Here are 10 Things People from Illinois Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Welcome to the Land of Lincoln, where Illinoisans march to the beat of their own drum! From deep-dish pizza devotion to polar plunge participation, residents of Illinois engage in behaviors that might raise eyebrows elsewhere. Join us as we uncover 10 quirks and traditions that showcase the unique and sometimes perplexing nature of Illinois culture.

“Deep-dish pizza devotion”

Illinoisans have a deep love for deep-dish pizza, with Chicago-style pies featuring thick crusts, layers of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce, a culinary preference that may seem excessive or indulgent to those accustomed to thinner crusts.

“Frozen custard frenzy”

In Illinois, particularly in the Chicago area, residents indulge in frozen custard, a rich and creamy dessert similar to ice cream but with a higher egg yolk content, showcasing a passion for frozen treats that may seem extravagant or obsessive to those from regions without a strong frozen custard culture.

“Polar plunge participation”

Illinoisans embrace the tradition of the polar plunge, where participants jump into freezing cold water during winter months to raise money for charity or simply for the thrill of the experience, a daring activity that may seem insane or uncomfortable to those unaccustomed to frigid temperatures.

“Lakefront lounging”

In cities like Chicago, residents flock to the Lake Michigan waterfront during the summer months to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy outdoor activities, braving crowded beaches and unpredictable weather in pursuit of lakeside relaxation, a dedication to waterfront recreation that may seem extreme or irrational to those from landlocked regions.

“Blizzard survival skills”

Illinoisans are well-versed in navigating winter blizzards, stocking up on essentials like bread, milk, and toilet paper at the first hint of snowfall, showcasing a preparedness for inclement weather that may seem exaggerated or paranoid to those from regions with milder winters.

“Dibs on parking spots”

In Chicago, residents use lawn chairs, traffic cones, and other makeshift objects to reserve parking spots that they have cleared of snow, a practice known as “dibs” that reflects a territorial attitude toward parking in densely populated urban areas and may seem possessive or contentious to those from less congested cities.

“Wrigleyville revelry”

Chicagoans descend upon Wrigleyville, the neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field, to celebrate Cubs baseball games with pre-game tailgates, post-game bar crawls, and street festivals, showcasing a fervent devotion to the local baseball team that may seem fanatical or excessive to those from regions without such strong sports culture.

“St. Patrick’s Day celebrations”

Chicago hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, with residents dyeing the Chicago River green, wearing green attire, and partaking in pub crawls and festivities throughout the city, displaying a festive spirit and love for Irish heritage that may seem extravagant or over-the-top to those from regions with less elaborate St. Patrick’s Day traditions.

“Neighborhood pride”

Illinoisans take pride in their neighborhoods and communities, with strong allegiances to local sports teams, schools, and landmarks, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that may seem insular or cliquish to those from regions with less neighborhood-centric identities.

“Toll road tolling”

Illinois has an extensive system of toll roads, with toll booths and toll plazas scattered throughout the state, leading to frequent stops and delays for drivers, a tolling system that may seem inconvenient or frustrating to those from regions with fewer toll roads or alternative transportation options.