The Corn King: Illinois Takes the Lead Over Iowa

When planning a trip through America’s heartland, the choice often narrows down to Illinois or Iowa. Each state offers unique attractions, from Chicago’s bustling streets to Iowa’s peaceful prairies. Ready to explore these Midwestern gems? Let’s compare what each state has to offer, including new travel dimensions like health, wellness, and public transport.

1. Culinary Delights: Winner – Illinois

Illinois shines with its culinary scene, especially in Chicago, which is famous for deep-dish pizza, haute cuisine, and a dynamic street food scene.

Iowa offers hearty Midwestern cuisine with staples like pork tenderloin sandwiches and sweet corn. While delicious, it lacks the international diversity and culinary innovation found in Illinois.

2. Culture and Arts: Winner – Illinois

Illinois is rich in cultural offerings, from the world-class museums of Chicago to the vibrant art scenes in smaller cities like Peoria and Champaign.

Iowa also has a strong arts presence, particularly noted for its literature with events like the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, but Illinois’s larger cities provide broader cultural experiences.

3. History: Winner – Iowa

Illinois is steeped in history with landmarks related to Abraham Lincoln and the Great Migration.

Iowa edges out slightly with its pivotal role in American history, especially with the Underground Railroad sites and the Amana Colonies. Iowa’s historical depth in American frontier and Native American history is profound.

4. Music and Festivals: Winner – Illinois

Illinois boasts a legendary music scene, particularly in Chicago, known for blues, jazz, and the birthplace of house music, alongside famous festivals like Lollapalooza and the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Iowa hosts important music festivals like the Iowa State Fair and Hinterland Music Festival, but Illinois’s global influence in music makes it the clear winner.

5. Natural Wonders: Winner – Iowa

Illinois has beautiful natural attractions like Starved Rock State Park and the Illinois River Road.

Iowa offers more diverse landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of the Mississippi River to the Loess Hills. Its commitment to preserving these natural settings gives it a slight edge.

6. Hospitality and Accommodation: Winner – Illinois

Illinois offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels in downtown Chicago to cozy bed and breakfasts in historic Galena.

Iowa provides warm hospitality with comfortable and quaint lodging options, but the sheer variety and scale of Illinois’s accommodations cater to a broader range of preferences.

7. RV and Camping Facilities: Winner – Iowa

Illinois has good facilities, especially around its state parks.

Iowa, with its more rural and scenic landscapes, offers a more relaxed and widespread camping experience, making it ideal for those looking to explore the great outdoors.

8. Quirkiness: Winner – Illinois

Illinois offers an array of quirky attractions, from the Superman Museum in Metropolis to the Leaning Tower replica in Niles.

Iowa’s notable sites include the world’s largest strawberry and the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk, but Illinois’s quirky spots are more diverse and numerous.

9. Shopping: Winner – Illinois

Illinois excels with its shopping options, from the Magnificent Mile in Chicago to outlet malls and boutique stores across the state.

Iowa offers charming local shopping experiences, especially in places like the Amana Colonies, but cannot compete with the scale and variety found in Illinois.

10. Safety: Tie

Both states are generally safe for travelers, with well-maintained urban and rural areas. Tourist spots in both states are well-guarded and provide a comfortable environment for visitors.

11. Family-Friendly Attractions: Winner – Illinois

Illinois is home to numerous family attractions like the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Brookfield Zoo, and numerous state parks and children’s museums.

Iowa also provides great family-friendly options like Adventureland Park and Blank Park Zoo, but Illinois offers a wider variety of educational and entertainment options.

12. Accessibility: Winner – Illinois

Illinois’s transportation infrastructure, including major airports like O’Hare International and an extensive highway and rail network, makes it highly accessible.

Iowa has good connectivity, especially via road, but lacks the extensive air and rail links that Illinois offers.

13. Environmental Initiatives: Tie

Both Illinois and Iowa are involved in significant environmental efforts. Illinois focuses on urban sustainability initiatives while Iowa leads in wind energy production and agricultural conservation practices.

14. Health and Wellness

Illinois offers a wide array of health and wellness facilities, including top-rated hospitals in Chicago and a plethora of wellness retreats throughout the state.

Iowa prides itself on community health initiatives and accessible healthcare, but Illinois’s larger urban centers provide more specialized health services.

15. Public Transport

Illinois, particularly Chicago, has an extensive and efficient public transportation network, making it easy to navigate without a car.

Iowa offers reliable bus services in its major cities, but the public transport system is less comprehensive than Illinois’s, especially in rural areas.

16. Affordability

Iowa is generally more affordable than Illinois, with a lower cost of living, more affordable housing, and lower taxes.

Illinois tends to be more expensive, particularly in Chicago, although it offers higher salaries which can offset the cost of living differences.

17. Pet-Friendliness

Illinois is very pet-friendly, with numerous dog parks, pet-friendly businesses, and accommodations, especially in urban areas.

Iowa is also welcoming to pets but has fewer pet-specific amenities compared to Illinois.

18. Sporting Culture

Illinois has a rich sporting culture, home to major league teams like the Chicago Bears, Cubs, and Bulls, and a passionate fan base.

Iowa enjoys a strong college sports scene, particularly noted for college football and wrestling, but lacks major league sports teams.

19. Social Dynamics and Diversity

Illinois, especially in cities like Chicago, is extremely diverse and offers a dynamic social environment with a broad spectrum of cultural communities.

Iowa has been growing in diversity and offers a close-knit community feel, but it does not match the scale and variety of Illinois’s social dynamics.

20. Instagramability

Illinois offers iconic Instagram spots like the Chicago skyline, the Bean, and scenic drives along the Great River Road.

Iowa impresses with picturesque landscapes, especially during the fall and in quaint towns like Pella, but Illinois’s urban and architectural grandeur generally garners more social media attention.

Choosing Your Next Midwest Adventure

In the end, both Illinois and Iowa present unique offerings. Illinois might be the go-to for those seeking urban excitement, diverse cultural experiences, and extensive amenities. Iowa appeals to those looking for a quieter visit with a focus on natural beauty and a slower pace of life. Consider what aspects of your trip are most important to tailor your decision to your personal travel style and interests.

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Budimir Jevtic.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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