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Bloomington, pop. 77,000 (2010 census), is a city in the Midwestern state of Illinois in the United States of America, on the classic Route 66 highway across the country. With neighboring Normal, pop. 52,000 (2010 census), it forms a combined community of about 130,000 known locally as the Twin Cities. Illinois Wesleyan University is in Bloomington, and is not to be confused with Illinois State University in Normal.
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Full of hands-on exhibit for children. Features an agricultural exhibit, a clock tower and science exhibits.
An elegant, ornate mansion that dates back to 1872.
The McLean County Courthouse, capped by a stately dome, serves as a landmark to identify the historic core of the city. Turn-of-the-20th-century buildings, many with interesting historical pasts, flank the courthouse square. A visitor can find museums, banks, a legal and governmental center, residential living, a large artists' community, plus an assortment of specialty retail businesses and supportive services in Downtown Bloomington. There is an abundance of restaurants and a lively night scene.
Allows one to see the customs and work practices of settlers to McLean county, along with exhibits featuring residents such as Abraham Lincoln and Adlai Stevenson.
A pleasant place for a picnic and hosts a small but interesting zoo, with a good rain-forest exhibit.
A large county fair hosted on the McLean County Fairgrounds west of Bloomington-Normal.
The well-reviewed Illinois Shakespeare Festival is associated with ISU and runs from late June until early August, with multiple performances of (usually) three of the Bard's plays. Performances are on the grounds of Ewing Manor in east Bloomington, and can include pre-show picnics on the lush grounds.
The Bloomington-Normal Constitution Trail is one of Central Illinois' most unique parks. This 50+ mile jogging, walking, cycling and rollerblading trail has become a hit with the community and visitors alike.
Upper Limits has over 20,000 square feet of climbing area. Built in a set of old grain elevators, this is a great indoor climbing gym. The climbing includes: 65-ft-tall silo routes, a 30-ft main room with plenty of overhanging climbing (including the Wave Wall with at least three lead-only routes), slab routes, a climbing cave, training area, 110-ft outdoor routes, and an outdoor bouldering area. Route difficulties ranges from 5.5 to 5.13-, with boulder from V0 to V6+.
The Grossinger Motors Arena (formerly U.S. Cellular Coliseum) was opened in 2006 and features minor league indoor football (Bloomington Extreme & Bloomington Edge), basketball (Bloomington Drive), and ice hockey (Bloomington Prairie Thunder, Blaze, Thunder). Additionally, many well-known bands and artists come to perform. Additional events include ice racing, circuses, monster trucks, and similar attractions. Attached to the Arena is the Pepsi Ice Center, which hosts many amateur hockey and ice events. Public ice skating is also offered with skate rentals available.
The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts seats 1200 for stage plays, smaller concerts, and is home to the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. It is located in the entertainment district of downtown Bloomington, which attracts over one million visitors a year to restaurants, clubs, and venues that feature comedy and musical acts.
It is one of the oldest community theatres completely staffed by volunteers. Community Players has been able to present many shows shortly after their Broadway run and, on many occasions, presented the first amateur production of these shows in the United States. It is a not-for-profit community theatre dedicated to promoting the performing arts. Contact the Box Office (309/663-2121) or Website (www.communityplayers.org) for information about their current season.
A historic 1916 movie theater renovated and converted into a community hub for live music. The Castle Theatre features music artists of many different genres and levels of renown. Prices vary based on the show.
A vegetarian restaurant with many vegan options. Local art work is displayed on the wall, and changes every few months. Live music and poetry slams are held during the evenings.
The Lucca Grill was established in 1936 by brothers Fred and John Baldini and was named for their hometown of Lucca, Italy. Located on Historic Route 66, customers enjoy the delicious thin-crust pizza as much as they appreciate the ornate tin ceiling and antique mahogany bar.
Avanti's Italian Restaurant cooks and serves home style pasta, pizza, and sandwiches that are available through dine-in, carry-out, delivery and in the banquet room. Avanti’s trademark is wonderful, fresh Italian bread which is prepared and baked in the restaurant kitchen.
Amazing brewery with exceptional food created in a unique way by the chef. Definitely worth the prices.
Bloomington. Offers live music, has a small, overcrowded dance floor where you can dance to current mainstream music, as well as a room for private functions.
Quaint atmosphere. Offers a high-priced food menu. 106 East Front Street, Bloomington.
Enduring hangout near campus offering many TVs, pub grub & a beer garden for sports fans.
Bi-level restaurant & bar serving seasonal American fare, pizzas & over 30 drafts in a modern space.
Guest amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet each morning and an evening reception each Wednesday. Each guest room includes a queen size bed, microwave, refrigerator and wet bar or full kitchen, 25" television, hairdryer, iron, ironing board and a full size sofa sleeper, plus complimentary high-speed Internet access. For enjoyment, our indoor swimming pool and patio area as well as our exercise facility are available for all guests.
Route 66 information and souvenir shop on the first floor of Sprague Super Service, a Tudor-Revival style building constructed in 1931 as a fuel station with the owner's and attendant's quarters upstairs. Route 66 t-shirts, postcards, books, memorabilia and the work of local artists: original watercolors and prints, photographs, handmade cards, hand-dyed silk scarves, hand-woven baskets, creative crochet.
A large mall on the east side of Bloomington with many common mall amenities and options.
The Shoppes at College Hills is an open-air lifestyle center anchored by Von Maur, and Target. The exciting blend of retailers and restaurants includes more than 25 specialty stores like Bath & Body Works, Chico's, Beauty Brands, DESTIHL Restaurant, Francescas, LOFT, Yankee Candle, and more.
The Downtown Bloomington Association Farmers’ Market is a producer-only market offering a wide array of farm products — including vegetables, fruits, cheeses, pork, beef, free-range poultry and eggs, flowers, plants, herbs, and more grown and produced by the individual selling these items.
By car
Interstate highways 39, 55 and 74 converge on the south side of Bloomington and divide again on the north side of Normal.
By train
By bus
By bicycle
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Bloomington/Normal · Regional · BMI
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