While many Illinoisans know the red crest of the Northern Cardinal as the state bird, there are a variety of unique symbols that tell the story of our state. The tradition of state symbols began over two centuries ago after the state was admitted to the Union in 1818, and the collection of symbols have continued to evolve throughout history.
A road trip through the state reveals endless cornfields, so it’s no surprise the state snack is popcorn. It became the state snack as a result of a student-led civic project at Cunningham Elementary School in Joliet. The students wanted to learn how a bill became a law, so they researched Illinois agriculture and chose popcorn due to the economic importance of popcorn in Illinois. It caught the attention of Illinois legislators, which resulted in the passage of Senate Bill 1051 in 2003.
A second niche state symbol is the state pie. While pumpkin pie is commonly associated with Thanksgiving, pumpkin has a rich history in Illinois as well. Illinois produces about 85% of processed pumpkins used nationwide. Similar to corn, pumpkins are central to the agricultural identity of the state. A bill was signed into law in 2015 officially recognizing pumpkin pie as a state symbol.
Just as important as fueling the body, cycling was named the state exercise on Jan. 1, 2018 to reflect the state’s commitment to public health and the safety of cyclists. Illinois already had a strong reputation for bike-friendly policies. In 2017, the League of American Bicyclists ranked Illinois as the top state in “Legislation and Enforcement” in cycling policy. To further back up the legitimacy of cycling being named the state exercise, there were three bicycle laws that went into effect on Jan. 1 to further promote bicycle safety.
Whether you’re savoring a bite, enjoying a treat, or breaking a sweat, these state symbols celebrate the unique spirit that keeps our community moving.
