Illinois
Known for its rolling prairies, vast farmland, and bustling cities, Illinois is also home to breathtaking hardwood ridges that funnel down to sprawling crop fields, winding rocky riverbeds, and some of the best wildlife habitat on earth.
The Illinois Profile
Illinois at a glance.
Acres, game, weather, and rules — the Illinois basics every buyer reads first.
1.8Macres
Across state forests, wildlife areas, and parks
27Macres
Row-crop and pastureland
4.9Macres
Hardwood, mixed, and pine stands
Whitetail Deer, Turkeys
Coyotes, Bobcats, Fox, Pheasant, Dove, Quail, Duck, Geese
35-48 inches
Corn, Soybeans, Hogs
Available Now
Illinois Land for Sale
Deep Dive
A closer look at Illinois land.
Find your dream residence, homestead, or recreational land close enough to a bustling city yet far enough to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Reach out to your local Illinois Whitetail Properties Land Specialist today to find Illinois land for sale that’s waiting for you.
First home to indigenous people dating back thousands of years, Illinois land was later colonized by the French until the U.S. federal government took over the territory in 1784. After being declared part of the Northwest Territory and subsequently part of the Indiana Territory in 1800, farmers and ranchers began to settle in the region. On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state admitted into the Union. In a moment of homage and recognition of Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, Illinois became the first state to ratify the 13th amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in 1865.
Deer hunters travel from afar to nab some of the nation’s biggest bucks in the country. Abundant foliage and a healthy, active agricultural landscape provide ample food and habitat for whitetail deer. Turkey, waterfowl, and pheasants abound alongside badgers, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, and more small game. Hunting and trapping in Illinois is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources throughout its 294+ public hunting areas. Private hunting land for sale in Illinois can vary in size and terrain from densely wooded forests to open fields, providing diverse hunting opportunities statewide.
Illinois has a rich tradition of ranching and livestock production and offers a variety of ranch land for sale, including active and prolific cattle, sheep, and horse ranches. Ranches in Illinois can also be home to game species, expanding hunting opportunities.
Illinois continues to rely on agriculture as a major economic activity, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock cultivated throughout its diverse and rich farm land. The state ranks first in the nation in soybean production and second in the nation in feed corn and popcorn. Folks looking for farm land for sale in Illinois will find ample opportunities for investment and homesteading. Farms across the country are tilled to this day by tractors bearing the name of John Deere, the farming inventor that changed commercial farming techniques forever. Farms are supported by the Illinois Farm Bureau.
With over four million acres of forested land, there is a significant amount of active and fertile timber land for sale in Illinois, providing investment opportunities for forestry with timber sales and sustainable forestry practices. Tree species include oak, hickory, maple, and walnut, as well as sugar maples, cottonwoods, and the swamp white oak. The state’s Forest Stewardship Program provides foresters with consultations, education, wildfire management, and best practices to ensure the longevity of Illinois forests and ecosystems.
With over 1,000 miles of navigable waterways, Illinois is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River. While Lake Michigan offers trout and salmon fishing, places like Shabbona Lake State Park and Illinois’s 4,000 additional lakes provide bass and panfish to anglers.
Waterfront property in Illinois abounds; with Northern Illinois settled on the shores of Lake Michigan, the bustling metropolis and port of Chicago provide economic stability while rolling hills and rivers, lakes, and streams dot the landscape nearby.
Freshwater rights in Illinois are complex and best navigated with the support of a trusted attorney. With a variety of statutes, common laws, and diversions to cities, water rights in Illinois aim to both support commerce and enable surface waters to be enjoyed through recreation.
The Office of Mines and Minerals is part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and includes four divisions: Land Reclamation, Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation, Mine Safety and Training, and Blasting, Explosives, and Aggregate Reclamation. Coal was also a historically essential part of Illinois’s growing economy. Mineral rights can be a valuable asset for investors searching for land for sale in Illinois, providing income through mineral royalties and lease payments. There are also potential tax benefits for those who own mineral rights in Illinois.
Illinois has a diverse economy with industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing and tourism and is home to agricultural giants such as Caterpillar, John Deere, and ADM. The manufacturing industry is also a significant part of the state's economy, with over 900,000 people employed in the sector. The state's central location and access to transportation make it an ideal location for businesses looking to reach customers across the country.
With over 60 state parks and expansive and diverse opportunities for recreation, visitors can expect outdoor opportunities for boating, fishing, water sports, camping, hiking, and horseback riding. To catch a birds-eye view of the Shawnee, visitors can enter the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and Rim Rock Recreational Trail, while other recreational regions cover miles and miles of trails and thousands of acres of cliffy outcroppings that put Illinois’s wilderness on full display.
