10 Things You Should Never Say to Someone From Illinois

As an Illinois native, I've heard my fair share of questionable comments from outsiders who may not be fully aware of our state's rich history and culture. Here are 10 things you should never say to someone from Illinois:

"Is Chicago the only city in Illinois?"

No, no it is not. While Chicago may be the most well-known city in the state, there are plenty of other amazing places to visit, like Rockford, Champaign-Urbana, and the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.

"Is Illinois just a bunch of cornfields?"

Again, no. While agriculture is a significant part of Illinois' economy, there is so much more to see and do in the state. From the stunning views at Starved Rock State Park to the bustling streets of downtown Chicago, there is something for everyone in Illinois.

"Do you just eat deep dish pizza all the time?"

While deep dish pizza may be a popular dish in Chicago, it's definitely not the only thing we eat. Illinois is home to a diverse culinary scene, with everything from award-winning BBQ joints to artisanal ice cream shops.

"Is Illinois just a flyover state?"

Absolutely not! Illinois is a vibrant and culturally rich state with a lot to offer. From world-class museums and cultural institutions to exciting sporting events and concerts, there is always something happening in Illinois.

You Might Like: Did You Know Illinois Is Infamous For Three Weird Christmas Traditions?

"Do you have any real sports teams?"

Ouch. While it's true that the Chicago Cubs and White Sox may not always have the best record, they have a devoted fan base and have brought home a few World Series titles. Plus, we have the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls, who have all had their fair share of success.

"Do you just drink Budweiser all the time?"

Not all of us, but it is true that Anheuser-Busch has a major presence in the state. However, Illinois is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries popping up all over the place.

"Do you have any seasons in Illinois?"

Yes, we definitely do. Illinois experiences all four seasons, from the hot and humid summers to the cold and snowy winters. And don't even get me started on the beautiful fall foliage and spring flowers.

"Is Illinois just a bunch of flat land?"

No, there is actually quite a bit of variety in the topography of Illinois. The state has rolling hills, deep valleys, and even some rocky bluffs along the Mississippi River.

"Do you have any famous people from Illinois?"

Yes, we have quite a few! Some notable figures include Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Jennifer Hudson, just to name a few.

"Do you have any real culture in Illinois?"

Absolutely! Illinois has a rich history and cultural scene, with world-class museums, theater, and music. From the Art Institute of Chicago to the Lyric Opera, there is always something culturally enriching happening in the state.

So there you have it, 10 things you should never say to anyone from Illinois. Trust me, we take our state pride very seriously and we're always happy to share all that Illinois has to offer with anyone willing to listen.