Small team, big impact: MTH Pump wins “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois”

Innovation, speed and a little Midwestern ingenuity were the winning qualities behind this year’s Makers Madness champion. The title of “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” went to MTH Pump. This small, Plano-based manufacturer created a game-changing pump that provides rapid, reliable water access for aerial firefighting teams.

This new pump is designed to refill in just 30 seconds, down from the usual minute or more, and could significantly increase the speed and effectiveness of aerial firefighting. This Illinois-made invention could make a lifesaving difference in emergencies where every second matters.

Now in its fifth year, Makers Madness is hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and celebrates the state’s long-standing legacy of manufacturing excellence. The statewide tournament calls on the public to vote for their favorite product made in Illinois. Past winners have included industry giants like Caterpillar and Rivian—making this year’s win by a small team from MTH Pump all the more impressive.

This year’s contest reminds us that big ideas don’t always come from big companies in Illinois and that small teams can make a major impact.

Exploring the Prehistoric and Underground: Illinois’ Caves and Mounds

Illinois is full of natural wonders and prehistoric monuments, some of the most fascinating examples are found in our caves and mounds.

Head down to Cave-In-Rock State Park in southern Illinois, where a massive riverside cave carved into the limestone cliffs has captivated visitors for centuries. Once rumored to be a hideout for river pirates, but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting, this site now offers a scenic and safe peek into the state’s rugged past.

A bit farther north, Illinois Caverns State Natural Area near Waterloo is one of the few public wild caves in the Midwest. With its underground streams, mineral formations and cool year-round temps, it’s a true adventure for nature lovers and geology buffs alike.

Above ground, Illinois is home to some of the most important Native American archaeological sites in the country. At Cahokia Mounds, just outside of St. Louis, you’ll find the remnants of a massive city that once rivaled London in size. It’s a powerful reminder of the Mississippian culture that thrived here long before European settlers arrived.

For a more intimate experience, Dickson Mounds offers insight into Native life along the Illinois River. Its museum and trails overlook the valley, once home to generations of Indigenous communities.

From underground to prehistorical heights, these sites offer an immersive way to connect with Illinois's natural and cultural history.

National Zoo Lovers Day

National Zoo Lovers Day, celebrated on April 8 in the U.S., brings all the zoo animal enthusiasts together to celebrate this significant day. Zoos are more than just conservation sites for endangered species – they also provide educational, research and entertainment purposes. If you love animals, then this holiday is just for you. Visit a zoo nearby to find out about your favorite animals – you can also ask to volunteer at a zoo.

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I Like Illinois celebrates National Deep Dish Day!

Although historic accounts regarding the origins of deep dish pizza differ, the consensus holds that the birthplace of deep dish pizza was in Illinois. Chicago, now home to iconic chains and local restaurants, is where deep dish was invented at Pizzeria Uno on 29 East Ohio Street.

Since its invention in 1943, deep dish pizza has gone through numerous iterations throughout the years, becoming a staple across the city and beyond with restaurants dedicated to the Chicago-style pizza across the country.

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