Located in the Midwest region, the 21st state is home to nearly 12.8 million people residents. Bordered to the northeast by Lake Michigan, to the west by the Mississippi River and to the south by the Ohio River, the waterways of the state fuel agriculture, transportation and family fun. The state is known for its large and diverse population, balance of rural areas, small industrial cities, many suburbs and “Sweet Home Chicago.” Illinois is rich in historical significance and landmarks while offering a combination of prairie farmland, excellent education, a strong economy, a vast assortment of outdoor activities and unique attractions with big-city excitement and amenities.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Prairie State State Capital: Springfield State Flower: Purple Violet State Bird: Cardinal

      Illinois lies entirely in the Interior Plains, comprised of three major geographical areas. The first is Chicagoland, the Northern division that is densely populated, industrialized and ethnically diverse. Southward and westward, the second major division is Central Illinois, an area of mostly flat prairie. Known as the “Land of Lincoln” or the “Heart of Illinois,” it is characterized by small towns and mid-sized cities, including the state’s capital of Springfield. Agriculture, educational institutions and manufacturing centers figure prominently. The third division is Southern Illinois, including Little Egypt, near the meeting of the Mississippi River and Ohio River. This region can be distinguished from the other two by its warmer climate, different mix of crops and more rugged topography.
      Diversity in lifestyles, geography and economy provide several housing types throughout the state. Vacation and investment properties are found around the perimeter of the many lakes that dot the state, including Lake Michigan.

Sprawling ranches and farms are found in Central and Southern Illinois, while new developments, master-planned communities and golf course housing continue to pop up around metro areas. Condominiums and townhouses are found closer to the city, while suburban tree-lined streets welcome residents home.
      Illinois remains a national crossroads and transportation hub, with an extensive rail network transporting both passengers and freight. O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving numerous domestic and international destinations. Also known for notable institutions in the area, the University of Chicago, Northwestern University and the several branches of the University of Illinois top the list. The diverse economy in Illinois is bolstered by agriculture, industrial outputs, petroleum, coal and transportation equipment.
      As the largest city in the state and known as a center for sports, culture, recreation and shopping, Chicago offers a long list of activities for its residents. Home to several professional sports of the state, the MLB’s Cubs and White Sox, the NFL’s Bears, the NBA’s Bulls and NHL’s Blackhawks. Chicago is also known for its world-class museums, including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute and the Adler Planetarium top the list for artists, science and history buffs alike. Known for its blues and jazz, one can bask in the flavor at a local joint in the city or hop to one of the many music festivals.

      Family fun is waiting in all corners of the state. Head to the city for Chicago’s new 25-acre Millennium Park, featuring sculptures including the popular “Bean,” the outdoor Pritzker Pavilion, Harris Theater and Crown Fountain, which features projected faces of Chicagoans who occasionally spurt water. Take in some sensational shopping of Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. Sample more than 70 local restaurants fare at the Taste of Chicago. Be one of the first to get a glimpse of Jane, one of the most important dinosaur discoveries of the past 100 years at Rockford’s Burpee Museum. Check out the lush Shawnee National Forest and hike the bluffs of the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods. Visit one of the seven wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, located along a scenic 25-mile drive through the Shawnee Forest. Check out the fun at the Illinois State Fair and the DuQuoin State Fair. Hike the trails to the waterfalls and canyons of 2,600 acre Starved Rock State Park.