Bloomington-Normal Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of the Illinois region, Bloomington-Normal is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its charming small-town atmosphere and proximity to major cities, this destination is perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

One of the highlights of Bloomington-Normal is its rich history. Step back in time and visit the David Davis Mansion, a beautifully preserved Victorian home that once belonged to a close friend of Abraham Lincoln. Explore the McLean County Museum of History and delve into the fascinating stories of the region, from the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area to the pioneers who settled here.

For art enthusiasts, the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts is a must-visit. This state-of-the-art venue hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to live concerts and dance recitals. The venue is also home to the Prairie Fire Theatre, which showcases local talent and productions throughout the year.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities in Bloomington-Normal. The Constitution Trail offers miles of scenic biking and walking paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating bike ride. Miller Park Zoo is a great place to spend a day with the family, with its diverse collection of animals and beautifully landscaped grounds.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Bloomington-Normal boasts a thriving food and drink scene. From cozy cafés and family-owned diners to trendy restaurants and craft breweries, there is something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local specialties, such as deep-dish pizza or a juicy steak.

Alternative names: Elevation: 830 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°29'9"N, 88°57'58"W

Location

IllinoisUnited States

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Bloomington-Normal Top Attractions

Bloomington-Normal Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bloomington-Normal offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fell Arboretum, Camelback Bridge, Ruth A. Stroud Auditorium, John W. Cook Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Botanical garden • Downtown Normal
Fell Arboretum
The Fell Arboretum is an arboretum located across the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. The arboretum began in 1867 when Jesse W. Fell, the university's founder, obtained $3,000 from the state legislature for campus landscaping. He planted 1,740 trees on campus that year and 107 trees the following year.
Bridge
Camelback Bridge
The Camelback Bridge is a restored historic wooden bridge that arches over the Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois. It is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The bridge's main span is a wooden kingpost pony truss.
40°30'56"N • 88°59'48"W
Ruth A. Stroud Auditorium
Concerts and shows • Theater

40°30'33"N • 88°59'33"W
John W. Cook Hall
John W. Cook Hall, or Cook Hall, is a building which resembles a castle on the Quad of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. Cook Hall, named for the university's fourth president, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the winter of 1986.
40°31'3"N • 88°58'51"W
Sprague's Super Service
Sprague's Super Service is a historic independent gas station on Route 66 in Normal, Illinois.
40°29'48"N • 88°59'14"W
Broadview VanLeer Mansion
Broadview Mansion, is a twenty-two room Edwardian style mansion located in Normal, Illinois, near Illinois Wesleyan University. The three-story estate, originally situated on five acres of land, was built in 1906 for Bird Calladay and Margaret VanLeer. The mansion was formerly known as the VanLeer mansion.
Auditorium • Universities and schools
Illinois State University
Illinois State University is a public research university in Normal, Illinois. Founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, it is the oldest public university in Illinois.
Universities and schools
Heartland Community College
Heartland Community College is a public community college with campuses in Normal, Lincoln, and Pontiac, Illinois.

Day trips

Bloomington-Normal – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bloomington-Normal, it's worth seeing attractions such as: State Farm Center (Champaign-Urbana), Memorial Stadium (Champaign-Urbana), Spurlock Museum (Urbana).

47 milesSE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
State Farm Center, Champaign-Urbana
The State Farm Center, a prominent arena in the heart of Champaign, Illinois, stands as a testament to the vibrant sports and entertainment culture in the United States. Constructed in 1963 and originally known as the Assembly Hall, this iconic venue has been a...
47 milesSE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Memorial Stadium, Champaign-Urbana
Memorial Stadium, a landmark of Champaign-Urbana in Illinois, stands as a proud testament to the spirit of sports and remembrance in the heartland of America. This expansive stadium, inaugurated in 1923, serves as the home ground for the University of Illinois at...
47 milesSE
Specialty museum, Natural history museum, Museum
Spurlock Museum, Urbana
The William R. and Clarice V. Spurlock Museum, better known as the Spurlock Museum, is an ethnographic museum at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
1.7 miW
Arenas and stadiums, Hockey, Sport
Grossinger Motors Arena, Bloomington
Grossinger Motors Arena is an arena in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. It is on the southwest corner of Madison Street and Front Street. The arena opened to the public on April 1, 2006.
36 milesW
Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums, Sport
Dozer Park, Peoria
Dozer Park, originally O'Brien Field and formerly Chiefs Stadium, is a baseball field located in downtown Peoria, Illinois. It is the home of the Peoria Chiefs, the High-A Central affiliate of the St.