Illinois State Geography for Kids: Printable Learning Pack

This post may contain affiliate links.

Welcome to the next stop in our U.S. Geography series—Illinois! Known as The Prairie State, Illinois is a land of wide-open farmland, bustling cities, and rich American history. From Abraham Lincoln to the skyscrapers of Chicago, Illinois offers an incredible mix of nature, culture, and innovation.

This printable Illinois state geography pack helps kids explore Illinois through hands-on learning, maps, and creative activities that make geography come alive.

Studying all 50 states? Start here:
➡ United States Geography Lessons for Kids

Fun Facts About the State of Illinois

Introduce your learners to Illinois with these fascinating facts:

Illinois became the 21st state in the U.S. on December 3, 1818.
The state capital is Springfield, but the largest city is Chicago.
Its nickname, “The Prairie State,” comes from the vast grasslands that once covered much of the area.
The state bird is the Northern Cardinal, and the state flower is the Violet.
Illinois is bordered by Wisconsin to the North, Iowa to the Northeast, Missouri to the West, Kentucky to the Southeast, and Indiana to the East.
The Mississippi River forms the western border, while Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, touches the northeast corner.
Abraham Lincoln lived in Illinois for many years—hence its other nickname, The Land of Lincoln.
Chicago is home to the first skyscraper, built in 1885.
The world’s first McDonald’s opened in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Illinois produces major crops such as corn and soybeans and is part of America’s “Corn Belt.”
The state’s weather varies from snowy winters in the north to humid summers in the south.

Illinois State Geography Printable Pack

This 8-page printable set makes exploring Illinois fun and engaging for kids!
Each page combines creativity, geography, and research to help students learn key state facts.

Included in the Illinois State Geography Pack:

Illinois Fact Coloring Page (state bird, flower, flag, and animal)
Midwestern States Regional Map
Landmark Coloring Page – featuring Abraham Lincoln’s house
Illinois Info Worksheet for student research
Blank U.S. Map to locate Illinois
Illinois State Map – label cities, rivers, and landmarks
Large Illinois State Flag Coloring Page
Illinois-Shaped Maze Activity

How to Use This Illinois Geography Pack

This set is perfect for both classroom and homeschool lessons. Here’s one simple way to use it:

Begin by reading through the Illinois fun facts together.
Use the maps to find Illinois and label its neighboring states.
Fill in the info worksheet using a U.S. atlas or safe online search.
Add color and creativity with the coloring and maze pages.
Extend the learning with a read-aloud, craft, or virtual field trip.

Recommended resources for this and other states:

The 50 States by Gabrielle Balkan – colorful illustrations and fun trivia
National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas – clear visuals and engaging maps

Illinois Geography Learning Extensions

Read-Aloud Pairings:

Abraham Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters
I Survived The Great Chicago Fire: 1871 by Janet Nolan

Virtual Field Trip Ideas:

Explore The Field Museum or Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
Take a virtual tour of Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site in Springfield

Craft or Symbol Project:

Create an Illinois state mobile featuring the cardinal, violet, and flag
Make a 3D skyline model of Chicago using cardboard or building blocks

Cross-Curricular Extensions:

Graph Illinois’s top agricultural products
Research the architectural height of famous Chicago skyscrapers

More State Geography Lessons to Explore

Explore More U.S. States

Previous State: Idaho Geography Lesson
Next State: Indiana Geography Lesson