Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors BureauBN Life
History
The Funk Prairie Home Museum has re-opened their doors for public tours! Come enjoy and learn more about the history of the Funk family and all of their political and agricultural accomplishments in McLean County. What began as a wedding gift from LaFayette Funk to his wife Elizabeth in 1864 has grown into one of […]
McLean County Museum of History and Visitors Center Re-Opening!
The McLean County Museum of History and Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center will reopen to the public at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 1! To make it even more exciting, they are opening their doors again on the first Saturday of the Outdoor Farmers’ Market Season that takes place on the Museum Square! Housed […]
Experience the rich history of McLean County by exploring the historic mansions throughout our area. Whether you’re a historian, architect, photographer, or just a lover of old homes, these historic homes will definitely capture your interest! Ewing Manor Completed in 1929 in the Channel-Norman style, Ewing Manor embodies the grace, elegance and natural beauty of […]
Cozy Up at the Vrooman Mansion this Winter
We could all use a little getaway this winter! We invite you to experience the magnificence of local history coupled with modern amenities at the Vrooman Mansion. This bed and breakfast is inviting, cozy, and has the most genuine hospitality. It’s just the escape you need during these upcoming cold months! Built in 1869, Vrooman […]
National Maple Syrup Day | Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup
Located right off of Route 66 in Shirley, Illinois, you’ll find Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup — a sweet, historic gem that remains a favorite stop among Route 66 travelers to this day. The historic maple trees were originally tapped by Native Americans long before the Funk family called this area home. They used maple […]
Located right in the heart of Bloomington, you’ll find the home to beer’s best friend, Beer Nuts! In 1937, Edward Shirk and his son purchased a local confectionary that sold caramel apples, caramel corn, and their most popular item, redskin peanuts. A few years later, Russell Shirk took over the family business and started packaging […]
The work that the travel and tourism industry does is vital to the economy. In 2017, Bloomington-Normal had 220,000 visitors and 44,611 hotel room nights, which generated an economic impact of $6,959,316. For every $1 of hotel tax received, $10.04 was returned to the local economy. Nationally, tourism is a $2.1 trillion industry. The industry […]
Discover the people, places and things that make BN such a unique place to visit! A) Avanti’s Italian Restaurant Avanti’s was founded in BN in 1971, and now has two locations. They serve pizza, pasta, and of course, their famous gondola. B) Beer Nuts BN is the only city in the world where Beer […]
McLean County is the largest county by land in the state of Illinois and is home to 19 towns and villages. Bloomington-Normal might be the biggest community in the county, but all of our outlying communities offer fun and exciting events, attractions and restaurants that visitors can enjoy year-round. Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup in […]
In with the new! Check out the newest attractions in BN. Destihl Brewery 309.220.9901 DestihlBrewery.com Destihl’s 6,700-sq. ft. facility features bottles and draft releases of pilot, experimental and barrel-aged beers, which pairs well with its menu of bold flavored, American-inspired pub fare. Want a more in-depth look at the brewery? Tours are also available. […]
