it has some really nice beaches,” Koepke says. “You can swim there, and you can take your boat out there if you’re brave and the waves aren’t too big.” It’s a great spot for salmon and trout fishing, but there’s more fishing opportunities at Quarry Lake and Puckett’s Pond on the park. Down the coast, Forest Beach Migratory Preserve is a golf course turned nature preserve meant to support migratory birds. The platform and boardwalk overlooks are great for birdwatching, but the pathways are also popular with hiking. In the town, Heritage Park’s playground stands out with lime green fixtures. The baseball diamonds and batting cages host the local little league games. In addition to Community Park’s playground and fields, it also has courts for basketball, tennis, pickleball and sand volleyball.
Belgium's connection to Luxembourg through its cultural society
The Luxembourg American Cultural Society and Center aims to preserve Belgium’s Luxembourger routes through museum exhibits featuring heirlooms and artifacts. However, it is much more than a museum. The society works with both American and Luxembourger ambassadors to help promote tourism in both countries and help Americans with the process of dual citizenship, which Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg supports. The group also hosts cultural events, like the annual Luxembourg Fest, which is an almost 40-year tradition. For a week in early August, people come for a parade, a vendor market, games and traditional folk dances.
Single-family homes and condos available in Belgium
Belgium’s water tower overlooks the town’s wide streets. Trees shade the front yards, and small bushes sit alongside the façades of Belgium’s New Traditionals, ranch-style homes and the occasional duplex. These homes typically range from $310,000 to $450,000. Condos in communities like Lindale Street Condos typically range from $150,000 to $350,000.
The town's public schools are shared with Cedar Grove
Belgium shares its school district with nearby Cedar Grove. For prekindergarten through fourth grade, students head to Cedar Grove-Belgium Elementary School. After, they continue to Cedar Grove-Belgium Middle School. Both schools receive A-minus ratings from Niche. Cedar Grove-Belgium High School receives a B-plus and offers dual enrollment courses with nearby colleges.
Local cafes and American restaurants and supermarkets in nearby towns
Luxembourg Café specializes in breakfast, serving savory breakfast burritos and egg dishes and sweet French toast and waffles platters. Kyote’s Bar and Grill’s menu features American fare like wings and burgers. The joint also has pool tables and indoor sand volleyball courts, where patrons can join the leagues hosted there. Kwik Trip is the only grocery or convenience option in town, so residents will need to head out of town for bigger grocery trips. However, Belgium’s location right by the Interstate means people can easily access other towns and supermarkets, like Piggly Wiggly 7 miles north in Cedar Grove or the Walmart 12 miles south in Saukville. “Grafton is another town right on the Interstate and they have a lot of amenities there too,” Koepke says. “Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart…” The town is about 17 miles south.
Taking Interstate 43 to other towns along Lake Michigan
Interstate 43 goes through the eastern side of the community, running north to south. Residents can use it to get to Port Washington, about 12 miles south. Port Washington Health Center is located here, about 11 miles away. The nearest airport is in Milwaukee, where Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 43 miles from Belgium.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
