Where in the World is Illinois? A Hilariously Unnecessary Guide
Ah, Illinois. Land of deep dish pizza, windy cities, and...uh...well, a whole lot of corn. But before you start picturing yourself lost in a never-ending maze of cornfields (which, let's be honest, could also be Nebraska or Iowa), you might be wondering: exactly where is this Illinois you speak of?
Fear not, friend! For I, your trusty (and slightly sarcastic) guide, am here to crack the code on Illinois's geographical whereabouts. Buckle up, because this is about to get thrilling...ish.
What Region Is Illinois In |
The Great Midwestern Reveal: It's Not Canada (Probably)
First things first, let's dispel any lingering myths. Illinois is most definitely not part of Canada. While they both share a love for good hockey (well, Chicago does at least), Illinois resides firmly within the borders of the United States of America. You know, the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the birthplace of deep-fried Oreos (don't judge, they're delicious).
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But within the US of A, where exactly?
Aha! Now we're getting somewhere. Illinois is nestled comfortably in the heart of the Midwest, that glorious region often stereotyped for its friendly smiles, casserole dishes, and obsession with college football (looking at you, Ohio).
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Think of it this way: if the US was a giant pizza (because, deep dish, remember?), Illinois would be a cheesy, sausage-laden slice right in the center.
Border Patrol Basics: Who are Illinois's Neighbors?
So you've got Illinois in the Midwest, but who are its next-door neighbors? Let's take a whistle-stop tour:
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- On the chilly north side: Keeps company with the lovely state of Wisconsin, famous for its cheese curds and, more importantly, for not being Minnesota (sorry, Minnesota, you're cool too).
- To the west: Borders the mighty Mississippi River, a natural moat keeping Illinois safe from...well, maybe not much, but it's a pretty cool moat nonetheless. On the other side of the river lies Iowa (more cornfields!) and Missouri (home of the Gateway Arch, which Illinois totally doesn't have an arch-rivalry with).
- Looking east: Say hi to Indiana, a state with its own fair share of corn and a slightly less intense love affair with deep dish pizza (although they do have their own delicious food things, don't worry Indiana, we see you).
- Southward bound: Bordered by the Wabash River and the Ohio River, Illinois shares a southern border with the ever-so-slightly southern state of Kentucky.
So there you have it! Illinois, the heart of the American Midwest, surrounded by friendly neighbors, delicious food options (sorry, Wisconsin, your cheese curds can't compete with deep dish), and enough corn to feed a small country.
How To Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, okay, so maybe you still have a burning question or two about Illinois. Don't worry, I've got you covered with this handy FAQ section:
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How to Get to Illinois?
Plane, train, or automobile! Illinois has plenty of airports, train stations, and highways to get you there.
How to Speak Illinoisan?
Just speak regular English! Although, be prepared for a heavy dose of "y'all" and "ope, just gonna squeeze right past ya here."
How to Survive a Winter in Illinois?
Invest in a good coat, some cozy socks, and a deep appreciation for hot chocolate. Winter can be brutal, but there's a certain beauty to a snow-covered cornfield (if you're into that sort of thing).
How to Eat Deep Dish Pizza Like a Champ?
Use a fork and knife (or your hands, we won't judge). Pace yourself, that thing is a beast. And for the love of all that is good and cheesy, don't cut it into squares.
How to Have Fun in Illinois?
Explore the vibrant city of Chicago, visit historical sites like Springfield (Abraham Lincoln's stomping grounds!), or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape. There's something for everyone in Illinois!