In celebration of the upcoming Winter Olympics, we highlight several Illinois native athletes who have represented Team USA in recent Games. Read more here: shorturl.at/qfijL

Did you know Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a Chicagoan? Learn about the origin of the iconic Christmas character: ilikeillinois.com/living/arts-cu… #ilikeillinois

For the first time ever, Chicago is ringing in the New Year on the national stage. Tune in to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to follow the Central Time Zone countdown, live from downtown Chicago! #ilikeillinois Read more: ilikeillinois.com/living/tourism…

Today is National Bean Day! Did you know the soybean is the official state bean of Illinois? Learn more: tinyurl.com/mw82zsmm

In 1908, Illinois schoolchildren voted for the State Tree. They could select from native oak, maple and elm. The native oak was chosen as the State Tree. Schoolchildren voted to make the white oak the Official State Tree of Illinois. Read more: ilikeillinois.com/home/did-you-k…

From Chicago’s streets to the halls of power, MLK’s Illinois campaign challenged inequality at home. Read more about how Chicago played a role in Dr. King’s legacy: tinyurl.com/4m59vhpk

Illinois ranks number one for workplace development in the Midwest. Read more: tinyurl.com/2dwn7yxk

Did you know the youngest player to win MVP award in the NBA was from Chicago? Learn more about Derrick Rose and his jersey retirement at the United Center, here: shorturl.at/tXfPf

The story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz begins with Dorothy and Toto in Kansas, but where did the idea for one of the best-known tales in American literature take shape? Chicago! Learn about The Wizard of Oz's Chicago Roots: ilikeillinois.com/living/arts-cu… #ilikeillinois

On this day in 1809, Congress voted to create the Illinois Territory. Read more here: tinyurl.com/4xbatbmc

Chicago’s legendary jazz scene is preparing to shine on the world’s stage in April, when the city hosts the UNESCO International Jazz Day 2026 for the first time. Read more: ilikeillinois.com/living/tourism…

Did you know that Illinois has a traveling Underground Railroad museum? The Journey to Freedom exhibit visits cities across Illinois, spreading the history of Illinois' connection to the Underground Railroad. For more information visit here: shorturl.at/t3g7t

As Black History Month comes to a close, we proudly honor the legacy of a “Soy City” native whose life embodied courage, determination and service – Sergeant Ellsworth Dansby Jr. of Decatur. Read more: ilikeillinois.com/?view=article&… #ilikeillinois

Illinois named top destination for business expansion and relocation. Read more: tinyurl.com/4vprfrak

Route 66 turns 100 years old on Nov. 11, 2026! Also known as the “Mother Road,” Route 66 begins in Chicago and runs through the heart of Illinois — connecting communities and travelers for a century. tinyurl.com/34w2cyks

Did you know the Fighting Illini have both men and women’s basketball teams competing in this year’s March Madness tournament? Read more here: tinyurl.com/5enc6yzm

If you watched the US Women's Ice Hockey Team win gold last month, you might be interested to know that three athletes on the team were from right here in Illinois! Read more about these Illinois natives here: tinyurl.com/mr3xmtkk

WWE had a major comeback to Chicago after hosting its Elimination Chamber at the United Center, a big moment for the city's wrestling fans! #ilikeillinois Read more: ilikeillinois.com/living/tourism…

In the first quarter of 2026, Illinois has continued its economic momentum through new investments and expansions. Read more here: shorturl.at/medcQ

Illinois is home to a wide variety of fish species. At present, 34 families of fishes are represented in the state's waters. Read more: ilikeillinois.com/economy/natura…