What did the illiniwek eat?

Wild game was a major source of food for the Illiniwek. They hunted deer, elk, bear, buffalo, and smaller animals such as rabbits and squirrels.

They also fished in the nearby rivers and lakes, catching bass, catfish, and trout.

The Illiniwek supplemented their diet with wild fruits and vegetables, such as berries, nuts, and squash.

In the summer, they grew crops of corn, beans, and squash in their gardens.

They stored some of their crops for the winter, and they traded some with other tribes.