Illinois is known for a LOT of bad things, but with the bad, there is good for the Land of Lincoln.

Illinois is a hard and expensive state to live in. More and more people are leaving the state every year. However, with the bad is the good. There are many good things about Illinois...beautiful state parks, landmarks, and the biggest ketchup bottle in the world (yes, this is a thing). So here is a list of the five things Illinois is known for and why it makes the state better.

SEE ALSO: Here It Is...The Most Unusual Town in Illinois

There are Good Things in Illinois

Shopping, eating, and historical monuments all can be found on The Magnificent Mile. This is by far one of the most famous streets in America (according to me anyway). The architecture alone will make you want to know more about this famous street, and the shopping is not bad either.

It all started in Des Plaines, Illinois and now you know this arch simply worldwide. Yup, McDonald's started in Illinois before heading west to California. In 1955 Ray Kroc (yes the owner that the Kroc center is named after) started a simple hamburger business with his brother, and the rest is history.

New Orleans may be known for jazz, but so is Illinois. Every year the City of Chicago hosts the annual Jazz Fest where musicians and fans from all over listen to the sounds of incredible music. The festival always takes place on Labor Day Weekend.

Springfield is home to Abraham Lincoln's Cabin, a memorial site, and why he was so important during his time as president. Illinois is also the home state of Barack Obama's and Ronald Regan's houses.

Just get in the car and drive. Route 66 is one of the longest roads in America and it all starts in Chicago. This is the ultimate road trip. Whether you're on a motorcycle or car, just drive on a road filled with history in the entire state.

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See, there are good things in Illinois. Far, few and in-between, but still good and fun to enjoy.