Bloomington, IL

Travel Guide

Bloomington featuring night scenes
Miller Park Zoo featuring a pond, zoo animals and bird life
Bloomington which includes flowers
Bloomington featuring heritage elements
Prairie Aviation Museum featuring military items and heritage elements
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.

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! (3,002 reviews)
I'll give it 4 stars
"Good stay. Nice room. Only issue I found...it could use 2 shower doors instead of one. Water got all over the floor when taking a shower."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 ¥12,884 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
¥12,884
¥14,428 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice King Suite. Love the door separation. Felt like a small apartment. Great breakfast!"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

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

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington

4 out of 5
10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington, IL
The price is ¥19,232 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
¥19,232
¥21,536 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"The entire property was very quiet we got a great night of sleep."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
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 Apr 16, 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 May 19, 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 Jul 25, 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

Cities near Bloomington