There are quite a few misconceptions about life in Illinois that we Illinoisans constantly explain to outsiders. As much as we love surprising people with the good news that Illinois is a lot more interesting than they might think, there are a few things that we’d like everyone to know once and for all!
- It’s not all flat around here.
Cody Allison/Flickr Try hitting the slopes in Galena or climbing the cliffs at Garden of the Gods, and you’ll see what we mean. We may not have huge mountains, but we spend plenty of time above sea level.
- Our restaurants are absolutely amazing.
Girl and the Goat/Facebook Alinea, a highly creative restaurant in Chicago, has been named the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler five years in a row - and we’re proud of it! And if $500 per meal isn’t your style, our state is full of amazing restaurants that serve some of the best food in the country in a more casual environment.
Alinea: 1723 N. Halsted Street, Chicago
- Contrary to popular belief, we actually have beaches - and they’re beautiful.
Jose/Flickr When spending time at some of the beaches along Lake Michigan, you might forget that you’re looking at a lake instead of an ocean. And, we’ve got more small, but beautiful beaches than we can count!
- Chicago is the greatest large city in America.
Roman Boed/Flickr For Illinoisans, this is an indisputable fact. The architecture is amazing, the food is delectable, and the museums are world-class. What more could you ask for?
- But, there is so much more to Illinois than just Chicago.
erikccooper/Flickr From charming small villages to mid-size towns with a special flair, there are so many amazing places to visit across Illinois. Once you spend some time in the Windy City, head over to visit some of our beautiful state parks, sparkling lakes, and quirky towns.
- We do love our corn, but we grow many other kinds of delicious produce.
Gemma Billings/Flickr We are completely spoiled when it comes to fresh, local produce. Our farms grow berries, tomatoes, root vegetables, leafy greens, and so much more.
- We will never let anyone forget about the Cubs’ 2016 World Series win.
Zlaxfish Photography/Flickr Chicago Cubs fans waited a very long time to be winners - 108 years, to be exact. Try to be patient with us; we might take awhile to get used to it!
- But, not all of us are Cubs fans.
Keith Allison/Flickr The Cardinals’ fan base in Illinois is very strong, especially in the Southern part of the state. And when the two teams play one another, look out - it’s going to get tense!
- There’s so much nature to explore here.
Lotzman Katzman/Flickr Our farmland is gorgeous, but that’s not all we have. Dense forests like the Shawnee National Forest and amazing parks like Starved Rock State Park are spread all across the Prairie State.
- Northern and Southern Illinois are like two different worlds.
blkittell/Flickr It’s true that we all belong to the same state, but you might not know it because of how differently Illinoisans from each region live, eat, and talk. We may all call Illinois home, but that doesn’t mean that all regions of the state are the same.
- Though all places have their pros and cons, we really do love our beautiful state.
Tom/Flickr We might complain about the weather or a bad crop season, but at the end of the day, there is so much to love about Illinois. The best part for those that don’t live here? We’re very welcoming to visitors, so come on over!
While you’re gaining a better understanding of Illinois and its residents, you should learn the 15 Sure-Fire Ways to Make an Illinoisan Mad. Good luck!
Cody Allison/Flickr
Try hitting the slopes in Galena or climbing the cliffs at Garden of the Gods, and you’ll see what we mean. We may not have huge mountains, but we spend plenty of time above sea level.
Girl and the Goat/Facebook
Alinea, a highly creative restaurant in Chicago, has been named the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler five years in a row - and we’re proud of it! And if $500 per meal isn’t your style, our state is full of amazing restaurants that serve some of the best food in the country in a more casual environment.
Alinea: 1723 N. Halsted Street, Chicago
Jose/Flickr
When spending time at some of the beaches along Lake Michigan, you might forget that you’re looking at a lake instead of an ocean. And, we’ve got more small, but beautiful beaches than we can count!
Roman Boed/Flickr
For Illinoisans, this is an indisputable fact. The architecture is amazing, the food is delectable, and the museums are world-class. What more could you ask for?
erikccooper/Flickr
From charming small villages to mid-size towns with a special flair, there are so many amazing places to visit across Illinois. Once you spend some time in the Windy City, head over to visit some of our beautiful state parks, sparkling lakes, and quirky towns.
Gemma Billings/Flickr
We are completely spoiled when it comes to fresh, local produce. Our farms grow berries, tomatoes, root vegetables, leafy greens, and so much more.
Zlaxfish Photography/Flickr
Chicago Cubs fans waited a very long time to be winners - 108 years, to be exact. Try to be patient with us; we might take awhile to get used to it!
Keith Allison/Flickr
The Cardinals’ fan base in Illinois is very strong, especially in the Southern part of the state. And when the two teams play one another, look out - it’s going to get tense!
Lotzman Katzman/Flickr
Our farmland is gorgeous, but that’s not all we have. Dense forests like the Shawnee National Forest and amazing parks like Starved Rock State Park are spread all across the Prairie State.
blkittell/Flickr
It’s true that we all belong to the same state, but you might not know it because of how differently Illinoisans from each region live, eat, and talk. We may all call Illinois home, but that doesn’t mean that all regions of the state are the same.
Tom/Flickr
We might complain about the weather or a bad crop season, but at the end of the day, there is so much to love about Illinois. The best part for those that don’t live here? We’re very welcoming to visitors, so come on over!
Illinoisans, what do you want the rest of the country to know about our fair state? Let us know in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
