Illinois

Illinois is rich with history and culture, from its iconic landmarks to its delicious deep-dish pizza. Explore the crowded city of Chicago or take a drive on Route 66 to get a taste of what this state has to offer. Read through some Fast Facts, take note of some Travel Tips, and start planning your next trip to the state of Illinois!

Illinois is just the first of fifty state guides coming to the blog, so make sure to keep an eye on the USA page for more!

Fast Facts — Travel Tips — Featured Posts

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Fast Facts

Geography and Population

• Illinois is located in the north central part of the United States and is commonly known to be a part of the Midwest region of the country
• Along with bordering five states, Illinois also borders one of the five Great Lakes — Lake Michigan
• Illinois is a fairly flat state, with sprawling stretches of plains and prairies that actually gave Illinois its nickname
• Over 12 million people live in Illinois

Major Cities

• Located in north Illinois, right along the coast of Lake Michigan is Chicago, the most populous city in the state
• Of the 12 million people that live in Illinois, nearly 3 million live in Chicago. Over 9 million live in the Chicago metro area
• Chicago arguably sees the most tourist traffic of all the cities in Illinois, with just under 50 million visitors in 2022 alone
• Aurora, Naperville, Rockford, and Springfield are among a few others that also welcome a long line of travelers

State Staples

• Illinois was founded on 3 December 1818
• The capital of Illinois is Springfield, located in the center of the state
• Its state nickname is The Prairie State, but its also been known as The Land of Lincoln
• Deep-dish pizza is an important aspect of Chicago culture
• Another food favorite is caramel cheese popcorn

Facts and Favorites

• Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, lived most of his adult life right here in Illinois — hence the nickname The Land of Lincoln. A restored version of his original house rests in Springfield. The historic site actually offers free tours of the house on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Chicago is easily my favorite place in Illinois. Chicago brings hurried crowds and cultural diversity to the otherwise calm landscape of the central United States. There’s something about that hustle and bustle I just can’t resist.

If you have more questions, just leave them in the comments section down below! And if you find questions you can answer, feel free to leave those too!

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Travel Tips

Chicago

Chicago is arguably the most popular destination in Illinois, for millions of residents and travelers alike. There’s something here for everyone, from multiple museums, delicious dishes, seasonal spots, and so much more.

Like with most cities, Chicago can be busy and expensive. Leave the car at home. Walking is the way to go here. Plus, walking through the city is free and really one of the best ways to see it. Utilizing public transportation is another convenient and inexpensive way to get around.

It’s definitely possible to come to Chicago alone. But keep in mind your safety and your expenses. Don’t stay out after dark, know how to navigate from place to place, and maintain your common sense. Additionally, stay farther outside the city, skip out on multiple restaurant meals, and look for free activities to participate in.

These are just a few tips for traveling through Chicago. Keep an eye out for a full guide, coming soon.

Route 66

Route 66 crosses eight different states through over 2,400 miles, or 3,900 kilometers, of pavement. And the first 301 of those miles can be found right here in Illinois.

Start in the heart of downtown Chicago as you travel south into smaller and smaller towns, like Joliet and Litchfield. Experience quirky roadside attractions, diner food, and abandoned businesses along the way. Traveling on the Mother Road is one of the best ways to really see these otherwise quiet areas. The trip will leave you with so many memorable moments.

But a Route 66 road trip requires a bit of planning and a lot of navigating. A vehicle of some sorts is definitely a must. As is a strong sense of direction. A map isn’t a bad idea either.

There are many more reasons to embark on a Route 66 road trip — through Illinois and beyond. Keep an eye out for a full guide, coming soon.

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