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 defined more by what water has done to it than by any mountain range. Glaciers covered roughly 85% of the state during the Ice Ages, planing down the hills and leaving behind deep, rock-flour-rich soils that became some of the most productive farmland on earth. The location of the state of Illinois in the United States of America The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to the U.S. state of Illinois: Illinois – fifth most populous of the 50 states of the United States of America. Illinois lies between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River and the Ohio River in the Midwestern United States. Chicago, Illinois, is the. 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. Illinois (/ ˌɪlɪˈnɔɪ / ⓘ IL-ih-NOY) is a state in the Midwestern United States. It borders on Lake Michigan to its northeast, the Wabash and Ohio rivers to its south, and the Mississippi River generally to its west. Illinois is a state in the United States. Its capital is Springfield and its largest city is Chicago. It is bordered to the north by Wisconsin, to the west by Iowa and below that, by Missouri (both borders are along the Mississippi River). To the south-east, Illinois is bordered along the Ohio River by Kentucky and to the east by Indiana. Illinois' northeasternmost boundary is to Lake Michigan. Showing 1 to 654 of 654 entries 1 Illinois, United States. Capital: Springfield. Complete guide to the state — location, population, economy, map, and key facts. 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. Office of the Executive Inspector General Find resources for victims’ rights, review monthly reports, file a complaint, and more.