Illinois

Illinois runs on Chicago. $1.15 trillion economy. 24 of the nation's largest financial firms managing $764 billion. World's largest futures exchange. Fortune 500 headquarters: McDonald's, United Airlines, Abbott, Walgreens. O'Hare—America's second-busiest airport.

113 million visitors spent $48.5 billion in 2024. Chicago overnight visitors up 7.7%. The "Middle of Everything" campaign works because it's true—central location gives access to the entire Midwest manufacturing belt and 280+ million consumers. Route 66's 2026 centennial brings even more tourist momentum. Retail spaces here tap Fortune 500 corporate wealth and constant visitor flow. This is where America shops, works, and connects.