Central Illinois facts for kids

A map showing Central Illinois

Central Illinois is a special area in the middle of the U.S. state of Illinois. People sometimes call it the Heart of Illinois because it's right in the center! This region is known for its many small towns and medium-sized cities. Important parts of its economy include corn and soybean farming, schools and universities, and factories.

About 45 counties make up Central Illinois. In 2020, over 1.8 million people lived here. Some of the biggest cities you'll find are Peoria, Springfield (which is the state's capital), Decatur, Quincy, Champaign–Urbana, Bloomington–Normal, Galesburg, and Danville.

What is Central Illinois Like?

Central Illinois highlighted on a map of Illinois

Central Illinois used to be mostly flat prairie land. It still is very flat, especially in Douglas County. The region also has several man-made lakes, like Lake Shelbyville, Lake Springfield, Clinton Lake, and Lake Decatur. Big rivers flow through this area too, including the Illinois, Kaskaskia, Sangamon, and the famous Mississippi.

Special Places to Visit

Many protected areas are found in Central Illinois. Some of these places are connected to the history of Abraham Lincoln. For example, Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site shows what the town looked like when Lincoln started his political career. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a national park that protects Lincoln's home in Springfield.

You can also visit Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. This is a protected area where thousands of waterfowl (like ducks and geese) and shorebirds live. There are many other state parks and National Wildlife Refuges throughout the region.

Weather in Central Illinois

A tornado hitting the town of Roanoke, Illinois

Central Illinois has a humid continental climate. This means it experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Snow is common in winter, with most areas getting about 20 inches each year. Overall, the region receives about 38 inches of rain and snow annually.

Severe weather, like tornadoes, often happens in spring and summer. Sometimes, rare blizzards can hit parts of Central Illinois in winter. The weather is very important for farming. Sometimes, droughts in summer and fall can harm the soybean and corn crops.

How People Make a Living

Corn fields stretching across Central Illinois

Central Illinois has many different ways people earn money. Agriculture is the most important industry. This includes everything from small family farms to very large farms that produce huge amounts of crops. Most counties here rely on farming. The main crops grown are soybeans and corn.

County fairs and the Illinois State Fair celebrate farming and offer fun entertainment. Other important industries are manufacturing (making things) and service industries (like healthcare or retail).

Caterpillar Inc., a big company that makes construction equipment, used to have its main office in Peoria. They still employ many people in the region. State Farm Insurance, a major insurance company, has its main office in Bloomington. The Illinois government in Springfield also employs many people.

Popular places for tourists include the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Old State Capitol, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Culture and Fun

The culture and people of Central Illinois are similar to other parts of the Midwestern United States. The southern part of the region shares some traditions with Southern Illinois. The northern part feels more like the typical Midwest.

West-Central Illinois is sometimes called Forgottonia. This is a nickname for an area that felt overlooked in the past.

The region is also at the heart of a famous sports rivalry: the Cardinals–Cubs rivalry in baseball!

Getting Around Central Illinois

You can travel around Central Illinois in many ways. There are airports, trains, interstate highways, bus networks, and even rivers.

Airports with flights for passengers include Central Illinois Regional Airport (near Bloomington-Normal), General Wayne Downing Peoria International Airport, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, and University of Illinois Willard Airport near Savoy.

Several Amtrak train lines run through the region, stopping in major cities. There are also nine interstate highways in Central Illinois, making it easy to drive.

Major Highways

Local Bus Services

Learning and Education

Central Illinois has many great places to learn, from universities to colleges and special trade schools.

Universities

Colleges

Trade and Specialty Schools