Maybe it's some kind of state-wide inferiority complex, but when asked where Illinois ranks on the list of the most fun states in the country, most of us would guess "not very highly." And, we'd be wrong.

Very wrong.

Before looking at the numbers in a new study by personal finance website WalletHub, my own guess at our state ranking was way off. Chance are, yours was too.

Here's what WalletHub's numbers-crunchers looked at to determine "2018's Most Fun States in America:"

We all define “fun” a bit differently. And hopefully the place in which we live caters to our personal ideas of entertainment. But that’s not always the case, which may drive people to live somewhere new.

There are certain states where fun is not just an option but also a way of life. These states offer such a variety of activities that everyone will be able to find something that excites them.

With pure enjoyment in mind, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 26 key indicators of a jolly good time that won’t break the bank. They range from movie costs to accessibility of national parks to casinos per capita.

 

Here are WalletHub's top 5 most fun states in America:

1) California

2) New York

3) Nevada

4) Florida

5) Illinois!

That's right, Illinois is #5 overall in fun. Surprised?

Fun in Illinois (1=Most Fun; 25=Avg.)

  • 5th – Restaurants per Capita
  • 11th – Movie Theaters per Capita
  • 10th – Golf Courses & Country Clubs per Capita
  • 16th – Amusement Parks per Capita
  • 3rd – Performing-Arts Theaters per Capita
  • 8th – Fitness Centers per Capita
  • 30th – Casinos per Capita
  • 19th – Variety of Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Establishments

Who's way down on the fun list? Glad you asked.

46) Arkansas

47) Rhode Island

48) Delaware

49) Mississippi

50) West Virginia

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