As of 2026, ABC Family is no longer a channel name on DirecTV. The network got rebranded as Freeform back in 2016, and you can find it on DirecTV channel 311.
What channel is ABC in Chicago Illinois?
In the Chicago area, ABC is broadcast on WLS-TV, which is channel 7.
That's your local ABC affiliate. If you're using an antenna, you'll find it on channel 7—and most cable and satellite providers in the region keep it on that same number, too.
What channel is ABC in central Illinois?
In central Illinois, ABC is primarily broadcast on WICS (channel 20) in Springfield and WICD (channel 15) in Champaign.
These sister stations cover the Champaign/Springfield/Decarat market. Honestly, your best bet is to check your local listings or provider guide for the exact channel on your specific service.
What channel is Fox in Illinois?
Fox does not have a single statewide channel number, as it is broadcast by different local affiliates.
Major ones include WFLD (channel 32) in Chicago, WYZZ (channel 43) in Peoria/Bloomington, and WRSP (channel 55) in Springfield/Champaign. So your specific channel really depends on where you are and who your TV provider is.
What Channel Is CBS in central Illinois?
CBS in central Illinois is primarily broadcast on WCIA (channel 3) in Champaign and WCIX (channel 49) in Springfield.
These stations are part of the Champaign/Springfield/Decatur market. You might hear it called channel 31 sometimes from the old days, but the main broadcast channel is 3.
What TV market is Champaign Illinois?
Champaign, Illinois is part of the Champaign-Springfield-Decatur designated market area (DMA).
According to Nielsen data, this DMA is ranked among the top 100 in the U.S., covering a big chunk of central Illinois. That market designation basically decides which local stations you get.
What channel is Fox in Peoria IL?
In the Peoria area, Fox is broadcast on WYZZ-TV, which is channel 43.
This station is licensed to Bloomington but serves the whole Peoria-Bloomington area. Here's the thing: some people think it's a "CW" station, but it's actually the primary Fox affiliate.
What does Wmbd mean?
WMBD are the call letters for a CBS-affiliated television station (channel 31) in Peoria, Illinois.
There's an old, unofficial motto—"World's Most Beautiful Drive," which refers to Grandview Drive. But the call letters themselves are just assigned by the FCC; they don't officially stand for that phrase.
What TV market is Peoria Illinois?
Peoria, Illinois is the core city of the Peoria-Bloomington designated market area (DMA).
This market, as measured by Nielsen, includes surrounding counties in central Illinois. It typically ranks just outside the top 120 largest TV markets in the country.
What is on TV tonight in Peoria IL?
To see what's on TV tonight in Peoria, you should check a local TV listings guide for stations like WMBD (CBS), WEEK (NBC), WHOI (ABC), and WYZZ (Fox).
Your best online resources are TV Guide, Zap2It, or the websites and apps of the local stations themselves. They'll give you the most accurate, up-to-date schedules for primetime, news, and sports.
What river is Peoria Illinois on?
The city of Peoria is located on the Illinois River.
The river forms Peoria Lake, a wide section that the city's downtown sits right on. That river is a major tributary of the Mississippi, running over 270 miles across the state.
Why is the Illinois River so dirty?
The Illinois River suffers from pollution due to agricultural runoff, combined sewer overflows from cities, and historical industrial contamination.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers cause algal blooms, while sediment clouds the water. There are ongoing conservation efforts trying to improve the water quality, though.
What is the deepest river in Illinois?
The Illinois River is considered the deepest river wholly within the state of Illinois.
Depth varies, of course. Its channel is maintained for commercial barge traffic, and the deepest point near Peoria has been dredged to around 80 feet historically. The Mississippi River is deeper, but it forms the state's border—it's not contained *within* Illinois.
Can you swim in the Illinois River?
Yes, you can swim in the Illinois River, but caution is advised due to variable water quality and strong currents.
You'll find popular swimming areas at Illinois state parks along its banks. That said, always check for posted water quality advisories from the Illinois Department of Public Health before you go in, especially after heavy rains.
Where is the clearest water in Illinois?
Some of the clearest natural water in Illinois is found in spring-fed lakes and quarries, such as those at Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park or Mermet Lake Conservation Area.
Clarity usually comes from a limestone or sand bottom that limits sediment. Man-made quarries used for scuba diving, like Haigh Quarry in Kankakee, also have exceptionally clear water (it's pretty impressive, actually).
Can you drink alcohol on the Illinois River?
Alcohol consumption is permitted on most of the Illinois River, but local rules vary by specific access point and municipality.
For instance, alcohol is banned at some public boat ramps. The key things to remember: use cans or plastic cups—glass is almost always prohibited—and know the rules of your launch site. And please, always designate a sober boat operator.
Where can I swim in Chicago suburbs?
Chicago suburbs offer numerous swimming options at public pools, park district aquatic centers, and lakefront beaches on Lake Michigan.
Top spots include the Centennial Beach quarry pool in Naperville, the Lake Bluff Park District beach, and large aquatic complexes like Mystic Waters in Des Plaines or Cypress Cove in Woodridge.
What Beaches Can you swim at in Chicago?
You can swim at any of the two dozen lifeguarded Chicago Park District beaches along Lake Michigan.
Popular choices are North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, Montrose Beach, and 57th Street Beach. Just remember, swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty—typically from 11 am to 7 pm daily in the summer.
Can you swim anywhere in Chicago?
No, you cannot swim anywhere along Chicago's lakefront.
Swimming is strictly limited to designated beaches when lifeguards are present. Going off harbors, rocks, or piers is illegal and genuinely dangerous because of strong currents, sudden drop-offs, and boat traffic. The Chicago Park District enforces these rules for public safety, and it's a good thing they do.
