Fascinating Facts about Illinois
Illinois is known as the Land of Lincoln because it’s the birthplace of President Abraham Lincoln.
The Willis Tower in Chicago, formerly known as the Sears Tower, was once the tallest building in the world.
The official state bird of Illinois is the cardinal, known for its vibrant red color.
The Chicago River is dyed green every year for St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Illinois is home to the largest public library in the world, the Harold Washington Library in Chicago.
The Chicago Bulls basketball team, led by Michael Jordan, achieved six NBA championships in the 1990s.
The first successful open-heart surgery was performed at the University of Illinois in 1953.
Illinois is one of the leading corn-producing states in the United States.
The Illinois State Fair, held in Springfield, attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Illinois has a rich history in jazz and blues music, with notable musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Muddy Waters.
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.
The city of Metropolis, in southern Illinois, is known as the official hometown of Superman.
Illinois has the largest inland port in the United States, located in East St. Louis.
The Chicago Cubs baseball team ended a 108-year championship drought by winning the World Series in 20
The famous Route 66, connecting Chicago to Los Angeles, starts in Illinois.
Fascinating Facts about Illinois part 2
The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield is the tallest non-skyscraper capitol building in the United States.
Illinois is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits about the 16th President.
The Chicago Water Tower is one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 187
The Chicago Cultural Center is the first free municipal cultural center in the United States.
The Illinois State University is one of the oldest public universities in the state, founded in 1857.
Illinois has a state fossil, the Tully Monster, named after a collector who discovered it in 1958.
The Field Museum in Chicago houses Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found.
In 1908, the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was achieved at the University of Chicago.
Illinois is known for its deep-dish pizza, with thick crust and generous toppings.
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is home to over 32,000 animals, making it one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world.
The Illinois State Flower is the violet, symbolizing loyalty and faithfulness.
The Chicago Botanic Garden spans over 385 acres and features a variety of different gardens and exhibits.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the United States.
The John Hancock Center in Chicago has an observation deck on the 94th floor, offering panoramic views of the city.
The Illinois State Police is one of the oldest state police agencies in the United States, established in 19
The Magnificent Mile in Chicago is a renowned shopping district, featuring upscale retailers and luxury boutiques.
The Illinois State Reformatory in Pontiac, now closed, served as a filming location for the movie The Blues Brothers.
Illinois has more nuclear power plants than any other state in the United States.
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield showcases exhibits on natural history, art, and culture of the state.
The Chicago River is the only river in the world that permanently flows backward.
The Chicago White Sox baseball team was the first team to install stadium lights and play a night game in 19
Illinois has several scenic byways, including the Great River Road and the Lincoln Highway.
The Navy Pier in Chicago is the largest tourist and leisure complex in the Midwest.
Illinois has produced many famous actors and actresses, including Harrison Ford, Robin Williams, and Charlton Heston.
The Illinois State Flag features the state seal with an eagle holding a shield and a banner reading State Sovereignty, National Union.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange is the world’s largest futures and options exchange.
The Illinois State Police Academy, located in Springfield, has been training state troopers since 196
Illinois has over 60 state parks and recreation areas, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities.
The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, established in 1868.
Illinois is home to numerous professional sports teams, including the Chicago Bears football team, the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, and the Chicago Fire soccer team.