12 Ways Illinois Is The Most Hippie State In America
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published February 19, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
While most people associate hippies with California and Colorado, Illinois is actually the most hippie state in the nation, and the 12 things listed below prove it. From our appreciation for nature and freshness to our general daily practices, we’re all about peace, love, and joy.
Try to deny it, but Illinois is an organic, natural oasis of tranquility and beauty. Scroll on for more details.
Illinois is full of campgrounds that allow you to sleep under the stars. Whether you want to stay on the beach or in the forest, this hippie state can accommodate you.
Nothing is more satisfying that walking through the grass barefoot. It's the natural way to be, and we prefer the feeling of soft grass to memory foam.
In just about every town and city in this hippie state, people are recycling to help save our environment. We're definitely all about re-purposing or upcycling.
Illinois is riddled with nature preserves. The Shawnee National Forest takes up the southern portion of the state, and spots like the Des Plaines River and Burlington Prairie Nature Preserves speckle the north.
About 85 percent of Illinois is farmland. In addition to getting produce from local farmers, many even choose to grow their own fruits and vegetables in their backyard.
Shopping local definitely makes Illinois a hippie state. Preferable to trying to get fresh food at the supermarket, most Illinoisans would rather visit a fresh fruit or veggie stand.
Sometimes sold at farmers markets, natural and organic skin care and beauty products are very popular in Illinois. The lovely scents of lavender, patchouli, and tea tree abound.
Being around nature is one of our favorite things in the world to do in Illinois. There are gardens and conservatories all over the state to help locals get back to nature.
Illinois is home to a wealth of music festivals from Summer Camp to Spring Awakening. Sitting outside, listening to music, dancing, and drinking are all the best things about being a hippie in Illinois.
Yoga studios are all over the state. You can even find groups that meet in beautiful spaces like parks and gardens. It's the best way to meditate and connect with the earth all at once.
Another reason we're the best hippie state in America is that our citizens are tranquil and joyous. With so many farmers markets, yoga studios, nature preserves, and places to camp, this is the best place for any free spirit to call home.
