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Trips & RoutesTravel Preparation & Advice

10 Things You Have To Do Before You’re An Official Illinoisian

To be considered a true Illinoisian, one must complete a list of 10 specific activities.

Published Mar 3, 2016

Written by 

Laura Meli

Update your driver's license? Get a library card? No, those things don't prove anything about your residence. If you want to be considered a true Illinoisian, you have to do these 10 things.

1. Pick a side: Cubs or Cards.

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Blueyeda73/Flickr

2. Eat at Portillo's. More than once.

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Sam Howzit/Flickr

3. Be a total tourist and go to the Willis Tower.

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Tom Hart/Flickr

4. Eat some delicious Illinois corn off the grill at a festival.

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5. Enjoy live music at a jazz club.

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Martin Dougiamas/Flickr

6. Strike that classic pose in front of the house from "Home Alone." Pics or it didn't happen.

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A Syn/Flickr

7. Learn how to pronounce the state name correctly...by dropping the S.

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Doug Kerr/Flickr

8. Brave the crowds and go to a popular festival.

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Fuzzy Gerdes/Flickr

9. Go to Springfield and rub Lincoln's nose for luck.

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10. Take a family hike at Starved Rock State Park.

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David Armano/Flickr

What else must people do before they can say they are from Illinois?

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