Physical Map of Illinois showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Illinois physical features.
Illinois Physical Map
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Physical Features of Illinois
Illinois is characterized by broad plains, fertile farmland, and gently rolling terrain shaped by glacial activity. Much of the state lies within the Central Lowland region, with flat to slightly undulating landscapes ideal for agriculture. The Mississippi River forms the western boundary, while the Illinois and Wabash Rivers flow through the state, creating rich valleys. Northern Illinois includes low hills and moraines, while southern areas feature more rugged terrain, including bluffs and forested hills near the Shawnee Hills.
Major Landforms in Illinois
| Landform | Type | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Lowlands | Plain | Statewide | Flat fertile agricultural land |
| Driftless Area | Upland | Northwest | Unglaciated rugged terrain |
| Shawnee Hills | Hills | South | Forested rolling hills |
| Mississippi River Valley | Valley | West | Wide river floodplain |
| Illinois River Valley | Valley | Central | Major river corridor |
| Wabash Valley | Valley | East | Eastern border valley |
| Glacial Plains | Plain | North | Level glacial terrain |
| Moraines | Glacial feature | North | Ridges from glacial deposits |
| American Bottom | Floodplain | Southwest | Mississippi floodplain region |
| Kaskaskia Basin | Basin | South | River drainage basin |
Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Illinois
| Name | Type | Region | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi River | River | West | Forms western boundary |
| Illinois River | River | Central | Major transportation route |
| Wabash River | River | East | Forms eastern border |
| Ohio River | River | South | Southern boundary river |
| Kaskaskia River | River | South | Major southern river |
| Rock River | River | North | Flows into Mississippi |
| Lake Michigan | Lake | Northeast | Great Lakes shoreline |
| Rend Lake | Lake | South | Largest lake in state |
| Carlyle Lake | Lake | South | Large reservoir |
| Lake Shelbyville | Lake | Central | Recreation reservoir |
Elevation and Terrain in Illinois
Illinois has relatively low elevation with gradual changes across the state. Charles Mound marks the highest point, while the lowest elevation lies at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The terrain is mostly flat plains with some rolling hills in the north and south.
| Feature | Elevation / Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest Point | Charles Mound – 1,235 ft |
| Lowest Point | Mississippi River – 280 ft |
| Average Elevation | 600 ft |
| Terrain Type | Flat plains and gentle hills |
Illinois Physical Map Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| State | Illinois |
| Total Area | 57,914 sq mi |
| Land Area | 55,519 sq mi |
| Water Area | 2,395 sq mi |
| Highest Point | Charles Mound |
| Lowest Point | Mississippi River |
| Longest River | Illinois River |
| Largest Lake | Rend Lake |
| Major Landforms | Central Lowlands, Shawnee Hills |
| Main Water Bodies | Mississippi River, Lake Michigan |
| Terrain Type | Flat agricultural plains |
| Coastline | Lake Michigan shoreline |
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