It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the man of steel! Did you know that parts of the hit film “Man of Steel” were filmed in Illinois? Many of the most pivotal scenes in the movie were filmed in and near Chicago. (Spoilers for “Man of Steel ahead”.)
Charles Mound is the highest natural point in Illinois, at 1,235 feet above sea level. It’s located on rolling farmland, 11 miles north of the Mississippi River town of Galena and less than half a mile from the Wisconsin border.
The northwest area of Illinois is part of a unique geological region called the “Driftless Area.” The land was not covered by glaciers during the last Ice Age, which created a tall plateau cut by deep river valleys, most notably around the Mississippi River.
North American river otters were once common throughout Illinois. This species of otter is the largest member of the weasel family, and they reside in rivers, streams and lakes throughout much of the eastern and northwestern United States. While native to Illinois, their population was greatly reduced after Europeans arrived in the 16th century.
Considered by some to be the best comedian of all time, Robin Williams was born in Chicago in 1951 and went on to make many people laugh. He performed standup comedy and provided his acting talents to many movies.