We don’t have to tell you that living in Illinois affords you many privileges. From amazing cities to good eats to natural attractions, the Prairie State is full of wonderful things that the rest of the country has to do without.

Make sure you’re enjoying these 10 perks of living here. Check them out:

  1. Farm fresh foods

Flickr/Jun Seita Due to all the amazing farms and people dedicated to bringing fruits and vegetables to customers fresh, Illinoisans get to enjoy farmers markets and farm stands throughout the state. Especially in late spring through fall, parking lots and town squares are filled with these wonderful shops.

  1. Access to amazing major waterways

GoodFreePhotos From Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, Illinois lays claim to parts of several important water sources in the United States. In addition to a place on the map, these bodies of water provide us amazing views that can’t be beat.

  1. Home of Superman

Flickr/David Wilson We’re literally the only state that can say it has proof of Superman. The town of Metropolis is right here along the Ohio River, and it is full of museums and monuments dedicated to this hero.

  1. Horseshoe sandwiches

Facebook/6 Degrees One of the best privileges of living in Illinois is that you’ve probably had one of these before. If you don’t know what it is, check out this post about the nine best restaurants in the state that serve them.

  1. The Shawnee National Forest

Flickr/erikccooper No state park is more inclusive in types of terrain and natural attractions that this one. Encompassing much of Southern Illinois, this forest is home to waterfalls, giant rock formations, creeks, lakes, stone walls, and much more. Enjoy it anytime of year to get the most out of living in the Prairie State.

  1. Chicago

MaxPixel While not all Illinoisans care for the big city, it is definitely a privilege to be home to one of the three largest and most popular cities in the country. Even other nations have heard of Chicago and want to visit. It’s right in your backyard, so you have no excuse not to take advantage of this opportunity.

  1. O’Hare

Wikimedia Commons/Curimedia Living in the Midwest comes with few perks, but literally being in the middle of the country is one of them. This makes it easier to get to the west or east coast, and there will always be a flight to where you’re going coming out of this gigantic hub.

  1. Craft beer

Wikimedia Commons/Paul Joseph Illinoisans are all about special brews that are made in-state. When you live here, you enjoy the privilege of finding craft beers at many restaurants and stores.

  1. Deep dish pizza everywhere

Wikimedia Commons/Mad Mod Smith Though synonymous with Chicago, this popular pizza style is actually well-known throughout the state. While thin crust is still great, this iconic dish holds a special place in many locals’ hearts, and it’s an honor to be the originators of this hearty pie.

  1. The “Pumpkin Capital of the World”

PublicDomainPictures/Petr Kratochvil One thing that definitely sets Illinois apart is our pumpkin production. Morton Grove produces more canned pumpkin than any other place in the world, and it’s worth a visit in the fall. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity.

Some other amazing things we enjoy are these 10 larger than life attractions that are only in Illinois.

Flickr/Jun Seita

Due to all the amazing farms and people dedicated to bringing fruits and vegetables to customers fresh, Illinoisans get to enjoy farmers markets and farm stands throughout the state. Especially in late spring through fall, parking lots and town squares are filled with these wonderful shops.

GoodFreePhotos

From Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, Illinois lays claim to parts of several important water sources in the United States. In addition to a place on the map, these bodies of water provide us amazing views that can’t be beat.

Flickr/David Wilson

We’re literally the only state that can say it has proof of Superman. The town of Metropolis is right here along the Ohio River, and it is full of museums and monuments dedicated to this hero.

Facebook/6 Degrees

One of the best privileges of living in Illinois is that you’ve probably had one of these before. If you don’t know what it is, check out this post about the nine best restaurants in the state that serve them.

Flickr/erikccooper

No state park is more inclusive in types of terrain and natural attractions that this one. Encompassing much of Southern Illinois, this forest is home to waterfalls, giant rock formations, creeks, lakes, stone walls, and much more. Enjoy it anytime of year to get the most out of living in the Prairie State.

MaxPixel

While not all Illinoisans care for the big city, it is definitely a privilege to be home to one of the three largest and most popular cities in the country. Even other nations have heard of Chicago and want to visit. It’s right in your backyard, so you have no excuse not to take advantage of this opportunity.

Wikimedia Commons/Curimedia

Living in the Midwest comes with few perks, but literally being in the middle of the country is one of them. This makes it easier to get to the west or east coast, and there will always be a flight to where you’re going coming out of this gigantic hub.

Wikimedia Commons/Paul Joseph

Illinoisans are all about special brews that are made in-state. When you live here, you enjoy the privilege of finding craft beers at many restaurants and stores.

Wikimedia Commons/Mad Mod Smith

Though synonymous with Chicago, this popular pizza style is actually well-known throughout the state. While thin crust is still great, this iconic dish holds a special place in many locals’ hearts, and it’s an honor to be the originators of this hearty pie.

PublicDomainPictures/Petr Kratochvil

One thing that definitely sets Illinois apart is our pumpkin production. Morton Grove produces more canned pumpkin than any other place in the world, and it’s worth a visit in the fall. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity.

What other privileges do Illinoisans enjoy that others don’t? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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