See tortoises and tigers at the zoo, learn about early flight at the aviation museum or meet locals over a drink at a friendly bar in this bustling regional city.
Bloomington is a laidback city with fascinating museums, many open green spaces and plenty of sporting and entertainment venues. Along with the neighboring town of Normal, this midsized, Midwestern city offers an abundance of cultural, outdoor and educational attractions which make it perfect for a family vacation. Visit the downtown precinct for shopping and dining, with more than a dozen malls and a wide range of culinary options to select from.
Most of Bloomington’s attractions are centrally located; while a car will provide convenience, it is not a necessity. Visit the Miller Park Zoo to see tigers, Galapagos tortoises and sun bears. Nearby stop at the Genevieve Green Gardens to observe the intricately landscaped environment. Embark on a stroll, cycle or rollerblade along the 24-mile (38.6-kilometer) Bloomington-Normal Constitution Trail that connects the two cities and weaves through both downtown precincts.
Spend a day exploring the many museums of Bloomington. Discover the early experiments in flight that took place in the region at the Prairie Aviation Museum. The McClean County Arts Center is among the oldest art galleries in the region. Learn about local history at the McLean County Museum of History. Visit the Miller Park Pavilion and War Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
After a long day, relax over a drink and some hearty food. The center of Bloomington offers a range of dining options, from modern Italian to sports bar food.
Arrive in Bloomington from Chicago in just over 2 hours by car. Alternatively, the Central Illinois Regional Airport is served by four major airlines. Amtrak and Greyhound provide train and bus services to the Twin Cities. Once you arrive, use Bloomington’s convenient bus service to take you to all quarters of the city.