"Fun" is a very subjective word. What's fun for one person may be a complete drag for another. That's why I'm a little suspect about a new ranking that claims Illinois is way more "fun" than Missouri.

Get our free mobile app

I want to be clear that I'm not underestimating your partying abilities, Illinois. I have many friends in Illinois who have partied so hard there are city ordinances that were later passed to prevent them from recreating some of their "activities". That being said, Wallethub has just dropped their 2022 version of "Most Fun States" and Illinois is top 5. Well done, Ferris Bueller and friends.

Where is Missouri? Way down at #16. Have they never heard of the Antlers at Mizzou? But, don't feel bad, Missouri. Compared to Iowa, you're the life of the party as the corn state is buried at #33. Hey, at least you have Slipknot, Iowa.

Source: WalletHub

How did Wallethub determine what's fun and what's not? Here's their exact methodology:

In order to determine the most fun states in America, WalletHub compared the 50 states across two key categories, “Entertainment & Recreation” and “Nightlife.”

Illinois ranks top 5 in nightlife and almost as high in entertainment and recreation. Missouri is mid-pack in both categories. And, Iowa is...Iowa.

If I may be a critic of this, I think they may have placed movie theaters too high in importance since much of the world is fine with streaming these days. I do agree on a good assortment of restaurants being vital. (Are you listening In-N-Out Burger?)

You can check out Wallethub's full "fun" article for even more partying hard states.

This Missouri Pioneer Town Theme Park & Movie Set Could Be Yours

See Inside a Wild Illinois Home Made Out of Shipping Containers

More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5