Illinois
Discover Illinois
Illinois is a state in the Midwest of the United States of America. Home to the large city of Chicago, the terrain of this state ranges from rolling farmland in the south to the mud flats upon which Chicago was built. Illinois is often referred to as the "Land of Lincoln" — Abraham Lincoln resided here for many years before becoming president. Considering how Abraham Lincoln is often regarded as one of the most influential presidents in the history of the United States, this is something the state takes pride in. It is also an important state in African-American history, with Chicago being a hub of black-owned businesses, and the country's first African-American president Barack Obama having resided here for many years before entering the White House.
What to Experience in Illinois
Taste of Illinois...
The great cultural and economic diversity in Illinois lends itself to a number of great dining opportunities anywhere in the state. Below is just a sampling of different things found in Illinois: Chicagoland is home to one of the largest and most diverse populations in the world (as well as exceptionally varied restaurants and bars). Some of the very regionally specific things available in Chicagoland are: In addition to those listed above, Chicagoland has world class Russian, Latin American, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Middle Eastern food. Northern Illinois, being so connected to Chicagoland, has many of the Chicagoland staples. In addition, the Rock River Valley and Illinois Driftless Area have excellent produce and a local staple, Mrs. Mike's potato chips, a regional favorite snack. Central Illinois' most famous local item is the Horseshoe Sandwich (sometimes just called a "Shoe"), an open-faced sandwich of toast, hamburger, french fries, and cheese sauce, with regional variations (which can include different proteins like chicken or ham). It originated in Springfield but can be found in most of Central Illinois and in the Quad Cities. The area is also home to an Amish community and an Amish restaurant selling classics such as Amish fried chicken and noodles. The Quad Cities have two regional styles of pizza. Beyond that, the region's produce and livestock make for excellent farm to table dining. Restaurants in Metro East tend to share in St. Louis's cuisine.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsIllinois is accessed through interstates 39, 90, & 94 through Wisconsin, 74 and 80 through Iowa, 55, 57, 64, 70, and 72 through Missouri, 24 through Kentucky, and 64, 70, 74, 80, 90, and 94 through Indiana. Amtrak serves many different areas of Illinois. Chicago is the main hub of Amtrak's long-distance routes, and a coast-to-coast rail trip will usually require you to change trains in Chicago. You can get into Chicago from virtually all directions, east coast and west coast, north and south. There are numerous daily trains to and from Milwaukee and it is reasonably fast and reliable. There is daily service (the Empire Builder) from Seattle/Portland, Oregon by way of Milwaukee. You can also get in from Washington D.C., New York, and Boston on various daily trains. There are many local trains that serve downstate and southern Illinois that also serve long distance locations. Those routes are as follows: The UP line from Chicago-St....
Regions
Explore AreasIllinois is a mostly flat plains state, with the majority being farmland except for the river valleys and the south, which are hilly and forested. Traditionally, Illinois is subdivided into three cult…...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Car travel is best for the majority of the state, easily accessed by interstates. Numerous highways closer to Chicago are tollways, but the rest of the highways are free. EZ-Pass users from the eastern U.S. can use their transponders on the Illinois Tollway at all toll booths. Except for the Chicago Skyway to/from northern Indiana, Illinois has abolished toll payments by cash, and uses electronic tolling exclusively. If you do not have a transponder, you have up to 14 days to pay your tolls online, albeit at double the cost of tolls paid using a transponder. The Chicago Skyway accepts toll payments by cash and credit card, though I-Pass and E-ZPass transponders are accepted, albeit with a 3¢ surcharge for I-Pass or New York state-issued E-ZPass transponders. Greyhound buses, Megabus discount buses and its sister bus company, Coach USA, serve many Illinois locales.
Language & Talk
English is the dominant language in the state of Illinois. Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and Hindi are the languages most commonly heard after English. Spanish is widely spoken in the Chicago Metropolitan area by its large Hispanic population (mostly of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent), though not well understood outside of Chicagoland. Although not as prevalent in the past, unique to Chicago is the largest Polish-speaking community in the country. Most speakers today are in neighborhoods and suburbs around O’Hare airport and the language can still be seen in some store fronts, billboards, churches, and even a couple FM radio stations.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Generally speaking, Illinois is a safe state, but the only city of major concern is East St. Louis. Although the crime rate of Chicago has dropped significantly, the overall crime rate is still well above the US average. In addition, the city has a long history of public corruption. You are of no interest to criminal gangs unless you give them a reason to be interested in you. Stay vigilant and use common sense; these two practices will most often aid you in avoiding bad situations. Do your research to find out which areas are most unsavory for the out-of-town traveler. East St. Louis is widely regarded as the most dangerous city in the United States. You have absolutely no reason to be there unless you are an experienced traveller. The geographical position and characteristic of the state's western regions make them prone to having a high occurrence of tornadoes throughout the spring and summer seasons.
Glimpses of Illinois
Aerial view of the Chicago River in Chicago, Illinois.
different vehicles on road near Chicago city buildings
Downtown Kankakee as seen from above the Kankakee River.
cloudy sky above city buildings near sea at dayime
River reflection blue sky water outdoors hiking nature rock
a view of a city from the top of a building
Trump hole
car running on road
red and yellow leaf trees near lake during daytime
aerial photography of buildings
Aerial view of the Chicago River in Chicago, Illinois.
different vehicles on road near Chicago city buildings
Downtown Kankakee as seen from above the Kankakee River.