Welcome to I Like Illinois

History of Illinois auto industry

From humble beginnings to hosting several of the world’s best automobile manufacturers, Illinois has had a major stake in the history of the auto industry as it has evolved throughout the years.

In the late 19th century the Chicago Times-Herald announced a $5,000 prize for a round-trip race between Chicago and Evanston in 1895. Despite a snowstorm that blanketed the area just days before, two cars managed to complete the race. This event, which also featured possibly the nation’s first auto show with 12 exhibited automobiles, marked the early days of Illinois’ history with automobiles.

As the 19th century drew to a close, a minimum of 22 local enterprises had been founded to fabricate horseless carriages, and a dozen of these successfully transitioned to full-scale production. Despite never surpassing Detroit as the foremost auto hub, Chicago emerged as a significant epicenter for automobile manufacturing, hosting 28 companies that collectively brought forth 68 distinct car models in the early 1900s.

Read more …

Illinois public universities see highest enrollment in over a decade

• Higher Education
• FY27
• Enrollment
• Public Universities

For the third consecutive year, public universities in Illinois have seen increased enrollment with more than 190,000 students enrolled during the fall semester of the 2026-27 academic year. This is the highest enrollment since 2015.

Total student enrollment across Illinois’ 12 public universities increased to 190,114 students, up 287 students from last year.

Read more …

Plainfield resident breaks Illinois record for largest pumpkin at 2,492.5 pounds

• Pumpkin
• Record-breaking

Stroll through your local neighborhood and you may see 10-pound jack-o’-lanterns galore, but Plainfield resident Phil Groenewold’s yard is turning heads with a striking 2,492.5-pound pumpkin on display.

The feat broke an 11-year-old state record by 347 pounds at the Bluegrass Championship Weigh-Off in Kentucky on Sept. 12.

Groenewold shared that there wasn’t one distinguishing factor that led to the pumpkin’s success. However, he picked the pumpkin two weeks early to ensure he could make it to the championship in Kentucky. Care and attention were two primary ingredients in Groenewold’s high-performing routine, which consisted of using the right seed, adding nutrients to the soil and watering the plant with 80 gallons per day. 

Oct. 26 marks the annual celebration of National Pumpkin Day to honor the festive foods and fall activities that are centered on the iconic squash. Groenewold’s record-breaking pumpkin is the ultimate way to honor the holiday this season.

Best places to see fall colors in Illinois

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to explore Illinois as the state’s many forests, parks and scenic byways transform into a brilliant spectacle of red, orange and gold. From the rolling hills of Southern Illinois to the wooded trails of the north, the Prairie State offers plenty of destinations for enjoying the season’s changing leaves.

Starved Rock State Park is an excellent destination for fall foliage fans. Located along the south bank of the Illinois River near Utica, the park features sandstone canyons, towering bluffs and miles of hiking trails surrounded by colorful trees. Matthiessen State Park, just a short drive away, offers another great viewing opportunity with its wooded ravines, waterfalls and many trails.

In the West Suburban area, Morton Arboretum in Lisle is another wonderful choice for experiencing nature in autumn without having to venture too far from the Chicago area. It spans 1,700 acres with over 4,000 types of trees, offering dedicated fall color reports and walking trails. Nearby, Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe offers access to picturesque gardens, lakeside views and an abundance of paths surrounded by seasonal foliage.

Read more …