Illinois is bordered by a total of five states: Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Understanding Illinois's Borders
The state of Illinois, located in the Midwestern United States, shares its borders with a diverse set of neighboring states. These borders define its geographical position and influence its connections with various regions of the country.
States Bordering Illinois
Based on geographic data, Illinois is bordered by five distinct states. Each of these states connects with Illinois along different segments of its perimeter.
| State | Border Direction(s) |
|---|---|
| Iowa | West |
| Indiana | East |
| Kentucky | East, South |
| Missouri | South, West |
| Wisconsin | North |
Geographic Overview of Illinois's Borders
- To the North: Illinois shares its northern border with Wisconsin. This border stretches across the northern expanse of the state.
- To the East: The eastern border of Illinois is formed by Indiana and a portion of Kentucky. Additionally, Lake Michigan borders Illinois to the east, though it is not a state.
- To the South: The southern boundary of Illinois is primarily shared with Kentucky and Missouri.
- To the West: Illinois's western border is shared with Missouri and Iowa, largely along the Mississippi River.
