It is our pleasure to welcome you to one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Illinois and we believe you will find Bloomington-Normal to be a warm and friendly place to visit. Illinois State University and the surrounding Bloomington-Normal community offer conference participants many amenities, including swimming pools and athletic facilities on campus. Many community golf courses, community parks, water parks, and the scenic Constitution Trail are within 10 minutes of the University.
Travelers will appreciate the many cultural benefits that come from being a "university town." Bloomington-Normal is proud to be the home of Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University who offer the finest in higher education, and a broad selection of musical and cultural events.
You will be enchanted with the revitalization of downtown Bloomington and Uptown Normal. Both include retail shopping, nightlife, dining and more. Downtown Bloomington boasts the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, McLean County Museum of History and U.S. Cellular Coliseum, while Uptown Normal features the innovative Children's Discovery Museum, the historic Normal Theater and the Performing Arts Center at Illinois State University.
The Twin Cities also feature a number of historical sites, including David Davis Mansion, Ewing Manor, Prairie Aviation Museum and the Challenger Learning Center.
For the best shopping in Central Illinois, visit Eastland Mall, the Shoppes at College Hills or one of more than twenty shopping plazas.
State Farm Insurance, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Country Insurance & Financial Services and Beer Nuts are just a few of the companies who are headquartered here in McLean County.
For more information about Bloomington-Normal, including hotels, restaurants, and area attractions please visit the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site.
Chicago is a bustling, energetic city that never stops no matter the season. It’s a destination with world-class cultural attractions, diverse neighborhoods and architectural wonders. Chicago is known for critically acclaimed restaurants, world-famous museums, first-class shopping, adventurous nightlife, action-packed sporting events and a thriving theater scene.
Chicago is the crossroads of the nation and the world, making it easily and affordably accessible from any spot on the planet. Just 140 miles North of Bloomington-Normal, learn more about Chicago through the official Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau site. International visitors may visit the Go Chicago Web site.
Springfield, the capital city of the great state of Illinois – located on historic U.S. Route 66 in Sangamon County, is mid-point between Chicago and St. Louis, approximately one hour south of Bloomington-Normal. Here you will discover a myriad of sightseeing opportunities including wonderful historic sites, world-class museums, unique special events and cultural activities … amidst an all-American midwestern city.
One of the most famous icons of world history, Abraham Lincoln, spent over 30 years of his life in Springfield. And, recently the doors were opened to the state of the art, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Once you have experienced the museum, tour the city and discover the real places such as Lincoln’s Home, a national historic site, or New Salem, the pioneer village where a wandering young Lincoln would begin to fulfill his destiny as one of the world’s great statesmen. After your trip through Lincoln’s Springfield, you’ll have a chance to discover the Springfield of today. Please visit the Springfield Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to see what awaits you on your visit to Springfield, Illinois.