Bloomington's historic downtown and Normal's college vibe both offer a different energy, and together, they make a great place to visit.
These twin cities share a lot, from the Constitution Trail that connects their neighborhoods, to the local food movement sprouting from nearby farms. You can tour places where Lincoln's peers lived, catch Shakespeare on summer lawns, or find great reads in indie bookstores. From the Illinois State students packing pizza places and breweries to families exploring the Children's Discovery Museum, you can feel that life is something to be enjoyed here, at every stage.
Attractions and Activities in Bloomington-Normal
You can take a step into Victorian life at the David Davis Mansion, the restored home of Lincoln's mentor, or explore local stories at the McLean County Museum. If you're with kids, go hands-on at the Children's Discovery Museum, and if you're up for some outdoor activity, Constitution Trail takes you miles through both downtowns and shaded parks. Miller Park combines a zoo, paddle boats, and lakeside picnics. Illinois State and Wesleyan bring galleries, theater, and Redbirds games year-round. Summer means Shakespeare on the Ewing Center lawns.
Bike or walk through the cities
Constitution Trail Constitution Trail
Relax, shop, and people-watch
Uptown Normal Uptown Normal
See animals from around the globe
Miller Park Zoo Miller Park Zoo
Tour a Victorian-era landmark
David Davis Mansion David Davis Mansion
Explore gardens and Shakespearean theater
Ewing Cultural Center Ewing Cultural Center
Uncover the stories of the area
McLean County Museum of History McLean County Museum of History
Where to Eat and Drink in Bloomington-Normal
Farm-fresh and delicious
You'll find farm-fresh meals at Epiphany Farms restaurants, sourced from their own fields. Destihl pours award-winning house-brewed sours. Reality Bites serves global small plates, Anju Above creates sushi in sleek downtown digs, and students line up at Avanti's for Italian classics. Coffee Hound and Under Current have got your caffeine fix sorted, brewing local roasts in stylish spaces. Sweet tooth? Carl's Ice Cream and Sugar Mama Bakery will have you covered.
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Anju Above
Anju Above promises to make Farm to Table dining more accessible by offering seasonally sensitive, locally grown cuisine in a fast and casual setting. Read more about Anju Above -
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Fort Jesse Café
Fort Jesse Café is a collaboration of longtime professional chef, Chris Bradley, and front-of-house especial, Abby Strader. With 20 years of experience between them, they are… Read more about Fort Jesse Café -
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Epiphany Farms Restaurant
Their "Farm to Fork" concept represents a concern for every step of the process linking the meal to the land that produced it. "Farm to Fork"… Read more about Epiphany Farms Restaurant -
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DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works
DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works is two amazing worlds merged into one: the fusion of craft beer and artisan foods. Read more about DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works -
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Carl's Ice Cream
Come visit Carl's Ice Cream for some delicious ice cream with over 25 different flavors to choose from! Read more about Carl's Ice Cream -
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Medici in Normal
Medici is a bi-level restaurant & bar serving seasonal American fare, pizzas & over 30 drafts. Medici takes great pride in its unique design. The décor… Read more about Medici in Normal -
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Rosie's Pub
American Pub featuring an eclectic menu and great drinks with a cozy atmosphere in a historic location. Read more about Rosie's Pub -
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Reality Bites
A tapas restaurant and bar located in the heart of downtown Bloomington, along Historic Route 66. Read more about Reality Bites -
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Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano Bloomington
At Biaggi’s, we believe your dining experience should be just that… an experience! Read more about Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano Bloomington