Illinois: Looking Upward (But Not Literally, Wisconsin Is There)
Ah, Illinois. The Land of Lincoln, deep-dish pizza, and... uh... that weird giant fiberglass cow outside Chicago (no shade, Bessie, you're an icon). But have you ever gazed upon a map of the magnificent Midwest and thought, "Hey, what's north of Illinois?" Well, fret no more, geographical gurus, because this blog post is here to crack that geographical code!
Drumroll please...
The state directly north of Illinois is... Wisconsin!
I know, shocking, right? You might be picturing glaciers and cheeseheads doing the polka, and you wouldn't be wrong. But Wisconsin is also home to stunning Great Lakes views, epic craft breweries, and enough Friday fish fry options to make your head spin (in a delicious way).
But Wait, There's More (Map Trivia Time!)
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
Illinois actually shares a good chunk of its northern border with the mighty Lake Michigan. So, technically, if you're sailing on a particularly tippy sailboat and veer a little too far north, you might end up in Michigan waters. But for most of us landlubbers, Wisconsin is the clear winner in the "North of Illinois" category.
Fun Fact: Illinois Almost Became Part of Wisconsin
Did you know that Illinois and Wisconsin were once vying for the same territory? In the early 1800s, there was a heated debate about state borders. Luckily for cheeseheads everywhere, Wisconsin won the coin toss (or maybe it was a cheese curd duel?) and Illinois ended up stretching south instead.
So, Why Should You Care About What's North of Illinois?
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Well, you might not need this knowledge to win bar trivia (unless you're hanging out with some serious geography nerds), but knowing your cardinal directions can be helpful for a few reasons:
- Planning a Road Trip: Headed to Chicago and have an adventurous spirit? Take a detour up north and explore the beauty of Wisconsin!
- Impressing Your Friends: Casually drop this knowledge bomb at your next gathering. You'll be the envy of everyone (except maybe those aforementioned geography nerds).
- Avoiding Canada (Just Kidding, Canada's Great Too): While Illinois isn't even close to the Great White North, knowing where Wisconsin is can help you steer clear if you're not interested in poutine and moose sightings (although, those things are pretty awesome too).
What State Is North Of Illinois |
FAQ: Illinois' Northern Neighbor Edition
How to get from Illinois to Wisconsin?
There are several ways! You can drive, take a train, or even hop on a ferry across Lake Michigan.
How to tell the difference between Illinois and Wisconsin?
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Besides the state line, Wisconsin has a stronger cheese culture (sorry, Illinois, it's true).
How to avoid getting lost in the Midwest?
A good map and a sense of humor always help!
How to celebrate your newfound geographical knowledge?
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
Grab a deep-dish pizza (Illinois) and a cheese curd (Wisconsin) and have a delicious victory feast!
How to impress everyone with your newfound geographical knowledge?
See question #2. You're welcome.