Welcome to Bloomington, Illinois! This vibrant city has something for everyone—from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, there are plenty of fun things to do here. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.
From exploring the city’s parks and trails to dining at some of its top-rated restaurants, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Bloomington, IL. So grab your adventure hat and get ready to explore!
1. McLean County Museum of History
The McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, IL is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of McLean County. The museum features permanent and rotating exhibits that explore the social, economic, and political history of the county.
Visitors can explore past and present day artifacts, photographs, documents, and artwork that tell the stories of the area. The museum also offers educational opportunities such as lectures, workshops, and guided tours for students and adults.
The museum also features a research library, which provides access to documents, photographs, and other resources related to McLean County history. Additionally, the museum’s collections are available to researchers and students for research purposes.
Address: 200 North Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois
2. Pheasant Lanes
Pheasant Lanes is a state-of-the-art bowling center located in Bloomington, Illinois. The facility features 28 synthetic lanes and a full-service bar and grill serving food and drinks.
The center offers weekly specials, such as cosmic bowling and glow-in-the-dark nights, as well as leagues and tournaments throughout the year. The center also includes an arcade with a variety of games and interactive activities, as well as a pro shop for bowling equipment and apparel.
Pheasant Lanes is a great place for family and friends to have fun and enjoy a great night out.
Address: 804 N Hershey Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States
3. Red Raccoon Games
Red Raccoon Games is a board game, card game, and hobby shop located in Bloomington, IL. They offer a wide selection of new and used board and card games, as well as supplies and accessories to keep them in top condition.
Their selection includes popular titles such as Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and Settlers of Catan, as well as classic favorites like Monopoly and Scrabble.
They also offer a variety of gaming events, such as tournaments and trivia nights. Red Raccoon Games is a great place to find new and exciting board games and card games, as well as a great place to meet other gamers and make new friends.
Address: 309 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
4. Constitution Trail
Constitution Trail is a network of over 50 miles of shared-use trails in and around Bloomington, Illinois. The trail follows the historic Illinois Central Railroad line, winding its way through prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and parks. It connects to other trails in the area and is popular for walking, biking, running, and horseback riding.
The trail passes through several parks, including Allerton Park and the Miller Park Zoo. It also passes by the site of the original Illinois State Constitution, which was written in Bloomington in 1818. Constitution Trail is an important part of Bloomington’s history, and it offers a great way to explore the city.
Address: 200 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701
5. Iron Coyote Challenge Park
Iron Coyote Challenge Park is a family-friendly obstacle course and adventure park located in Bloomington, IL. The park consists of a variety of obstacles designed to test the strength, agility, and endurance of participants of all ages and abilities.
The course includes high walls, ropes, cargo nets, balance beams, monkey bars, ziplines, and more. The park also offers a range of other activities such as a rock climbing wall, a high ropes course, a low ropes course, and a paintball course.
The park hosts group events, birthday parties, and summer camps. Iron Coyote Challenge Park is a great place for families, friends, and coworkers to get active and have fun.
Address: 4113 Oakland Ave, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States
6. Miller Park Zoo
Miller Park Zoo is a small, family-friendly zoo located in Bloomington, Illinois. It is home to over 200 animals from all over the world, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
The zoo also features a large aviary, a petting zoo, and a diverse array of exhibits, including the African Savannah, the Australian Outback, and a variety of natural habitats.
The zoo also offers educational programs, special events, and family activities throughout the year. Miller Park Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Address: 1020 South Morris Avenue, Bloomington, Illinois
7. Bloomington Ice Center
The Bloomington Ice Center is an ice skating facility located in Bloomington, Illinois. The facility is home to two NHL-sized ice rinks, and offers a wide variety of programs and services for ice skating enthusiasts of all ages.
The ice center provides public skating, hockey leagues, figure skating, and curling. The facility also offers birthday parties, learn-to-skate classes, a pro shop, and a concession stand.
The center is also home to a number of tournaments and events, including the Illinois State High School Hockey Championships and the Bloomington Ice Show.
Address: 201 S Roosevelt Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
8. David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site is a historic house museum located in Bloomington, Illinois. It was the home of David Davis, a prominent lawyer, Illinois Supreme Court justice, and U.S. Senator.
The building was constructed between 1870 and 1872 and is an example of Second Empire style architecture. The mansion contains original furniture, artwork, and personal artifacts from the Davis family.
It offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. The site is also home to a visitors center, gift shop, and picnic area.
Address: 1000 Monroe Drive, Bloomington, Illinois
9. Evergreen Memorial Cemetery
Evergreen Memorial Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in Bloomington, Illinois. It was established in 1877 and is the final resting place for many of the city’s earliest settlers.
The cemetery is about 25 acres in size and contains over 10,000 graves. It is one of the oldest cemeteries in the state of Illinois and includes graves of many prominent citizens. Some of the notable individuals buried here include Illinois State Supreme Court Justice William C. Goudy, former Bloomington Mayor John R. Miller, and former Governor of Illinois William Bross.
The cemetery is a peaceful and tranquil place with towering trees, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking views. Visitors can take a stroll through the cemetery and explore its many monuments, statues, and mausoleums.
Address: 302 East Miller Street, Bloomington, Illinois
10. Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) is an intimate, state-of-the-art venue located in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. The historic building, originally built in 1924, is now home to a variety of performances ranging from music, theatre, dance, and comedy.
The BCPA hosts a variety of performances from local and national touring acts, as well as special events and private parties. The venue also features a full-service bar, lobby area, and concession stand. The center has a seating capacity of 1,100, and offers a unique and intimate atmosphere for its guests.
Address: 600 North East Street, Bloomington, Illinois
11. Beer Nuts
Beer Nuts in Bloomington, IL is a family owned and operated business that has been producing crunchy and delicious beer nuts for over 70 years. Their nuts are made with the finest ingredients and are crafted using traditional methods.
They have a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including original, garlic, and honey roasted. They also offer a variety of gift packs and tins for the perfect gift. Beer Nuts can be found in many stores, bars, and restaurants throughout Bloomington.
Address: 103 N Robinson St Bloomington , IL United States
12. Prairie Vista Golf Course
Prairie Vista Golf Course is a championship-level public golf course located in Bloomington, Illinois. It is a par 71, 18-hole course designed by renowned golf course architect, William B. Langford.
The course offers a variety of challenging holes, with water hazards, sand traps, and rolling terrain. Prairie Vista Golf Course also features a driving range, practice putting green, and golf shop to help golfers improve their skills and shop for equipment.
The course is open year round and is a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels.
Address: 502 W Hamilton Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States
13. Normal Theater
Normal Theater is a historic movie theater located in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. The theater originally opened in the 1940s and has been renovated to include three screens playing first-run movies.
The theater also has a concession stand with traditional movie snacks and drinks. The theater is known for its vintage style, with vintage carpets, curtains, and décor. The theater is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and it often hosts movie nights and special events.
Address: 209 West North Street, Normal, Illinois
14. Illinois State University
Illinois State University is a public research university in Bloomington, Illinois. Founded in 1857, it is the oldest public university in Illinois. It is the state’s first public university and is home to over 20,000 students from all over the world.
The university offers 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including some of the most popular majors such as business, communication, education, psychology and the sciences.
The university is well known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, internship and study abroad opportunities, and vibrant campus life. The university offers numerous clubs and organizations, as well as a wide variety of student services.
The campus is located in the heart of the Twin Cities, and is within easy reach of Chicago and St. Louis.
Address: 100 N University St, Normal, IL 61761
15. Prairie Aviation Museum
The Prairie Aviation Museum is a non-profit aviation museum located in Bloomington, Illinois. It is dedicated to preserving and displaying aviation history and artifacts. The museum [1] has a collection of historic aircraft and artifacts from World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.
The museum also features educational exhibits, displays, and interactive activities that showcase the history of aviation. The museum also hosts various events throughout the year, including air shows, lectures, and workshops.
Address: 2929 East Empire Street, Bloomington, Illinois
16. Grossinger Motors Arena
Grossinger Motors Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Bloomington, Illinois. The arena, which opened in 2006, has a seating capacity of 10,000 and is home to the Illinois State University Redbirds basketball and volleyball teams. It also hosts a variety of events such as concerts, family shows, trade shows, and conventions.
The arena features a 13,000 square foot arena floor, luxury suites, and a full-service catering kitchen. Grossinger Motors Arena has also been used as a filming location for movies and television shows.
Address: 101 S Madison St, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States
17. Altitude Trampoline Park Bloomington
Altitude Trampoline Park Bloomington is a vibrant indoor trampoline park that offers fun for all ages. It is located in Bloomington, Illinois, and features over 15,000 square feet of interconnected trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and other attractions. In addition to trampolines, there are a variety of arcade games, a rock-climbing wall, and a laser tag arena.
Altitude Trampoline Park Bloomington also offers a variety of classes and events for both kids and adults, including fitness classes, dodgeball tournaments, and birthday parties. Altitude Trampoline Park Bloomington provides an exciting and safe atmosphere for kids and adults to have fun and stay active.
Address: 1702 General Electric Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States
18. The Castle Theatre
The Castle Theatre is a music venue located in Bloomington, Illinois. It hosts a variety of live music events, including rock, indie, folk, and Americana. The venue is housed in a historic building with an ornate interior and stained-glass windows. It has a full bar, a large stage, and a state-of-the-art sound system.
The Castle Theatre also offers an intimate atmosphere for guests to enjoy their favorite acts. The venue is home to several regular performances, including the weekly Thursday night bluegrass jam.
The Castle Theatre is a popular destination for music lovers and is a great spot for a night out.
Address: 209 East Washington Street, Bloomington, Illinois
19. Illinois Shakespeare Festival
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is an annual professional theatre festival located in Bloomington, Illinois. The festival produces a full season of plays by William Shakespeare, as well as works by other classical and contemporary playwrights.
The festival is a collaboration between Illinois State University and the Bloomington Normal Theatre Guild. Each summer, the festival offers a wide range of productions and events, including musicals, musical revues, workshops, lectures, and special events, as well as performances by visiting artists.
The festival is held each summer, typically during the months of June through August. The plays are performed in the outdoor theatre, located in the beautiful Ewing Cultural Center in Bloomington, IL.
The festival also offers numerous educational opportunities, including student matinees and workshops.
20. Ewing Manor Cultural Center
Ewing Manor Cultural Center is a historic venue located in Bloomington, Illinois that offers a variety of cultural and educational programs for the public. The building, originally built in 1925, has been restored and features a variety of events such as concerts, plays, lectures, and exhibits.
The center has two main galleries, a theatre, and a library. It also has a great outdoor area that can be used for events, as well as a café. The Cultural Center focuses on promoting the arts, sciences, and humanities, and providing a place for people to come together to learn and be creative.
Address: 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington, Illinois
21. Bloomington Farmers’ Market
The Bloomington Farmers’ Market is a vibrant and diverse gathering of farmers, artisans, bakers, and crafters in Bloomington, IL. The market takes place every Saturday from 8am – 1pm, April through October, in the heart of downtown Bloomington.
The market features over 50 vendors offering a wide variety of seasonal produce, fresh-cut flowers, artisanal cheeses, handmade soaps, and much more. Live music and food trucks are on-site to add to the atmosphere. The market also offers workshops and classes to help visitors learn more about supporting local farmers and living sustainably.
Address: 401 North Morton Street, Bloomington, Illinois
22. 3rd Sunday Market
The 3rd Sunday Market in Bloomington IL is an outdoor market that takes place on the third Sunday of each month from April through October. The market is hosted at the Shoppes at College Hills and features a wide range of vendors selling a variety of items, from handmade crafts, local produce, baked goods, and other fresh items.
The market is also a great place to find unique gifts and locally produced products. There are often live music and food trucks onsite, giving the market a festive atmosphere.
The 3rd Sunday Market in Bloomington IL also hosts special events throughout the season, such as a kids’ market, a petting zoo, a farmer’s market, and more. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as face painting, balloon animals, and more.
Address: 1106 Interstate Dr, Bloomington, IL 61705
23. Lil Beaver Brewery
Lil Beaver Brewery is a small craft brewery located in Bloomington, Illinois. Founded in 2017, they specialize in small batch, artisanal beers that feature unique flavors and ingredients.
Their selection includes a variety of ales, lagers, IPAs, stouts, and sours. They also offer seasonal and specialty brews. In addition to beer, they offer a selection of wines and ciders, as well as a full food menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers. The taproom has a relaxed atmosphere and welcomes visitors of all ages.
Address: 5 Finance Dr., Bloomington, IL, 61704
24. Epiphany Farms Restaurant
Epiphany Farms Restaurant is a farm-to-table restaurant located in Bloomington, Illinois. It features locally grown, seasonal ingredients from the family-run Epiphany Farms and the surrounding area.
The restaurant offers an ever-changing menu of creative, contemporary American cuisine. Guests can enjoy dishes like wood-grilled steaks, wood-fired pizzas, and house-made pastas in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, craft beer selection, and specialty cocktails.
Address: 220 East Front Street, Bloomington, IL, 61701
Conclusion
From exploring the city’s parks and trails to dining at some of its top-rated restaurants, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Bloomington, IL. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. So come and explore all that Bloomington has to offer—you won’t be disappointed!
