Here are 8 quirky and unusual things about living in Illinois that few people tell you but locals know well:
8 Quirky and Unusual Illinois Living Facts
1. Towns Celebrate Unique Local Traditions
Illinois towns have vibrant, oddly specific festivals like Galena’s huge Halloween parade and grape stomping, Niles’ Leaning Tower replica with chimes every three hours, and Morton Grove’s multi-day 4th of July jamboree with parades and fireworks.
2. Chicago’s Diverse Cultural Festivals
Chicago neighborhoods host lively ethnic festivals like Fiesta del Sol celebrating Mexican heritage and Maifest in Lincoln Square celebrating German culture with music, food, and dancing.
3. Illinois Loves Its Food
Deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches are not just tasty but almost cultural icons for the state, with many spots dedicated just to these classics.
4. Strange Weather Mixes
Illinois weather can be unpredictable with rapid changes, blending hot summers, cold winters, and sudden storms, requiring locals to be prepared for everything year-round.
5. University Traditions Are Big Deals
The University of Illinois is famous for traditions like the “Eternal Flame” where couples kiss for eternal bliss and the oldest experimental cornfields in the Western Hemisphere (Morrow Plots).
6. Rich Music and Arts Scene
Chicago has been influential in blues, jazz, house music, and more, with landmarks and vibrant live music scenes impacting not just the state but the whole country.
7. Outdoor and Nature Events
Despite its urban reputation, many Illinois towns celebrate nature, like Lombard’s lilac parade or Highwood’s pumpkin festival aimed at setting records and fundraising for charity.
8. Quirky Local Landmarks
A Major League Baseball game at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs
From the quirky Leaning Tower of Niles (a water tower disguised as the Pisa tower) to historic cornfields and iconic sports venues like Wrigley Field, Illinois is home to unique landmarks not always obvious to outsiders.
These unusual local customs and traditions make living in Illinois a distinctive experience beyond the typical urban Midwest image.
SOURCES
(https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/9-towns-in-illinois-with-unique-traditions.html)(https://www.golansmoving.com/10-illinois-towns-with-unique-annual-events/)(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Chicago)
(https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/discover/campus-life/traditions)(https://www.searchandstay.com/destinations/post/what-makes-il-united-states-special-unique-traditions-and-culture)
