Illinois' Fourth of July celebration checklist

No day is more American than the Fourth of July, and no celebratory activities match better with the Fourth than eating meat, drinking beer, listening to rock music and enjoying fireworks displays. And while these pastimes are undoubtedly American, the specifics of them can change from state to state. Floridians tend to enjoy alligator meat and Alaskans chow down on reindeer, but you wouldn’t catch most Illinoisans imbibing the flesh of either animal. Check out Reboot Illinois to see maps breaking down how thestate of Illinois puts its own spin on four red, white and blue interests.

If eating, drinking and playing with fire aren’t your Independence Day cup of tea, check out 12 Illinois state parks in which to hike, fish, swim and more over the holiday weekend.