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Celebrate the wonderful state of Illinois on December 7th with National Illinois Day! This special day was first established in 1984 as a way to recognize and honor the rich history, culture, and contributions that this great state has made over the years. From its diverse population, to its amazing landmarks and attractions, there is so much to celebrate on this day! Whether you're an Illinois native or just visiting for the day, get ready to show your pride and enjoy all the unique experiences this beautiful state has to offer.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1818</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Statehood for Illinois</div><div class='timeline-text'>On December 3, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state of the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1837</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Springfield Becomes State Capital</div><div class='timeline-text'>Springfield became the state capital, replacing Vandalia, thanks largely to the efforts of a young state legislator named Abraham Lincoln.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1855</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Beginning of the Windy City</div><div class='timeline-text'>The city of Chicago was incorporated, eventually becoming the most populous city in Illinois and the third most populous city in the U.S.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1933</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"A Century of Progress"</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Century of Progress International Exposition, also known as the World's Fair, was held in Chicago, showcasing innovations and advancements.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Sears Tower</div><div class='timeline-text'>Construction was commenced on the Sears Tower, once the world's tallest building and an iconic part of Chicago's skyline.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Illinois Day Initiated</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Illinois Day was first established to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Illinois.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an Illinois landmark</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a day to visit one of Illinois’ many historic landmarks. From the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to Shawnee National Forest, there are a variety of sites to explore.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try some Illinois cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>From Chicago-style hot dogs to deep dish pizza, there are a variety of iconic dishes that are popular in Illinois. Take the opportunity to sample some of the state’s most beloved dishes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie set in Illinois</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to the movies and watch a movie set in Illinois. From “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” to “The Blues Brothers,” there are a variety of great films that feature the state as a backdrop.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an Illinois festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Illinois is home to a variety of festivals throughout the year, from Blues Fest in Chicago to the Sweet Corn Festival in Mount Carroll. Check out what’s happening in your area and join in on the fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go shopping in an Illinois mall</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Illinois is home to several great malls, from Northbrook Court to Oakbrook Center. Take the opportunity to do some shopping and explore all that the state has to offer.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Illinois has a rich history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Illinois Day is an important reminder that the state of Illinois has been blessed with a long and vibrant history. From the first Native Americans to the famous settlers who discovered the Land of Lincoln, Illinois has a unique culture and heritage that needs to be celebrated and remembered.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Illinois is a great place to live</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From its amazing cities like Chicago and Springfield to its charming small towns, Illinois is an incredible place to live and work. There's always something new to explore and discover in this beautiful state. Whether you're enjoying some deep dish pizza or exploring one of its gorgeous national parks, there's something for everyone in Illinois!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Illinois is home to incredible people</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The people of Illinois are some of the most remarkable in the world. They are resilient, passionate, and hardworking. They strive to make their state better each and every day, which makes National Illinois Day so important - it's a time to come together celebrate their achievements!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Illinois is the Largest Producer of Pumpkins</h3><p class='facts-content'>Did you know that approximately 90-95 percent of the pumpkins grown in the U.S. come from Illinois? The Libby's company, based in Morton, Illinois, is known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World."</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Illinois Boasts the First Skyscraper</h3><p class='facts-content'>The world's first skyscraper was built in Chicago in 1885. It was known as the Home Insurance Building and had 10 floors, standing at 138 feet tall.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Illinois has 102 Counties</h3><p class='facts-content'>Creating a sort of quilt across the state, Illinois is made up of 102 different counties with Cook County being the most populous, encompassing the city of Chicago.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Only River in the World Flowing Backwards is in Illinois</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Chicago River is known for its famous reversal of direction, a historical feat of engineering in the 1900s that was purposed for sanitation issues.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Illinois is Home to the Oldest Zoo in America</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Lincoln Park Zoo, founded in 1868, makes it the oldest in America. Interestingly, it remains one of the few free admission zoos in the country.</p></div></div>
National Illinois Day is celebrated on December 7 every year. In 2024 National Illinois Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Dec 7
Thursday
2024
Dec 7
Saturday
2025
Dec 7
Sunday
2026
Dec 7
Monday
2027
Dec 7
Tuesday
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