Illinois is a state located in the midwestern region of the United States. It’s the 5th most populous state in the country with over 12 million people. There are lots of interesting facts about Illinois that kids should know. Here are some of them:

1. Nicknames: Illinois has a few different nicknames. One of them is “The Prairie State” because of the vast stretches of grasslands that cover much of the state. Another nickname is “The Land of Lincoln” because President Abraham Lincoln lived in Illinois for many years.

2. Capital City: The capital city of Illinois is Springfield. It’s the largest city in central Illinois and is located about 200 miles southwest of Chicago.

3. Chicago: Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest city in the United States. It’s known for its skyline of skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and its famous Chicago-style hot dogs.

4. Rivers: Illinois is bordered by two major rivers, the Mississippi and the Ohio. The Chicago River flows through Chicago and is famous for being dyed green every year on St. Patrick’s Day.

5. State Symbols: Illinois has several state symbols. The state bird is the cardinal, the state tree is the white oak, and the state flower is the violet.

6. Presidents: Three US Presidents have come from Illinois: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Barack Obama.

7. Agriculture: Illinois is known for its agriculture. It’s a leading producer of corn, soybeans, and hogs. Its fertile soil makes it an ideal place for farming.

8. Sports: Illinois has two Major League Baseball teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. It also has two NFL teams, the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts (which play in Indiana but have their headquarters in Illinois).

9. Education: There are many well-known colleges and universities in Illinois, including the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and Loyola University Chicago.

10. Route 66: The famous Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road” ran through Illinois. It was a popular road for people on road trips and vacationers before being decommissioned in 1985.

Overall, Illinois is a fascinating state with a rich history and many unique features. Kids will enjoy learning more about this exciting state.