Illinois! Look at the boundless bounty of this state whether you are working or playing as you choose your new home. Nearly 900 museums invite you along with 1,100 historical sites.

If you like the out-of-doors, then 260 natural areas including state parks await your visit. Forests cover ten percent of the state---excellent for hiking or biking. Or be drawn to Bishop Hill for its many Swedish celebrations. Or traverse Spoon River with its scenic drives.

Or what about Wrigley Field's baseball games? Or canoe races on the Fox River, Or Chicago lakefront fireworks? Or feast on blue cheese at Nauvoo. Or savor deep-dish Chicago pizza? Or sip on Illinois's many award-winning wines!

Tourism and manufacturing are the state's primary industries. Major companies such as Sears Roebuck, McDonald's and United Airlines find their home here. Historically, some of the earliest know Native American settlements in North America can be found in Illinois. French explorers Louis Joiliet and Jacques Marquette first claimed Illinois for the French in 1673. This fifth most populated state was also claimed by the British and by Virginia at various times. Illinois is named for the Illinois Indians, a group of Algonquin tribes calling themselves the Illiniwek meaning "superior men." The French changed the name to Illinois.