Don't Get Lost in the Cornfields: A Guide to Illinois's Eastern Wet Buddies
Ah, Illinois. Land of Lincoln, deep dish pizza, and...well, a whole lotta corn. But there's more to this Midwestern state than meets the eye (or should we say, stomach). Illinois boasts some pretty impressive natural features, including the mighty rivers that partially hug its eastern border. But can you name them? Intrigued? We thought so! Let's dive in and get schooled on Illinois's fluvial friends.
The Big Kahuna: The Wabash River
The Wabash River is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Illinois's eastern aquatic duo. This winding waterway snakes its way for a whopping 535 miles, carving a path along the state's southeastern border. Fun fact: The Wabash River was once a major trade route for Native American tribes. So next time you're chowing down on a juicy Illinois steak, take a moment to appreciate the historical significance coursing just beyond your plate (figuratively speaking, of course).
The Little (But Mighty) Buddy: Lake Michigan
Okay, so technically Lake Michigan isn't a river, but hey, it's a giant body of freshwater that partially forms Illinois's northeastern boundary, so we're giving it an honorary mention. Lake Michigan is a true Midwestern gem, providing stunning views, recreational opportunities galore (think boating, fishing, and epic sandcastle building competitions), and of course, a source of delicious drinking water. So next time you raise a glass of H2O in Illinois, remember, you're thanking the Great Lakes for keeping you hydrated!
Bonus Fun Fact: Did you know that Illinois is the only state to border on four Great Lakes? That's right, Illinois is basically the BFF of the Great Lakes!
FAQ: Illinois's Eastern Aquatic Buddies Edition
Feeling thirsty for knowledge? We've got you covered with these quick and quirky FAQs:
How to identify the Wabash River on a map? Look for the squiggly blue line that separates Illinois from Indiana. If it looks like a giant earthworm after a particularly good meal, that's probably the Wabash!
How to pronounce "Wabash" like a true Illinoisan? It's not "Wah-bash," it's more like "Way-bash." Now go forth and impress your friends with your newfound Illinoisan lingo!
How to avoid getting lost in a cornfield? Stay close to the rivers! They'll eventually lead you back to civilization (or at least a gas station with a decent selection of snacks).
How to appreciate Lake Michigan? Take a deep breath of fresh air, gaze at the sparkling water, and maybe even skip a rock or two. Lake Michigan is all about appreciating the simple beauty of nature.
How to celebrate Illinois's awesome rivers? Next time you're in the Land of Lincoln, raise a glass (filled with water, naturally) to the Wabash River and Lake Michigan, the state's coolest (literally) aquatic companions!
