Celebrating 10 years of I Like Illinois

For 10 years, “I Like Illinois” has been providing an alternate view of our great state by sharing events, celebrating holidays, and highlighting all the amazing things Illinois has to offer.

Illinois has many astonishing qualities – from a boasting state fair, to farm land and cityscapes – there is something here for everyone. In celebration, here are some of our top 10 stories over the last 10 years about what we like here in Illinois:

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Illinois named nationwide leader in innovative education

In a recent study analyzing 14 key metrics demonstrating innovative educational practices, Illinois ranked fifth — establishing it as a leader in innovative education.

The metrics included factors such as remote learning accessibility and project-based learning, which prepares students for the real world while in school and improves their creativity and flexibility. Other factors included the number of schools in each state offering Advanced Placement courses, the number of universities with test-optional policies, the number of education charities in each state, and how many resource center awards each state has received.

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Illinois’ is home to the first skyscraper

• Chicago
• Skyscraper

Each year, Sept. 3 is recognized as national skyscraper day! Did you know the first skyscraper was built in Chicago?

In 1884, Chicago architect William LeBaron Jenny designed the first skyscraper, which stood nine stories high, and was home to the Home Life Insurance Building. Itwas the first structure to stand on an iron frame. The building stood for 46 years until its demolition in 1931.

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Join the fun for the Chicago Water and Air Show

• Chicago
• Water and Air Show

The Chicago Water and Air Show is returning this weekend to the Chicago lakefront Aug. 10-11 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

This event started in 1959, and has grown to be the largest and oldest free admission air show in the United States. Each year, the show sees over two million people on the city’s lakefront to the military and its pilots perform stunts above Lake Michigan.

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