State Pride

State Pride

3 Reasons Why Illinois Is the Best Place To Retire

Illinois is home to hundreds of museums, music venues, arts organizations, and so much nature for retirees to enjoy. There are several cities with high affordability and quality of life as well.

by Amanda Finn
on Apr 13
Chicago, Illinois, USA downtown skyline from Lincoln Park at twilight.
State Pride

The 3 Reasons Why You Should Be Putting Down Roots in Illinois

by Amanda Finn
on Feb 19
A man holding a small baby with the water in the background at Promontory Point Chicago, Illinois
State Pride

People Live Their Whole Lives in Illinois and Somehow Miss These 3 Places

by Cait Kontalis
on Dec 9
A view of Millennium Park
State Pride

The One Thing To Do in Illinois Before the End of the Year

by Cait Kontalis
on Nov 28
People outside are attending a Christmas market in Chicago’s Daley Plaza.
State Pride

5 Illinois Tourist Spots I Tried To Hate (But Ended up Loving)

by Amanda Finn
on Oct 31
A red brick building in the background with a giant statue of Superman with his hands on his hips in the center.

Latest State Pride

State Pride
Meet the Locals

Discover Trolls, Fall Adventures, and Cozy Bakeries in This Charming College Town in Illinois

Home to Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois, is the perfect day trip destination from Chicago to celebrate the fall season.

by Cait Kontalis
on Aug 19
A small waterfall on a trail in Palos Heights
State Pride
Fun Facts
History

The Story of This Abandoned Place Near Galena, Illinois Is Truly Fascinating

If you love exploring old, abandoned places in Illinois, you will love all the history at Winston Tunnel State Natural Area

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 3
An abandoned rail tunnel is surrounded by lush green vegetation and blocked by a metal grate.
State Pride
History

Here Are The 7 Most Famous Olympians From Illinois, From Bobsledders to Basketball Legends

by Daisy Dow
on Jun 3
A basketball game featuring USA and China players during the 2008 Olympics, with a player preparing to shoot.
State Pride
Fun Facts

The World’s Largest Horseradish Festival, The International Horseradish Festival, Happens Right Here In Illinois

by Andrea Verschuyl
on May 3
A bustling street fair with crowds, vendor tents, and colorful banners lining the road on a sunny day.
State Pride
Need to Know

This Is The Most Illinois Sound You’ll Ever Hear, And We Can’t Stop Listening To It

by Megan Todaro
on Apr 10
A wave crashes against a shoreline at sunset, with a city skyline in the background and dramatic clouds overhead.
State Pride
Need to Know

Few People Know Illinois Is Home To The Only River In The World That Flows Backward

by Megan Todaro
on Apr 5
A scenic view of Chicago's skyline at sunset, featuring buildings, a bridge, and reflections on the river.
State Pride
Need to Know

The Little-Known Story Of Peregrine Falcons In Illinois And How They’ve Made A Big Comeback

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Apr 1
A peregrine falcon perched on a streetlight, wings partially spread, ready to take flight.
State Pride
Fun Facts

You’ll Love The Massive Hot Pot Buffet At This Yummy Illinois Restaurant

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Mar 11
Exterior of a vibrant orange restaurant named "Hot Pot & BBQ," featuring a welcoming entrance and bright signage.
State Pride
Need to Know

Few People Know The Real Reason Behind Casey, Illinois Becoming The Home of the World’s Largest Things

by Megan Todaro
on Feb 27
A giant wooden rocking chair stands in a park, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
State Pride
History

Most People Didn’t Know That Zippers Were Invented Right Here In Illinois

by Megan Todaro
on Jan 23
Close-up of a metallic zipper, showcasing the slider and teeth against a black background.
State Pride
History

A Slice Of Illinois History Can Be Found In These Historic Pioneer Homes

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jan 22
A historic brick house surrounded by greenery, with a white picket fence and informational signs nearby.
State Pride
Need to Know

For The First Time In 221 Years, A Rare Double Emergence Of Cicadas Is Expected In 2024 In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Jan 17
Close-up of a cicada perched on a branch, showcasing its detailed wings and vibrant body colors.
State Pride
History

10 Unique Trivia Facts About Illinois You Might Not Have Heard Before

by Linze Rice
on Jan 16
Cooling towers release steam against a clear blue sky, with hay bales in the foreground and power lines in the background.
State Pride
History

A Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible Above Illinois This Spring

by Linze Rice
on Jan 12
An annular solar eclipse, showing a bright ring of sunlight around the dark silhouette of the moon.
State Pride
Fun Facts

Most People Don’t Know That Oscar Mayer’s Gravesite Is Found Right Here In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Dec 15
Black and white portrait of a man with a mustache, wearing a suit and bow tie, set in an oval frame.
State Pride
Fun Facts

8 Surefire Signs You Have Strong Roots In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Dec 5
A vast field of tall corn plants under a clear blue sky, with trees lining the horizon in the background.
State Pride
Need to Know

This Beloved Illinois Covered Bridge Was Damaged By A Semi

by Linze Rice
on Nov 30
A red covered bridge with a low clearance sign, surrounded by green trees and a winding road.
State Pride
History

Take A Stroll Through Illinois’ Past At This Historic Farm Outside Chicago

by Linze Rice
on Nov 28
A red barn-style building surrounded by greenery and a pathway, with people walking in the area.
State Pride
Need to Know

An Earthquake Recently Shook Northern Illinois And Parts Of Neighboring States

by Linze Rice
on Nov 21
Aerial view of a river winding through green fields and farmland, with a small town and industrial area visible.
State Pride
History

UFOs Were Sighted In Illinois 19 Years Ago And It’s One Of The Most Credible UFO Sightings In History

by Linze Rice
on Oct 5
Three bright lights in a dark night sky above a silhouette of trees.