Though I grew up in a rural area, I didn't do much gardening or landscaping beyond whatever chores I may have had at the moment. Much of my outdoor exploration occurred as a Girl Scout, often adventuring through our local forest preserve where I learned to identify certain pesky plants like poison ivy or poison oak. But when I became a homeowner right before the start of the pandemic, I was eager to dig in and see what I could learn from, and do with, the environment around me. However, I quickly learned that not everything green is our friend, necessarily, and that some plants are better left out of the garden bed. In fact, this deadly plant in Illinois is easily disguised as a weed or flower but should definitely be avoided, especially if you have small children.
Datura stramonium, aka jimson weed, is a flowering member of the deadly nightshade family of plants.
It grows in the summer and early fall to between 3 and 5 feet tall with green or purple stems and broad leaves. Perhaps as a warning to passersby, it also emits a rank stench as if to say, "Leave me alone."
The plant has been found in most counties throughout Illinois and is highly toxic to humans. Its foliage and its seeds contain an "impressive assortment of toxic alkaloids" that can kill people and other herbivores, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It would only take a child to eat 20 seeds for a fatal reaction to occur.
Seeds form in pods after the flower blooms. Though it produces beautiful, trumpet-like white and purple petals, its a false beauty that hides a deadly secret.
As if you needed another reason to rid of this dangerous plant, it also attracts a number of beetles, which are sure to chew through the rest of your garden.
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Have you noticed this deadly plant in Illinois before? Do you know of any other Illinois plants to avoid, or a gardening tip you swear by? Tell us in the comments! Learn about jimson weed at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website — and if you're interested in discovering more about fatal flora in Illinois, stop by to learn about deadly plants at this museum collection!
If you’re thinking about making a move anytime soon, maybe think twice before considering one of the most dangerous cities in Illinois, according to FBI crime data. Our friends at RoadSnacks have compiled the statistics (which are from 2018), and we’ve worked with them to bring you the most important info about our state, ultimately uncovering the most dangerous cities in Illinois.
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1. Mount Vernon
According to FBI data, one of the most dangerous places in Illinois is Mount Vernon, which has a violent crime rate that is more than three times the national average and more than twice the state average. With a population of over 14,000, it's incredible that burglary, property crime, and larceny also have exceptionally high rates in this town. Take a closer look at Mount Vernon:
2. Danville
This moderate-sized town sees about 1,700 cases of violent crime per 100,000 people per year. Just about all crime is four times higher than the state average. The town is known as a place where shootings often occur and theft is rampant. Danville has another claim to fame, though. It's the home of Royal Donut, which serves up some of the best donuts in Illinois. However, as of 2024, it's considered the most dangerous city in Illinois.
3. Springfield
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site, in Springfield, Illinois, is the fifth capitol building built for the U.S. state of Illinois
The largest city in central Illinois and our capital, of course, is not free of crime. It is only the sixth most populous city in the state yet it sees nearly 10 murders per 100,000 people each year as well as more than 1,000 acts of violent crime per 100,000 people. That doesn't mean it doesn't have plenty to offer, though. In fact, it's one of the top weekend destinations in Illinois. Take a virtual tour of Springfield:
4. Centralia
This town of 12,000 people may not see many murders but violent crime is still three times the state average and nearly four times the national average. When it comes to theft, property crime, and aggravated assault, you're likely to find a lot of that taking place in various pockets of this southern Illinois town. High crime rates aren't all you'll find in Centralia, though. It's also home to one of the few castles in Illinois.
5. Wood River
This small town may not see much murder or violent crime but the rate of property crime and personal theft is a real problem if you plan on moving here. For such a small town, you'd never expect so much crime. Even the car theft crime is right on point with the state average, which is why Wood River is among the most dangerous towns in Illinois.
6. Rockford
Overhead shot of beautiful downtown Rockford, Illinois at night.
Crime rates across the board are above the state and national average in this major metropolitan area that is home to about 150,000 people. It is the third largest city in Illinois and sees more than three times as much violent crime as the rest of the state, and twice as many murders, When it comes to aggravated assault, the city's rate is nearly five times higher than the state and national average. Car theft and larceny are twice as high while burglary is three times the state average. On the bright side, it's home to one of the best water parks in Illinois. Take a driving tour around Rockford:
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7. Metropolis
You probably never expected the home of Superman to be listed as one of the most dangerous towns in Illinois, but with a property crime rate that is three times higher than the state average, it has to make the list. Theft, in general, is also high in this town, and both aggravated assault and violent crime still fly above the state and national averages.
8. Peoria
Peoria Illinois main bridge into the downtown
One of the most popular cities in Central Illinois, this town is home to about 155,000 residents and sees about 760 cases of violent crime per 100,000 people each year. The rates for property crime and aggravated assault are most startling as they are both about twice the state average. Burglary is also high in this town with more than 900 cases per 100,000 people per year. But don't make the mistake of avoiding Peoria altogether; it is home to one of the best scenic drives in Illinois, after all.
9. Kankakee
Among the worst towns in Illinois, this town of just about 26,000 people sees around 23 murders each year. Crimes like larceny and property crime are twice the state average while other forms of crime are not far behind. Theft is rampant in several pockets of this small town.
10. Cahokia
Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville, Illinois
Situated on the border with Missouri, this small town of 14,000 people is a dangerous suburb of St. Louis. Known for its historic mounds, it is also home to neighborhoods where robberies and murders take place. Car theft is twice the state average as is larceny and property crime. Burglary is three times the state average and violent crime is right on target.
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So, what do you think? Did you know these were among the most dangerous cities in Illinois as far as crime is concerned? What other locales do you think are among the worst towns in Illinois?
You may be wondering, "Is Illinois a safe place to live?" Ranked 30th among states for crime, it's somewhere in the middle for safety. Of course, you can still find safe places to live in Illinois.
While Chicago has also seen its fair share of crime over the years, it's still an incredible place to visit. In fact, it's really worth taking a trip to experience it!
Illinois is famous for a lot of unique sounds - the crackling of frying onions or the sizzle of a juicy hot dog on the grill, the cheers from a nearby Bears or Cubs game, the sound of summertime cicadas, or the rhythmic rumble of the elevated trains. There are so many wonderful sensory experiences, particularly in Chicago. But perhaps one that is most notable of them all, only comes around during the winter months. Chicago earned its nickname, the "Windy City," for a reason. The howling winds off Lake Michigan are a constant presence, particularly in the winter months, and we can't stop listening to these low, melodic tones.
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The moniker "Windy City" has long been associated with Chicago, Illinois, but its origins are somewhat disputed. One theory suggests that the term originated in the late 19th-century, not due to the city's weather patterns but rather as a metaphor for the boastful and windy rhetoric of its politicians.
However, another theory ties the nickname directly to Chicago's climate. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city experiences significant wind gusts, especially during certain seasons.
The howling winds off Lake Michigan are a defining characteristic of Chicago's climate and landscape. Lake Michigan exerts a significant influence on the weather patterns of the region, particularly during the fall and winter months.
The lake effect, combined with the flat topography of the surrounding Midwest, allows winds to blow relatively unimpeded across the city, leading to breezy conditions and unique sounds that are noticeable to residents and visitors alike.
While Chicago may not be the windiest city in the United States by average wind speed, the perception of its blustery conditions has contributed to the enduring popularity of the nickname.
Despite their sometimes ferocious nature, the winds off Lake Michigan also contribute to the beauty of Chicago's waterfront, creating dramatic waves and stirring up the waters of the lake.
Whether they're whipping through the skyscraper canyons of downtown or rustling the leaves in the city's parks, the howling winds off Lake Michigan are an integral part of Chicago's character, shaping both its climate and its culture.
