Illinois is not known for its mountains. As a relatively flat state in the Midwest, Illinois lacks any prominent mountain ranges. However, there are some small hills and mounds that could generously be called “mountains” in a tongue-in-cheek way. So let’s have some fun with it!
Here are 53 riddles about the “mountains” of Illinois, along with the answers. Some are tricky, others are silly, but all are intended to poke a little fun at the Prairie State’s distinct lack of towering peaks. The riddles play on famous mountains from around the world and reshape them into the Illinois context. See how many you can get right, and enjoy a chuckle or two along the way!
The Riddles
Famous Mountains
1. What do you call the highest point in Illinois at just under 1,246 feet? Charles Mound Everest
2. Instead of the Matterhorn bordering Switzerland and Italy, Illinois has the _______________ between Bloomington and Springfield. Mattoon Horn
3. If Denali is the tallest peak in North America, then _________________ must be the tallest in Illinois! Danville Ali
4. Mount Kilimanjaro rises over 19,000 feet in Tanzania near the border with Kenya. In Illinois terms, what’s comparable? Kankakee Hill Man, I’m Not Joking Around
Located in the South
5. Which little hill in Southern Illinois would Arnold Schwarzenegger climb if he were stuck in the Prairie State? Little Rocky
6. What do Illinois residents call the “mountain” where Lincoln gave his farewell address? Springfield of Dreams
7. Paris has Montmartre, Illinois has ___________ when French settlers came in the 18th century Kaskaskia Mart
8. Instead of Olympus Mons on Mars, what would a mountain in Little Egypt be called? Cairo, Illinois Mons
Found Near the Mississippi River
9. The French called it “Mont Jolliet” but folks around Quincy might call it _____________. Mississippi Mountain
10. In Rock Island along the river, locals flock to ___________ for the views. Rocky Ridge
11. Alton may lack mountains, but residents get thrills at __________________. Mini-Mississippi Mountain Speedway
12. The French named it “Mont Saint Louis” across from St. Louis, MO but Illinoisans call it _____________. Saint Clair Mount
Up North
13. Galena was named for a mineral mined locally. So what “peak” towers there? Lead Mountain
14. Instead of Japan’s Mount Fuji, McHenry County claims _______________. Fox River Flood Plain
15. Locals flock to _____________ National Park to gawk at Chicago’s skyline. Indiana Dunes
Central Illinois
16. It’s no Denali, but outdoorsy types visit ______________ National Wildlife Refuge. Two Rivers
17. Bloomington/Normal’s “mountain” pays homage to which scientist? Albert Einstone
18. Near Springfield, the highest point is ___________ where Lincoln surveyed land. Observation Knob
19. Peoria residents head to the _______________ “foothills” to relive their glory days. Caterpillar Hills Retirement Community
Located Out West
20. It’s no El Capitan in Yosemite but outdoorsy folks climb _____________ . Mississippi Palisades
21. Instead of the Grand Tetons out West, Illinois settlers gazed in awe at the ________. Slightly Impressive Duos
22. ______________ State Park has some nice hills overlooking the Rock River. Castle Rock
23. It’s no Half Dome in Yosemite but _______________ Preserve has some nifty depressions. Dickson Mounds
In the City
24. Chicagoans hike up _______________ dune for lake views after work. Montrose Beach
25. Hipsters hike the “mountainous” terrain in ______________ neighborhood. Bucktown
26. Locals seeking Zen take the “high” road to _____________ Gardens atop an old landfill. Albany Park
27. Instead of Italy’s Mount Vesuvius, university students have epic parties at ______________. DePaul University Volcano
Named After People
28. Outdoorsy U of I students hike to the top of _______________ . Morrill Peak
29. Near Aurora, _________ Mountain marks the highest point in Kane County. Batavia Butte
30. In place of Churchill, Manitoba’s Discovery Ridge, students visit ___________________. Ronald Reagan Rest Stop Ridgeline
31. California has Mount Whitney, but Illinois settlers revered __________________. Mary Todd’s Big Hill
Food & Drink
32. Granite Peak near Wausau secretly stands for _______________” to cheeseheads. “Cheese Curd” to cheeseheads
33. It’s no MountFuji, but south of Bloomington, aerial views reveal________________. Corn and Soybean Foothills
34. Instead of Taiwan’s Mt. Ali, home to tea plantations, Illinois has _________ ___________. Starved Rock Sweet Corn
35. Locals call New Glarus, Wisconsin’s “Sugarloaf” scenic overlook ________________. Spotted Cow Hill
Word Play
36. Near Chicago, the highest point is ___________ where Mueller would investigate Trump. Justice Hill
37. Instead of the real Mount Diablo out West, Illinois settlers feared ______________. Evil Hill
38. It’s no Machu Picchu, but Illinois travelers marvel at _______ _________ mosaic mural. Villa Park
39. California’s Sierra Nevadas seem like ___________ ___________ compared to Illinois’ bumps. Slightly Snowy Hills
Fictional Places
40. Wars saw Gondor’s Mount Doom. Springfield saw ____________ in 1908. Tornado Alley’s Wrath
41. New York has Sleepy Hollow, Illinois has _________ _________ Cemetery. Eternal Rest
42. In Lord of the Rings, Mount Doom erupts. In central Illinois, __________ __________. Fields Just Yawn
43. Instead of the Misty Mountains where Bilbo met Gollum, Illinois has_________. Hazy Hillocks
Rhyming Fun
44. Locals call Wisconsin’s Rib Mountain ___________ ____________. Flat Little Brother
45. Kenosha’s Chocolate Mountain is____________________ here. Vanilla Mound, My Dear
46. Minnesota may have Sawtooth Mountains, but Illinois settlers saw ________. Corn Rows and Plows
47. It’s no Mount Katahdin in Maine, but southern Illinois has _________. Little Egypt Plain
True but Silly
48. Instead of the real Table Mountain in South Africa, Illinois kids study ________. Homework Mount
49. While Nepal has Dhaulagiri, Illinois farmers gaze in awe at ______. Harvest Mount
50. Mount Mitchell towers in North Carolina, but Illinois has __________. Basketball Hoop Hill
51. Mount Elbrus soars in Russia near Georgia, but Illinois folks benchmark ___________. Parking Lot Speed Bump
Oddities
52. Rhode Island has Woonsocket Hill that seems random and odd. Illinois has ________. Metropolis Funky Mound
53.Instead of Wyoming’s Gannett Peak, Illinois’ high point marks _______. A Burial Plot
Conclusion
And there you have it – 53 silly riddles poking fun at the lack of mountains in the state of Illinois! I drew inspiration from famous peaks around the world and tailored the riddles to the geography, history, culture, and people that make the Prairie State unique. Some answers may reveal my Wisconsin roots a bit as well! I aimed for a playful tone throughout while showcasing tidbits about Illinois. Let me know if you have any other ideas for Midwest-themed mountain riddles!
