Our region’s got the beat with plenty of musical history and famous makers of music. Do you have the music in you? ...

Are you familiar with these holiday traditions and characters from the Prairie State? ...

Starved Rock State Park is one of the top attractions in Illinois, and it welcomes millions of visitors each year. How much do you know about the history and geography of this amazing natural landmark? ...

Some of your favorite movies – and a few you’ve never heard of – were filmed right here in our region. Can you guess where? ...

Test your knowledge of the Illinois River and its captivating history. Can you identify these state parks, transportation methods and rich history that help to define this mighty river? ...

Many celebrated entertainers have called our region home. How many do you know about? ...

Summertime spells grilling. Or is it barbecuing? Is there a difference? What about smoking? And what about all those sauces and rubs Americans feel so strongly about? Whew. Grill skills can be complicated, but the result can be oh-so-tasty. Test your knowledge on some basics. ...

Just think: The groundhog is the only animal in the U.S. who has both a holiday and a major film named for him. Test your knowledge about this humble Hollywood star and his quirky fame. ...

The Midwest is called “the breadbasket of the world,” and nothing goes better with bread than a little cheese. ...

The phrase “as American as apple pie” is ironic, since the only apples native to the U.S. are crabapples. Nevertheless, we grow more of them than anyone else. Test your knowledge on this fruit. ...