There is so much more to Illinois than meets the eye. We have the best cities in the world, the best state parks, and, of course, the best food. Illinois doesn’t always make the top of the list for great American states, but without all our marvelous inventions, resources, and people, this country wouldn’t be where it is today.

Illinois has a lot of things to brag about, and here are just a few:

1. Illinois is responsible for four well-known, former presidents.
Wikimedia Commons/L. C. Handy
First was Abraham Lincoln, followed by Ulysses S. Grant, (pictured), Ronald Reagan and most recently, Barack Obama.
2. We were also the first state to abolish slavery with the Thirteenth Amendment.
Wikimedia Commons/Henry P. Moore
That's another win for Abraham Lincoln.
3. Walt Disney was born in Chicago in 1901.
Flickr/Paul Beattie
Disney theme parks and cartoons have inspired generations of children throughout the world.
4. The town in the Superman comics really exists - and it's right here in Illinois.
Flickr/Alan Light
Metropolis sits on the Ohio River in Southern Illinois and features a large Superman statue and other memorabilia.
5. At 1,800,000 sq. feet, we also have the largest Nabisco bakery in the world.
Flickr/Mike Mozart
6. We are also the largest producer of pumpkin.
Flickr/Liz West
More than 85% of the nation's packaged pumpkin comes from Illinois. (When it comes to corn, we're second in command.)

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7. Boeing airplanes are manufactured here.
Wikimedia Commons/Dave Sizer
8. Twinkies were invented in River Forest, Illinois in 1930.
Flickr/Chrisitan Cable
You're welcome, world.
9. We also have some of the best sports teams, including the Black Hawks.
Flickr/Shea Huening
The Black Hawks have six Stanley Cup wins, the most recent in 2015.
10. We're also the home of Wrigley Field and the Cubs.
Wikimedia/Jason Hernandez
The Cubs won their first World Series in more than 100 years in 2016.
11. Every season is lovely here. Illinois is enjoyable in both the summer and spring...
Good Free Photos
This is the beautiful Chain O'Lakes State Park in Spring Grove, Illinois.
12. And fall and winter are gorgeous too.
Flickr/gabepopa
Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois is one of the best places to hike anytime of year.
13. The state's biggest city once burned to the ground and was rebuilt.
Wikimedia Commons/Currier & Ives
Allegedly thanks to a cow, Chicago caught fire in 1871, leaving just the Pumping Station and Chicago Water Tower standing. The city was rebuilt to be the fabulous place it is today - and we know any city or town in Illinois could do the same.

If you can’t get enough of our incredible state, check out this ultimate bucket list for everyone who lives in Illinois!

What do you love most about Illinois? Share your thoughts with us below!

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