A true representation of the “Prairie State,” Illinois is a dynamic blend of bustling cities, rich history, and scenic countryside. Whether you’re a long-time Illinoisan or are considering relocating to the state, you may be wondering: what is Illinois known for?
Illinois boasts a diverse and robust economy, excelling in finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. The state is a major economic hub in the Midwest and the nation.
Key economic sectors
Finance and commerce: Chicago, the state’s largest city, is a global financial center, home to the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The city hosts numerous multinational corporations, including Boeing and McDonald’s.
Manufacturing: Illinois is a leader in manufacturing, producing machinery, food products, and chemicals. Key manufacturing cities include Rockford and Peoria.
Agriculture: With vast expanses of fertile farmland, Illinois is a top producer of corn and soybeans. Central Illinois, known as the “Corn Belt,” is the heart of this agricultural activity.
Technology and innovation: Illinois is increasingly becoming a tech hub, with growing startups and established tech firms in Chicago’s “Silicon Prairie.”
Illinois’ top five employers
Walgreens Boots Alliance
Caterpillar Inc.
United Airlines
State Farm Insurance
Abbott Laboratories
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Illinois is home to diverse attractions that range from architectural marvels to historical sites and cultural hotspots.
Iconic landmarks
Willis Tower, Chicago: Once the tallest building in the world, the Willis Tower offers breathtaking views from its Skydeck.
Millennium Park, Chicago: Known for the iconic “Bean” sculpture, this park is a hub for public art and outdoor events.
Navy Pier, Chicago: A welcoming destination featuring rides, shops, restaurants, and stunning lake views.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield: Dedicated to the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States.
Starved Rock State Park, Utica: Renowned for its beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic canyons.
Delicious cuisine across the state
Illinois’ food scene is as diverse as its population, offering a rich blend of culinary traditions.
Signature dishes
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza: A hearty, thick-crust pizza loaded with cheese and toppings, baked to perfection.
Italian Beef Sandwich: Thinly sliced roast beef served on a long Italian-style roll, often dipped in au jus and topped with giardiniera.
Chicago-style Hot Dog: A Vienna beef hot dog loaded with mustard, onions, relish, pickles, tomatoes, and sport peppers, all nestled in a poppy seed bun.
Garrett Popcorn: Famous for its Chicago mix of caramel and cheddar cheese popcorn.
Horseshoe Sandwich: A unique open-faced sandwich originating from Springfield, featuring bread topped with meat, fries, and cheese sauce.
Historical sites: The state is dotted with landmarks commemorating its role in American history, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield.
Five great places to see a show in Illinois
Chicago Theatre, Chicago
Ravinia Festival, Highland Park
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Civic Opera House, Chicago
The Second City, Chicago
Fun fact: The first Ferris wheel debuted at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Top-notch higher education
Illinois is home to some of the nation’s top universities, known for their research excellence and diverse academic programs.
Leading universities
University of Chicago: A prestigious institution known for its rigorous academics and influential research.
Northwestern University: Renowned for its strong programs in journalism, law, and business.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: A leader in engineering and computer science.
Illinois Institute of Technology: Recognized for its emphasis on technology and innovation.
Loyola University Chicago: Known for its excellent medical and business schools.
DePaul University: Offers a wide range of programs with strong ties to Chicago’s business community.
Stunning natural resources
Illinois’ landscapes range from rolling farmlands to scenic rivers and beautiful state parks, making it a state rich in natural beauty and resources.
Five great state parks in Illinois
Starved Rock State Park
Matthiessen State Park
Giant City State Park
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Shawnee National Forest
Did you know? The Illinois River, stretching 273 miles, is a significant waterway for commerce and recreation.
Being a sports haven
Illinois is a haven for sports enthusiasts, offering professional teams, collegiate athletics, and a passion for outdoor activities.
Professional sports teams
Chicago Bulls (NBA)
Chicago Bears (NFL)
Chicago Cubs (MLB)
Chicago White Sox (MLB)
Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Fun fact: The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series title in 108 years in 2016, ending one of the longest championship droughts in sports history.
Popular Illinois phrases
“Da Bears”: A Chicago phrase celebrating the city’s beloved football team, the Bears.
“Windy City”: Refers to Chicago, known for its breezy weather and political history.
“Chicago-style”: Indicates something that is done uniquely or distinctly in the Chicago way, like its pizza or hot dogs.
“Midwest Nice”: Describes the friendly and courteous behavior typical of Midwesterners, including those in Illinois.
Architecture: Chicago is renowned for its impressive skyline and architectural innovations, with landmarks like the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center.
Historical significance: Illinois played a crucial role in the history of the United States, from the days of Abraham Lincoln to the Civil Rights Movement.
Healthcare: Illinois is home to leading medical institutions like Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Technology and innovation: The state fosters a culture of innovation, with a growing number of tech startups and research institutions.
Literature and arts: Illinois has been the home and inspiration for many great writers, including Ernest Hemingway and Gwendolyn Brooks..
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Marissa is a Content Marketing Specialist on Redfin’s Content Marketing team. She has been with Redfin for 3+ years, where she has also contributed to real estate support operations. A California native living in Los Angeles, Marissa loves taking walks, enjoying sunsets, and unwinding with a good movie. Her dream home is a modern cottage-style abode with a lush garden.
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