Bloomington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bloomington showing night scenes
Bloomington
Bloomington which includes flowers
Bloomington featuring heritage elements
Bloomington

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 holiday. 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-kilometre) 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 Centre 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 centre 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.

The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center

The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center

3 out of 5
1621 Jumer Dr, Bloomington, IL
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,033 reviews)
"This hotel has such a fun feel to it. It was different than the usual. The breakfast was nice and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 20 Aug. 2025

The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington-Normal Airport, IL

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington-Normal Airport, IL

2.5 out of 5
2403 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL
The price is AU$157 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
AU$157
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Clean, comfortable and reasonably priced"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bloomington-Normal Airport, IL
Best Western Plus Bloomington East Hotel

Best Western Plus Bloomington East Hotel

2.5 out of 5
604 1/2 I.A.A. Drive, Bloomington, IL
The price is AU$137 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$137
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Best Western Plus Bloomington East Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Modern 2BR Charmer Heart of BloNo

Modern 2BR Charmer Heart of BloNo

2 out of 5
Bloomington
Stay at this vacation home in Bloomington. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions David Davis Mansion and Bloomington Center for ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Fit our needs
"Had a nice stay with our pups. Thank you."

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

Modern 2BR Charmer Heart of BloNo
Modern 2 Bed in the Heart of Downtown Bloomington

Modern 2 Bed in the Heart of Downtown Bloomington

Bloomington
Stay at this apartment in Bloomington. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions McLean County Museum of History and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Perfect location
"Very nicely appointed property. A short walk to pubs. A great restaurant just steps away. Beautiful floor to ceiling windows, lots of light. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Modern 2 Bed in the Heart of Downtown Bloomington
Stylish 2BR Charmer Close to Everything

Stylish 2BR Charmer Close to Everything

Normal
Stay at this vacation home in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Children's Discovery Museum and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"Overall a great stay! The owner was very communicative and helpful and the property had what we needed. My only complaint is that it wasn’t cleaned as well as I would’ve liked (bottle caps under cushions and lingering pet hair) and there were some old home quirks like doors that stick or don’t close ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Stylish 2BR Charmer Close to Everything
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Other places like Bloomington