8 Quirky And Unusual Things No One Tells You About Living In Illinois

Illinois may be known for deep-dish pizza, Abraham Lincoln, and the city of Chicago, but living here comes with its own set of surprises. Beyond the tourist brochures and big-city skyline, there are quirky, confusing, and downright funny things that only locals truly understand.

If you’re thinking of moving to Illinois—or have just arrived—here are 8 unusual things no one warns you about.

1. The Weather Has a Mind of Its Own

In Illinois, the weather changes faster than your mood on a Monday. You can wake up to sunshine, get caught in a rainstorm by lunch, and end the day with snow. Locals have learned to keep:

A jacket,

An umbrella, and

A pair of sunglasses
all in the car year-round—just in case.

2. “Pop,” Not “Soda”

If you ask for “soda” in most of Illinois, people might give you a weird look. Here, it’s “pop”, and everyone says it without a second thought. Want to blend in? Just order a pop with your pizza and move on.

3. There’s a Town Named Normal (And It’s Anything But)

Yes, Normal, Illinois is a real place—and it has a twin city named Bloomington. Despite the name, there’s nothing particularly “normal” about it. You’ll find college students, quirky festivals, and some of the most Midwest-charming vibes anywhere.

4. Construction Season Is the Fifth Season

Spring, summer, fall, winter—and construction. Once the snow melts, expect detours, road closures, and the sound of jackhammers everywhere you go. It’s such a common thing that locals joke: “Illinois has two seasons—winter and road work.”

5. The State Fair Is a Big Deal (Yes, Really)

Forget small-town carnivals. The Illinois State Fair in Springfield is a full-blown event. Think:

Giant butter sculptures,

Deep-fried everything,

Pig races, and

Concerts on hay bales.
If you’ve never tried fried Oreos while watching a tractor pull, are you really living in Illinois?

6. Chicago Feels Like Its Own Country

Ask someone from Chicago if they’re from Illinois, and they might just say, “I’m from Chicago.” That’s because the city has its own culture, accent, and identity that feels completely separate from the rest of the state. In fact, downstaters and Chicagoans sometimes act like they live in two different worlds.

7. Abraham Lincoln Is Everywhere—Literally

Illinois is called the “Land of Lincoln,” and they mean it. His face is on street signs, schools, license plates, and even gas stations. You’ll drive through towns like Lincoln, visit Lincoln’s home in Springfield, and maybe even feel like you’ve personally met the guy.

8. The Food Scene Goes Way Beyond Deep Dish

Yes, deep-dish pizza is iconic, but Illinois food culture is more than just cheesy layers. Here’s what else you’ll find:

Italian beef sandwiches dripping with gravy

Horseshoes in Springfield (no, not the metal ones—this is a meat-and-cheese-loaded plate of carbs)

Chicago-style hot dogs (no ketchup allowed!)

Corn on the cob so fresh, it tastes like summer

Food here is a big deal—and people are very proud of it.

Living in Illinois is full of surprises, from unpredictable weather to fierce loyalty over how you say “pop.” It’s a place where construction zones are seasonal landmarks, Abraham Lincoln is basically a state mascot, and Chicago feels like its own planet.

Whether you’re upstate, downstate, or somewhere in between, Illinois offers a mix of charm, quirk, and Midwest friendliness that’s hard to find anywhere else. And once you’ve experienced these oddities firsthand, you’ll know—you’re officially one of us.

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