Interesting Facts about Illinois

These interesting facts about Illinois for kids include the birth of Ronald Reagan, the beginning of Route 66, and being the largest coal producer in the United States. Find some fun crafts, activities, and books for each state that will engage kids of all ages.

This is part of the 50 states unit study as we travel around America, learning about the history of each state. Check out these Illinois facts for kids below!

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5 Interesting Facts about Illinois

To explore the vibrant state of Illinois, you first encounter its vast expanses of plains and farmlands, which stretch across the landscape. Situated in the northeastern part of the United States, Illinois holds the title of the 6th most populated state.

Known affectionately as The Prairie State, it proudly joined the Union in December 1818. Additionally, Springfield stands as its bustling capital, serving as a hub of history and culture.

Fact One: Ronald Reagan was born in Illinois

President Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois in 1911. He was the 40th president of the United States after a career as a Hollywood actor and, later, Governor of California. Illinois is proud to be the birthplace of an acclaimed president and man.

Here are some fun crafts and activities about presidents for your kids:

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Fact Two: Chicago, Illinois was the starting point of Route 66

To embark on a journey along the historic Route 66, you would have started in 1926 when this iconic road first opened.

Stretching from Chicago, Illinois, all the way to Los Angeles, California, it covered an impressive 2,448 miles, marking its place as the first international highway.

As time passed, developers constructed major highways that cut more directly through the landscape, rendering much of the original Route 66 out of use today.

Despite this, the road remains a symbol of American travel and adventure, echoing stories from its bustling past.

Here are some fun crafts and activities that your kids will love:

Missouri Route 66 Road Trip Bingo Game
Try these Road Trip Activities
Route 66 book for kids
Make a LEGO Balloon Car
Simple Toilet Paper Roll Car Craft for Kids

Fact Three: Illinois is the third-largest producer of coal in the United States

Coal began being mined in Illinois in the 1800s. In 2019 the state produced 85.5 million tons of coal that are used to power the nation. Mining production has dropped in the last few years, however, it’s expected to increase over the next few years.

Here are some fun crafts and activities about coal that your kids will love:

Coal and Water Sensory Board
Torn Paper Mountain Landscape Art Tutorial
Fight On: Cape Breton Coal Miners: book
Go to a real coal mine with Bringing Minecraft to Life
Building a DIY Mobile Mining Setup

Fact Four: The Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest public zoos in the United States and it was founded in 1886. It’s located in Chicago on 35 acres of land. It’s one of the few zoos to offer free admission and sees over 3.6 million visitors every year.

Here are some fun crafts and activities to help your kids learn about animals:

Fact Five: Illinois was the first state to abolish slavery

Illinois ratified the 13th amendment in 1865 which officially ended slavery in the state. It was one of the few places African American people could live without fear of being enslaved immediately following the end of the civil war.

Here are some fun patriotic crafts and activities for your kids: