The Ozarks are not in the United States.
Illinois ( [ ɪlᵻˈnɔɪ ] ) is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States , achieving statehood in 1818 . Ozarks . The Shawnee Hills of southwest Illinois , which lie near the eastern edge of this region , are commonly called the `` Illinois Ozarks , '' but are generally not considered part of the true Ozarks .