From urban excitement and outdoor adventures to delicious food and fascinating history, Illinois is an iconic destination with something for everyone. Scroll through the regions to explore the diversity of experiences in the Middle of Everything. The history of Illinois may be defined by several broad historical periods, namely, the pre-Columbian period, the era of European exploration and colonization, its development as part of the American frontier, its early statehood period, growth in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the contemporary Illinois of today. Illinois: The history and demographics of the Prairie State Learn more about Illinois and its geography, people, economy, and history. Illinois, constituent state of the United States of America. It stretches southward 385 miles (620 km) from the Wisconsin border in the north to Cairo in the south. Illinois is located in the Midwestern United States. It is bordered by Wisconsin to the north, Indiana to the east, Kentucky to the southeast, Missouri to the southwest, Iowa to the west, and Michigan across Lake Michigan to the northeast. The capital city is Springfield. Illinois (/ ˌɪlɪˈnɔɪ / ⓘ IL-ih-NOY) is a state in the Midwestern United States. It borders on Lake Michigan to its northeast, the Mississippi River to its west, and the Wabash and Ohio rivers to its south. Search through all the different services offered by the various Illinois agencies. During live broadcasts use the links below to tune in to audio and video feeds for the latest coverage from the State of Illinois. Map of Illinois (IL) Skyline of Chicago, the third largest US city by population and the largest city in Illinois. The states primate city has a population of 2.7 million people. Image: Yuchien.ning Lobbyist Information Search Find lobbyists and lobbying groups registered in Illinois. Statement of Economic Interest Search Access statements filed by state employees and elected officials. Inspector General’s Office File a complaint, review statistical and published reports, and more. With Illinois Lottery, Anything's Possible with games like Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto and Lucky Day Lotto. Buy tickets online and find winning lottery numbers! Illinois has been nicknamed as “The Prairie State” in reference to the landscape of rolling hills and prairies that occupy large areas of the state. Physical map of Illinois showing major cities, terrain, national parks, rivers, and surrounding countries with international borders and outline maps. Key facts about Illinois.