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.
State Pride
Meet the Locals

This Life-Size Cow Statue Has Been The Star Of A Small Illinois Town’s Annual Milk Day Festival Since 1966

Harvard, Illinois hosts the long-running Milk Days festival, celebrating dairy farming with various events and a beloved cow statue named Harmilda.

by Linze Rice
on Aug 9
A cow statue stands in front of a mural depicting cows, welcoming visitors to Harvard, home of Milk Day.
State Pride
History

The Fascinating Archaeological Discovery That Put This Small Illinois College On The Map

A mammoth tusk over 10,000 years old was discovered at Principia College in Illinois.

by Linze Rice
on Aug 1
Aerial view of a river winding through lush greenery, with buildings and a park along the shore.
State Pride
Need to Know

There’s A Deadly Plant Growing In Illinois Yards That Looks Like A Harmless Weed

Jimson weed, a toxic plant found in Illinois, should be avoided due to its deadly properties.

by Linze Rice
on Jul 25
A large white flower with purple accents, surrounded by green leaves in a natural setting.
State Pride
History

A Cluster Of Tornadoes Touched Down In The Chicago Area, Including O’Hare International Airport

Eleven tornadoes touched down in the Chicago suburbs on July 12, 2023, causing significant damage and historical significance.

by Linze Rice
on Jul 24
A tornado touches down in a field, with a rainbow visible in the background against a stormy sky.
State Pride
Need to Know

According to FBI Statistics, These Are the 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Illinois

Just like in other states, there are unsavory areas in Illinois. As far as danger goes, these are among the most dangerous cities in Illinois.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on May 15
A nighttime cityscape featuring a bridge, illuminated buildings, and reflections on the water.
State Pride
History

The Oldest Building In Illinois Was Used By Lewis And Clark, Dismantled, Displayed At World’s Fairs, And Reconstructed In Its Original Site

The Old Cahokia Courthouse, built between 1737-1740, is the oldest building in Illinois and has a rich history as a private home, courthouse, and political center.

by Linze Rice
on Jul 3
Historic wooden cabin with a steep roof, surrounded by trees and a grassy area, under a partly cloudy sky.
State Pride
Fun Facts

Not Many People Realize That These 10 Things Are Actually Illegal In Illinois

Illinois has several bizarre and amusing laws that are still technically enforceable.

by Laura Meli
on Feb 23
A fluffy white poodle with a blue bow, standing beside a person, enjoying a sunny day outdoors.
State Pride
Fun Facts

This Famous Statue Was Actually Built In Indiana, Dismantled, And Brought To Illinois

The story behind the Picasso statue in Chicago reveals its journey from inception to installation and its significance in the city.

by Linze Rice
on Jun 29
A large abstract metal sculpture of a horse-like figure in an urban plaza, surrounded by modern buildings.
State Pride
Fun Facts

These 10 Crazy Laws in Illinois Will Leave You Scratching Your Head In Wonder

Illinois has many bizarre and outdated laws that are still technically enforceable.

by Laura Meli
on Jun 27
A close-up of a giraffe with distinctive patterns and a clear blue sky in the background.
State Pride
Need to Know

The 5 Most Terrifying Drives You Can Possibly Take In Illinois

Illinois has several terrifying roads known for their haunted histories and dangerous conditions.

by Linze Rice
on Jun 15
A highway sign indicating North 45, with a clear road and trees lining the side under a blue sky.