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United States of America

Illinois

Administrative territorial entity First-level administrative division State of the United States

Illinois, Midwestern state in United States

This midwestern region lies between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, featuring flat prairies through the center, forests in the south, and farms stretching in every direction. Chicago dominates the northern lakeshore with high-rises and urban density, while the rest unfolds into small towns and open fields.

This territory passed from French to British control during the 18th century, then became part of the United States shortly afterward. Railroads, industry, and waves of immigration transformed it into an economic hub through the middle of the 19th century.

Neighborhoods reflect waves of immigration from Germany, Poland, Ireland, and Mexico, visible in local festivals, bakeries, and street names that shape daily life. Sports define weekends in Chicago and beyond, with baseball, football, and basketball games drawing fans to stadiums, pubs, and living rooms across the state.

A good map helps with orientation, as distances between cities can stretch into several hours by car and public transport is sparse outside Chicago. Weather swings between hot summers and freezing winters, so spring or autumn often offer more comfortable conditions.

The first skyscraper in the world rose in Chicago after a great fire destroyed the downtown and architects began experimenting with steel and height. Most of the region sits so flat that you can see the horizon for miles without a single hill blocking the view.

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Location

United States

Inception

December 3, 1818

Capital city

Springfield

Elevation above the sea

191 m

Reference

Part of

contiguous United States

Shares border with

Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan

Website

https://illinois.gov

GPS coordinates

40.00028,-89.25028

Latest update

December 14, 2025 20:49

Photos

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Photo author: Teemu008
Photo license: CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo author: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit
Photo license: Public domain

Photo author: hakkun
Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0

Panoramic ViewPhoto author: Rastapopulous
Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo author: Nick Jordan
Photo license: CC BY 2.0

Historic and natural sites in Illinois

32 elements

Illinois holds a rich collection of historical sites and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore prehistoric ruins like the Cahokia Mounds, where earthen structures reflect the achievements of ancient peoples. The region also features striking rock formations such as Garden of the Gods and natural...

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Illinois

Illinois, Midwestern state in United States

Historic and natural sites in Illinois

Historic Route 66

Willis Tower

Gateway Arch

Cloud Gate

Wrigley Field

Cahokia

Trump International Hotel and Tower

Soldier Field

875 North Michigan Avenue

United Center

U-505

Barack Obama Presidential Center

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago Pile-1

Lincoln Tomb

The Dome at America's Center

Hull House

Six Flags Great America

Millennium Park

Navy Pier

Allstate Arena

Farnsworth House

Robie House

Field Museum of Natural History

University of Evansville

Merchandise Mart

St. Regis Chicago

Naval Station Great Lakes

Adams County

Alexander County

Bond County

Boone County

Brown County

Bureau County

Calhoun County

Carroll County

Cass County

Champaign County

Christian County

Clark County

Clay County

Clinton County

Coles County

Cook County

Crawford County

Cumberland County

DeKalb County

DeWitt County

Douglas County

DuPage County

Edgar County

Edwards County

Effingham County

Fayette County

Ford County

Franklin County

Fulton County

Gallatin County

Greene County

Grundy County

Hamilton County

Hancock County

Hardin County

Henderson County

Henry County

Iroquois County

Jackson County

Jasper County

Jefferson County

Jersey County

Jo Daviess County