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Quizzes > Geography > Countries & Cities

Test Your Illinois Knowledge with Our Trivia Quiz!

Think You Can Ace These Illinois Trivia Questions? Start Now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style Illinois map with quiz icons for capitals mottos and geography on teal background

This Illinois trivia quiz helps you see what you know about the Prairie State - from Chicago to Springfield, with history, geography, and quirky facts. Play to have fun and pick up a new fact or two, and if you want more, brush up on capitals in this state capitals quiz or take a broader look with U.S. geography.

What is the capital city of Illinois?
Chicago
Springfield
Peoria
Naperville
Springfield has been the state capital since 1839 when it replaced Vandalia. It was selected to be more centrally located for the growing state's population. Today it houses the Illinois State Capitol building and many state government offices. .
What is the official two-letter postal abbreviation for Illinois?
IN
IL
IO
IR
The United States Postal Service assigns IL as the two-letter abbreviation for Illinois. These abbreviations are used for mailing addresses and many official state documents. Each state in the U.S. has a unique two-letter code. .
What nickname is most commonly associated with Illinois?
Land of Lincoln
Prairie State
Empire State
Keystone State
Illinois is widely known as the "Land of Lincoln" because Abraham Lincoln spent much of his political career and adult life there. This nickname highlights the state's connection to the 16th President of the United States. While "Prairie State" is also a recognized moniker, "Land of Lincoln" is most prominent. .
Which bird is designated as the state bird of Illinois?
Goldfinch
American robin
Blue jay
Northern cardinal
The northern cardinal was adopted as the state bird of Illinois in 1929. Its bright red plumage is common across the state and easily recognized. The cardinal is also the state bird of six other states, making it the most popular state bird in the U.S. .
What flower is recognized as the state flower of Illinois?
Tulip
Lily
Rose
Violet
The violet was designated the state flower of Illinois in 1908. This small purple blossom grows widely across the state in springtime. It symbolizes modesty and loyalty, qualities valued by early residents. .
Which Great Lake borders the northeastern corner of Illinois?
Lake Michigan
Lake Superior
Lake Erie
Lake Huron
Lake Michigan forms the northeastern border of Illinois, providing Chicago its famous lakefront. It is the only one of the Great Lakes located entirely within the United States. Illinois has about 63 miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan. .
In what year did Illinois become the 21st state of the United States?
1865
1818
1787
1848
Illinois was admitted to the Union on December 3, 1818, as the 21st state. Its admission followed several years of territorial growth after being part of the Northwest Territory. The early state capital was Kaskaskia before it moved to Vandalia, then Springfield. .
Which city is the most populous in Illinois?
Springfield
Rockford
Aurora
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois by a significant margin, with over 2.7 million residents. It is the third-most populous city in the entire United States. Known for its skyline, economy, and cultural institutions, Chicago is the state's primary urban center. .
What is the official state motto of Illinois?
State Sovereignty, National Union
Prairie State
Forward
Land of Lincoln
Illinois' official state motto is "State Sovereignty, National Union," adopted in 1868. The phrase reflects post-Civil War reconciliation themes, balancing state rights with federal unity. It appears on the state seal and flag. .
Which major U.S. river forms most of Illinois' western boundary?
Missouri River
Ohio River
Mississippi River
Illinois River
The Mississippi River defines Illinois' western border for nearly the entire length of the state. It is one of North America's longest rivers and has been vital for transport, commerce, and agriculture. Illinois' river ports and levees rely on it heavily. .
Which campus is considered the flagship of the University of Illinois system?
Southern Illinois University
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
University of Illinois at Chicago
Northern Illinois University
The University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign (UIUC) is the flagship campus of the three-campus University of Illinois system. Established in 1867, it is renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and business programs. UIUC consistently ranks among the top public universities in the U.S. .
The southern part of Illinois is colloquially known by what nickname?
Heartland
Corn Belt
Little Texas
Little Egypt
Southern Illinois is often referred to as "Little Egypt," a nickname dating back to the 19th century. It may stem from agricultural parallels - Egypt being a historical breadbasket - and towns named Cairo and Thebes. The region has distinctive culture and geography compared to northern Illinois. .
What is the name of Illinois' only national forest?
Hoosier National Forest
Daniel Boone National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest
Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest, covering nearly 280,000 acres in southern Illinois, is the state's only national forest. It offers diverse landscapes including hardwood forests, rock formations, and wetlands. The forest is popular for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. .
Who invented the mechanical reaper in Illinois that transformed 19th-century agriculture?
Eli Whitney
Robert Fulton
John Deere
Cyrus McCormick
Cyrus McCormick developed the first practical mechanical reaper on his family farm near Richmond, Virginia, but he moved to Chicago in 1847 and founded McCormick Harvesting Machine Company. His invention greatly increased crop yields and agricultural efficiency. It laid the foundation for modern farm machinery. .
What is the highest natural point in Illinois?
Mount Simon
Charles Mound
Marys Peak
Eagle Mountain
Charles Mound, located in Jo Daviess County near the Wisconsin border, is the highest natural point in Illinois at 1,235 feet above sea level. It is on private property but accessible during occasional public open houses. The site is a gentle hill rather than a sharp peak. .
In which year did Chicago host the World's Columbian Exposition?
1876
1910
1901
1893
The World's Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago in 1893 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's voyage. It showcased architecture, arts, and technology in the famous White City. The fair had a profound impact on American culture and urban planning. .
What is the name of the famous public beach located on Lake Michigan in Chicago?
Belmont Harbor
Jackson Park Beach
North Avenue Beach
Oak Street Beach
North Avenue Beach is Chicago's most popular public beach, located near downtown. It offers swimming, volleyball courts, and a beach house with rentals. The site is iconic for lakefront recreation and skyline views. .
In what year did engineers complete the project to reverse the flow of the Chicago River?
1890
1900
1922
1910
The Chicago River reversal was completed in 1900 via the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Engineers redirected the river's flow away from Lake Michigan to improve the city's drinking water quality. This landmark civil engineering project is still in use today. .
Which U.S. President was born in Illinois?
Ronald Reagan
Ulysses S. Grant
Barack Obama
Abraham Lincoln
Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. Although Abraham Lincoln spent much of his adult life in Illinois, he was born in Kentucky. Reagan went on to serve as the 40th President of the United States. .
Approximately how many miles of Lake Michigan shoreline does Illinois have?
90
63
45
120
Illinois' Lake Michigan shoreline spans about 63 miles, stretching from the Wisconsin border south past Chicago to the Indiana state line. This coastline includes beaches, harbors, and nature preserves. It is an important recreational and ecological resource. .
What percentage of Illinois's land area is used for agriculture?
25%
90%
75%
50%
About three-quarters of Illinois's land - around 75% - is devoted to agriculture, making it one of the nation's most productive farming states. Corn and soybeans are the primary crops. Farming shapes much of the state's economy and landscape. .
Which area code primarily serves Chicago's downtown Loop and Near North Side?
847
312
773
630
Area code 312 was one of the original North American area codes established in 1947 and serves Chicago's central business district, including the Loop and Near North Side. As demand grew, overlay codes like 773 and 872 were added. .
Approximately what percentage of Illinois' electricity generation comes from nuclear power?
75%
53%
25%
10%
In recent years, nuclear power has supplied about 53% of Illinois's electricity generation, the highest share of any U.S. state. The six operating reactors at the state's nuclear plants provide reliable baseload power. Illinois leads in nuclear capacity thanks to plants like Byron and Braidwood. .
Which unique geological feature characterized by sinkholes and caves is found in southern Illinois?
Driftless Area
Prairie Peninsula
Ozark Plateau
Illinois Sinkhole Plain
The Illinois Sinkhole Plain is a karst landscape in southern Illinois featuring sinkholes, caves, and underground streams. It was formed by the dissolution of limestone bedrock over thousands of years. The region supports unique ecosystems and hydrology. .
What was the first state park established in Illinois?
Pere Marquette State Park
Starved Rock State Park
Fort Massac State Park
Giant City State Park
Fort Massac State Park, near Metropolis, was established in 1903 as Illinois's first state park. It preserves the site of a historic French and British fort overlooking the Ohio River. Today it features reconstructed fortifications and a museum. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall the Illinois state capital and major cities -

    After completing the Illinois trivia quiz, readers will confidently name Springfield and other key urban centers, reinforcing their grasp of the state's urban geography.

  2. Identify Illinois's official mottos and their meanings -

    Readers will be able to identify Illinois's official mottos - like "State Sovereignty, National Union" - and interpret their historical and cultural significance.

  3. Locate Illinois's bordering states and geographic regions -

    Readers will locate Illinois on a map by identifying its neighboring states and key regions such as the Mississippi River valley and the Shawnee Hills.

  4. Describe fun Illinois facts and hidden gems -

    Readers will describe fun Illinois facts and hidden gems, from nickname origins to lesser-known landmarks across the Prairie State.

  5. Analyze quiz results to gauge trivia proficiency -

    Readers will analyze their quiz performance to gauge their Illinois trivia proficiency and pinpoint topics for further study.

  6. Apply newfound knowledge to share and explore -

    Readers will apply their newfound knowledge to challenge friends, host trivia nights, or explore Illinois's history and geography in greater depth.

Cheat Sheet

  1. State Capital & Lincoln's Legacy -

    Springfield has been the Illinois state capital since 1839 and served as Abraham Lincoln's legal and political home (Illinois.gov). Remembering Springfield's ties to Lincoln is key in any Illinois trivia quiz - visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum for real-world reinforcement. Mnemonic: "Spring's Field of Law" ties the city name to Lincoln's legal career.

  2. State Motto & Great Seal -

    Illinois's official motto, "State Sovereignty, National Union," appears on its Great Seal adopted in 1868 (Illinois Secretary of State). Use the phrase "Strong States Need Unity" to recall the motto's emphasis on balancing local rights with federal unity. This motto often appears in Illinois trivia questions about state symbols.

  3. Six Bordering States -

    Illinois touches Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan (U.S. Geological Survey). A handy mnemonic is "WI, IA, MO, KY, IN & MI" - think "Wild Iowa Monkeys Keep In Mischief" while tracing your finger around the map. Knowing these borders helps you ace geography rounds in any Illinois quiz.

  4. Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems -

    From Chicago's Willis Tower and Millennium Park to the UNESCO-listed Cahokia Mounds, Illinois offers surprising trivia fodder (National Park Service). Don't forget Route 66 starts in Chicago's Grant Park - the "Grand" way to launch a fun Illinois facts quiz. Use a mental map swim: "Willis, Mounds, Route" to hit all three in order.

  5. Agriculture Powerhouse & "Land of Lincoln" Nickname -

    Illinois ranks second nationally in corn production and first in soybeans, earning its spot in the Corn Belt (USDA). The nickname "Land of Lincoln" first appeared in 1848 and doubles as a cultural and economic talking point for Illinois trivia questions. Recall "Corn, Soy, Lincoln" to cover agriculture and history in one sweep.

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