Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors BureauBN Life
Route 66
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 […]
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 […]
#IllinoisMade Gift Guide | VisitBN
All over Illinois, artists, makers and creators have been chosen by the Illinois Office of Tourism as Illinois Made destinations: places that help create and flourish off of the local culture. If you’re looking for a unique gift that is the epitome of Illinois and McLean County, consider grabbing a gift from one of these […]
BN Our History – Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66
Abraham Lincoln made his first visit to Bloomington-Normal in 1837 when he was a lawyer on the eighth judicial circuit. During this time, he met two residents who would not only become his close friends, but the most important political backers in his quest for state and national office: Jesse Fell and David Davis. According […]
In Bloomington-Normal, summer is truly the fest of times. No matter your area of interest, BN has a summer festival for you! Champagne British Car Festival June 2 David Davis Mansion Presented by the Flatlanders British Car Club, the event features vehicles of all British makes for view on the elegant setting of the Mansion […]
When most people think Route 66, neon signs, diners and convertibles come to mind. You’ll find all those there, but there’s a whole other aspect to the “Mother Road” that most people tend to overlook: its historical significance in American culture. Constructed in 1926, it was the road that made travel from the Midwest to […]
When most people think of Route 66, diners with neon signs might be some of the images that come to mind. If you’re journeying along the Mother Road, no road trip is complete without fantastic food! Route 66 is famous for its classic cuisine, and Bloomington-Normal offers plenty of options for visitors to choose from. […]
Our mission at the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is to enhance the region’s economic vitality, sustainability and quality of life by marketing McLean County as a compelling destination. Through the direct efforts of the CVB, we welcomed an additional 207,194 visitors last year. We received $584,500 in hotel tax dollars. For every $1 […]
When most people think of Route 66, neon signs, diners and convertibles come to mind. While all of these features are true, there is a whole other aspect to the Mother Road that most people tend to overlook: its historical significance in American culture. Constructed in 1926, it was the first road that made travel […]
