The Prarie State. The Land of Lincoln. It borders Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and the likes of Michigan only through the middle of Lake Michigan. About 12 million live in this state that is probably the worst in the Midwest outside Michigan. Notorious for too many high taxes and growing--you might as well be in California. Not surprisingly, it has more toll roads than any other state. It is the most corrupt state and Chicago is the nation’s most corrupt city. Chicago’s Mayor Richard Daily hired city tow truck drivers in a scandal and he closed Meigs Field just so it could only be used for his cronies at city hall. Former Governor George Ryan was convicted of racketeering and Dan Rostenkowski years ago is known for his corruption. Springfield is the technical capital but Chicago is the largest city with the real political power.

There are two Illinois: the Chicago area and everything else called “downstate” by locals. Chicago is the 3rd largest US city in a larger metro area of 10 million in 3 states. It’s a huge center in everything. O’Hare is one of the world’s busiest airports. Its post office is the largest in the world. The Sears Tower is the nation’s tallest building. Chicago is a major center for culture, museums, fancy dining, abundance of jobs, fancy architecture and education. It most popular attractions include the Shed Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Brookfield Zoo, Art Institute of Chicago, Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. The University of Chicago is an ivy league university and Northwestern University in Evanston is in the Big Ten conference.

Downstate Illinois is flat, fertile farmland and among the most fertile soil in the world. This makes Illinois a top corn and soybeans producer and therefore the nation’s leader in ethanol production. Most downstaters resent the Chicago area and wish it would seceed to Wisconsin. Many of its folk are more conservative when compared to the rest of state. Downstate Illinois is extremely quaint and keeps a low profile. That’s the way downstaters want it. Downstate Illinois’ largest city is Peoria.
Because of its diversity, Illinois has a large economy. It ranks in the top states for agriculture and manufacturing. Illinois is a top state for soybean and corn production and therefore a top state for ethanol production. ADM, headquartered in Decatur transforms agricultural products into fuels and energy. As a crucial agricultural state, it ranks as a leading state in the production of farm equipment. Caterpillar, the country’s largest farm equipment producer is headquartered in Peoria

A state that feels more like a large city surrounded by farmland. Most people who live in this state feel that it is divided into two areas--Chicago and Downstate. Although the official state capital is Springfield, just about everything gets done in Chicago. In fact, some out-of-staters actually believe that the capital of Illinois is Chicago. Because of this, and many other things, most "downstaters" resent everything and everyone from Chicago.

A great Midwestern state that represents The North, the South, and the Midwest all in one. This is because the length of Illinois runs up and down for over 300 miles: the northernmost area being along the Wisconsin border, and the southernmost area being at the confluence of the Mississippi River and Ohio River, located at the small town of Cairo (pronounced KAY-row).

The state of Illinois consists of flat plains, cultivated farmlands, rich river valleys, a few forests, and well laid-out urban cities. The largest of these cities is the major metropolis of Chicago with its massive skyline and high population of just under 3 million people. Its metropolitan, surrounding-area population amounts to an even larger 7 million people.
The second largest city is Aurora, then Rockford. Springfield and Peoria are practically equal in size, with a population of around 113,000 each. This is an awesome state that everyone should visit.

The BEST state in the Union. From the bluffs and hill country in the south to the massive Chicago metropolis to the north, the beaches on Lake Michigan to the east, and the river valleys to the west, Illinois has got it all.

A midwestern state where you could see a Porshe and a John Deere tractor on the same country road on your way to eat a Pony Shoe (or if you're hungry, a Horse Shoe) with your neighbors who happen to be a farmer, a stock broker, a doctor, and a hippie (i.e., very diverse). Illinoisians are infatuated with the outdoors, as shown by the multitude of state parks throughout the state. Although there sometimes tends to be tension between the Chicagoans and Downstaters, both unite together in their loyalty and pride in Illinois.

1. The Land of Lincoln
2.Obamanation (Fuck You Hawaii)
3.The space inbetween Chicago and St. Louis and the eventual battleground in the war between Cubs fans and Cards fans.
4. Home of the most corrupt politicians in the world.

The proper name of a very nice State, which is usually mis-pronounced as "ill-in-noise." It's actuall pronunciation is "ill-in-oy." People who mispronounce it in the presence of someone from that great State are usually in for a verbal and/or physical smack-down.

Heaven on Earth

I am currently at school in Cleveland Ohio, trust all of Illinois rocks. I am from the suburbs of Chiacgo, i did not realize how good i had it until i came here.

First of all you cannot buy alcohol after 10 in ohio. they have no 24 hr. establishments, and their football team is the Browns.

The best things about Chigao are the pizza, Da bears, and that there is actually things to do here. those reasons alone are reason enough to live here.