10 Things to do in Bloomington-Normal That You Shouldn't Miss

Eaton Studio Gallery opened in 2000 in Historic Downtown Bloomington by local artist Herb Eaton-Pamala Eaton for showing and selling paintings, sculpture, drawings, and prints. Our goal is keeping the ARTS ALIVE and creating value in ART in our downtown community by exhibiting and selling new-rotated work monthly and hosting musical & theatrical events and art and cultural salon discussions.

Located in the heart of beautiful Uptown Normal, Illinois, the mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play. Find three floors of hands-on exhibits, classes, and programs that actively engage both child and adult visitors in experiences that stimulate imagination, curiosity, and wonder. The Children’s Discovery Museum values a safe, fun, inclusive and engaging environment. Find a variety of learning experiences that address many styles and abilities. The CDM staff works with a flexibility of thought and adaptability of behaviors to better meet individual needs. A powerful play experience and a passionate staff assists in the development of the whole child who is surrounded by healthy relationships, healthy families, and a healthy community. Admission includes full-day in/out access. Accessible parking is available in a safe, clean parking deck next door. Free surface lots and street parking are available with time limits.

Miller Park Zoo offers many exhibits and Zookeeper interaction opportunities that are enjoyed by the whole family. Some highlights include: reindeer, Sumatran tiger, greater flamingos, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagles, Pallas' cat, snow leopards, gibbons, and red wolves. The Zoo features many large indoor and outdoor exhibits such as a Tropical America Rainforest, ZooLab, Katthoefer Animal Building, Wallaby WalkAbout, Children's Zoo, and Animals of Asia.

The McLean County Museum of History traces its roots back to 1892, the year the McLean County Historical Society was founded. It is a nationally accredited award winning museum with five permanent exhibit galleries and two rotating galleries. The Museum is located in the historic 1903 McLean County Courthouse that includes an architectural tour throughout the building. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, and FREE for children and students with I.D. This educational institution is dedicated to telling the rich story of McLean County through programs which serve people of all ages. The Museum preserves 19,000 objects, makes available more than 11,500 rare and hard to find reference books, manages 1,700 feet of historical papers and images in its archives. It also houses the new Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and the McLean County Genealogical Society. Tuesdays are FREE days.

Rader Family Farms is a fourth generation working farm located in Bloomington - Normal, Illinois. We open a portion of the farm to the public in the fall, giving people the opportunity to spend a day outside and get a feel for agricultural life. Tons of outdoor activities like hayrack rides, a jumping pillow, apple cannons, acres of u-pick and fresh picked pumpkins, fresh made food, specialty coffees and drinks, live animals and so much more to help you make memories, just on the edge of Normal.