Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Illinois

1. State Motto: "State Sovereignty, National Union".
2. State Bird: Northern Cardinal.
3. State Flower: Violet.
4. Illinois is nicknamed "The Land of Lincoln" as Abraham Lincoln lived here before becoming president.
5. Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S. and is known for its iconic skyline and architecture.
6. The world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1885.
7. Illinois is a top producer of corn and soybeans in the U.S.
8. The Chicago River is the only river in the world that flows backward (engineered in 1900).
9. The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) was the tallest building in the world for 25 years.
10. Route 66 begins in Chicago and stretches all the way to California.
11. Springfield is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
12. Starved Rock State Park is one of the most visited natural attractions in the state.
13. Cahokia Mounds was once the largest city in North America before European colonization.
14. Illinois is home to five major professional sports teams, including the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls.
15. The first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955.

Geography of Illinois

Illinois is located in the Midwest and features diverse landscapes, from flat prairie lands to urban centers. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Charles Mound (1,235 feet).
• Lowest Point: Mississippi River at Cairo (279 feet).
• Major Rivers: Mississippi River, Illinois River, and Ohio River.
• Notable Lakes: Lake Michigan borders northeastern Illinois.

A Brief History of Illinois

Illinois has a rich history as a center of Native American culture, westward expansion, and industrial growth:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Illiniwek and Miami.
• French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet arrived in 1673.
• Became the 21st state of the U.S. on December 3, 1818.

Top 10 Things to Do in Illinois

1. Visit Millennium Park and see the iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Chicago.
2. Explore Starved Rock State Park’s canyons and waterfalls.
3. Tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.
4. Walk along Navy Pier and enjoy entertainment, dining, and views of Lake Michigan.
5. Discover history at Cahokia Mounds.
6. Take a river architecture tour in Chicago.
7. Explore the charming streets and shops of Galena.
8. Attend a game at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
9. Drive along historic Route 66, starting in Chicago.
10. Enjoy stunning views from the Skydeck at Willis Tower in Chicago.

Top 10 Destinations in Illinois

1. Chicago
2. Springfield
3. Starved Rock State Park
4. Galena
5. Cahokia Mounds

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Illinois, visit the state’s official tourism site: Enjoy Illinois