In central Illinois, Bloomington is a city with a population of 80,000, but due to the presence of neighboring Normal, its metropolitan area population exceeds twice that number. The city is renowned for its hospitality and high quality of life, making it a delightful vacation destination with excellent facilities, a rich history, and numerous attractions that draw visitors.
For those interested in Abraham Lincoln’s career, Bloomington is the hometown of two key figures who supported him: merchant Jesse W. Fair and Judge David Davis. You can visit David Davis’s grand Victorian-style residence, and the historic MacLean County Courthouse has been converted into a historical museum featuring exhibits on Lincoln’s connection to Bloomington.
I was born in Illinois and have loved traveling since childhood. I have visited Bloomington multiple times. Below is my curated list of the best activities in Bloomington.
1. David Davis Home State Historic Site
As Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1862 to 1877, David Davis played an important role in 19th-century American history.
In 1860, he served as Abraham Lincoln’s campaign manager and helped secure Lincoln’s presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention.
Davis (1815–1886) had become Lincoln’s close friend and mentor during his tenure on the Illinois Eighth Circuit Court, where Lincoln practiced law.
Later, after the president’s assassination, he became the administrator of Lincoln’s estate. The grand Davis Mansion (1870–1872) is an Italianate villa featuring 36 rooms, multiple outbuildings, and a beautifully restored garden.
I recommend taking the guided tour, which allows you to see 20 rooms, many of which are decorated with American Renaissance-style furniture purchased by Sarah Davis (Lincoln’s wife, married for over 40 years).
The property hosts various events throughout the year, such as the June Garden Festival and the Christmas Gaslight Tour.
2. MacLean County Historical Museum
This local history museum is located in the McLean County Courthouse and Square, surrounded by historic buildings. One of my favorite exhibits is the Abraham Lincoln exhibit. The exhibition explores Lincoln’s work as a lawyer in McLean County, his role in the abolitionist movement, and his role in the formation of the new Republican Party in the state.
The classical revival-style courthouse, known for its soaring dome, is the third building on the site, constructed in 1868 and extensively rebuilt after a fire in 1900.
The museum occupies the entire four-story building, featuring engaging and in-depth galleries that detail McLean County’s rich political and military history, immigrant and indigenous cultural heritage, commercial and industrial development, and the county’s intrinsic connection to agriculture.
Related reading: Illinois’ 15 Best Small Towns
3. Miller Park Zoo
Miller Park in Bloomington has had a zoo since 1891, and it officially became a full-fledged zoo in 1900. From the 1990s to the early 21st century, the zoo added numerous new exhibits, more than doubling its size.
Brief Overview: Indoor exhibits include ZooLab, featuring exotic insects, meerkats, and parrots, as well as the historic Carter-Hoffman Animal House, home to snow leopards, marmosets, snakes, and Sumatran tigers.
Outdoor areas feature kangaroos, red pandas (one of my favorite animals), Galápagos giant tortoises, otters, crocodiles, Pallas’ cats, and a variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, flamingos, and hoopoes. The entire park is well-equipped, especially in summer, with spray pools, a mini-golf course, and a lake for boating.
4. Constitution Trail
Bloomington and Normal collaborated to create this 37-mile trail system that spans both communities. The trail opened in 1989 and follows the former Illinois Central Highland Railroad line, stretching from Carrick Road in Normal to Grove Street in Bloomington.
Along the way, there are 32 trail entrances and seven different branches, including one connecting to U.S. Route 66. The Constitution Trail is popular among walkers, joggers, and cyclists, with facilities such as restrooms, shelters, benches, drinking fountains, and trash cans along the route.
Historical landmarks are also abundant, such as the Camelback Bridge in Norman (built in 1862), which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
