There are two things you prob think of when Illinois comes to mind: farmland and Chicago, right??? The truth is, it’s so much more than that. It’s a state where big dreams meet even bigger things it’s WILD how many extraordinary objects come from Illinois. We’re talkin’ about iconic products, game-changing inventions, and some legendary views all born in the Land of Lincoln.
This state is HUGE (25th largest U.S. state, to be exact), with everything from flat cornfields and rolling hills to big city lights and Lake Michigan. Aside from that, Illinois is home to some of the most renowned products that have shaped pop culture, industries, and everyday life.
Today, we’re diving into a roundup of the most incredible products made in Illinois that’ll def make you revisit your initial opinions. Prepare to be mind-blown, baddies.
Iconic Creations: 10 Famous Products Made in Illinois
Before we get into the products, we gotta give you insight into what the state is famous for. This can help set your expectations (and exceed them, TBH) so you can really appreciate all this great state has to offer!
What Is Illinois Famous For?
Illinois is SERIOUSLY underrated. There’s sooo much intriguing history, rich culture, and, believe it or not, super diverse geography.
We’ll start with the obvious Illinois is home to the iconic windy city, gooood ole’ Chicago. With lakefront views and a stunning open skyline, the vibe is unmatched. You’ve got The Bean (aka Cloud Gate), deep-dish pizza that will literally change your life, and The Magnificent Mile for some out-of-this-world shopping, entertainment, and dining.
If you’re a fan of diverse views, Illinois delivers. The Willis Tower is a total icon for skyline views. Serving as the highest public viewing area in the U.S., it’s home to The Skydeck, which is equally terrifying and amazing. You know those IG-worthy pics everyone posts in a glass box above a city? Yep, that’s in Illinois!
The Willis Tower isn’t the only impressive view Illinois has to offer. For breathtaking lakefront views, Navy Pier is a Chicago classic. If you’re looking for something more natural and outdoorsy, the Shawnee National Forest is down south with waterfalls, trails, and the legendary Garden of the Gods park.
For our music lovers, Illinois is the place to be. It’s the birthplace of TONS of different genres. Chicago-style blues, house music, gospel, modern jazz, rock, hip hop, R&B the music scene goes wild here. Not to mention the festivals, Illinois knows how to party. Helloooo Lollapalooza!
Last ultra fascinating fun fact and then we’ll jump into our product list. SOOO many esteemed celebrities were born, got their start, or credit Illinois for their success. People like former President Abraham Lincoln, Oprah, Walt Disney, Chance the Rapper, Michelle Obama, Michael Jordan it’s basically a celeb factory full of serious talent.
OKAY, now it’s time to jump into our product list because Illinois is full of ‘em.
What Products Are Made In Illinois That Are Famous Around The World?
Solo Cups
Everyone knows what Solo Cups are whether from a backyard BBQ, college party, football tailgate, or Toby Keith’s hit single, “Red Solo Cup.” But you may not have known that these simple, trusty on-the-go cups were invented in Chicago around 1936 . . . and they’re still made to this day in the great state of Illinois!
These cups have become suuuper popular. From everything to holding beers and mixed drinks to sodas and water, they’re loved all across the globe.
John Deere
When people think of farming and agriculture, one of the first names to come to mind is John Deere. These green and yellow tractors took the world by storm, and farmers across the globe can collectively thank Illinois for bringing them to fruition.
What’s super fascinating about John Deere is that they’re still one of the world’s largest agricultural equipment manufacturers, sooo they’re a pretty big deal. That’s why we love true American craftsmanship; things made in the USA tend to stick around.. 😉
Plus, the merch is kind of a vibe. If you want a break from Carhart sweatshirts and apparel, try John Deere clothes. They have the same effortless, minimalist vibes and represent a true piece of Americana!
Pabst Blue Ribbon
Pabst Blue Ribbon, or PBR, quickly became a billion-dollar beer company and for good reason. Its nostalgic branding and affordable pricing made it a super popular drink of choice for beer consumers allll around the country.
While its original roots trace back to Milwaukee, the company can credit Chicago for giving it a running start. It wasn’t until their victory at the 1893 Chicago’s World Columbian Exposition that PBR became a household name.
Even though PBR has manufacturers nationwide (but only in the US of A, fam!), they’ll always have a strong connection with Illinois.
Zippers
If you haven’t caught onto a theme here yet, the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago is home to a lotttt of treasured inventions even the zipper!
Perfected in St. Charles, Illinois, zippers became a game-changer for clothing, obvi. Before then, people secured their clothes with buttons, hooks, and laces. Every time you go to zip up a pair of pants, give a little silent nod to Illinois.
Morton Salt Company
When you’re grocery shopping and have salt on your list, chances are you’re reaching for Morton Salt. This salt brand is headquartered in Chicago with all manufacturing done right here in America! Since 1848 Morton Salt has been repping Illinois and sporting American pride.
Their slogan, “When it rains, it pours,” is also super significant! They were the first brand to figure out how to create salt that didn’t clump up in humid conditions. Science? Meet marketing. GENNIUUSSS.
The Ferris Wheel
Any Ferris wheel fans in the Miss American Made community? The beloved fairground ride might not exist today if not for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
George Ferris designed the original Ferris wheel to serve as a moving attraction that could rival the Eiffel Tower. While the designs differ a bit, it clearly worked out in Illinois’s favor!
Brownies
If we told you that brownies were literally invented in Illinois, would you believe us? According to history, Bertha Palmer at the Palmer House Hotel was the first to create brownies, making them for Chicago’s 1983 World’s Fair.
The goal was to make a portable, decadent, chocolatey treat, and needless to say, she accomplished that goal. We all agree that Illinois deserves a HUGE pat on the back for this one, but it also poses a super important question. What lazy day, chocolatey snack did people enjoy BEFORE 1893???
Playboy Magazine
Love it, hate it, Playboy changed the world. Hugh Hefner made jaws drop around the globe when he put out his first issue of Playboy with the iconic Marilyn Monroe on the cover.
Can you guess where he began his brand? Chicago. Even though Hef moved his headquarters out of Chicago and into LA, Illinois will always be home to this legendary brand.
TV Remote Control
Brownies, Solo cups, and Pabst Blue Ribbon sounds like a good lazy night at home binge-watching your fave show! Speaking of TV, we’d still be getting up to manually click buttons if it weren’t for Chicago-based Zenith Electronics.
In 1950, this Illinois brand invented the TV remote control, known initially as the “Lazy Bone” LOL. So basically, Illinois invented binge-watching lazy days. THX, Illinois!
Which of your most beloved products can be credited to Illinois?
As you can see, Illinois is far more than rolling cornfields and the legendary Bean. This state is home to diverse geography, acclaimed celebrities, and plenty of iconic products. It’s a total vibe.
If you want more adorned American-made products, check out this post on Made in USA Stocking Stuffers! For everything else, check out our blog. For tons of our fave USA-made products, peek at our shop!
