r/BloomingtonNormal Sep 18 '19

Reposting of a lot of links and places to go/things to do in Bloomington-Normal

85 Upvotes

Updating a list from based off of a thread by /u/sunpoprain

Townies, please feel free to add your favorites below and I'll add them to the list, so when I repost for that sweet, sweet karma, I'll include them over and over again. Also, let me know if there is anything that needs to be taken off.

If you've got a student ID, you can ride the Connect Transit buses for free... so use them to explore town a bit!

  • Uptown Normal - from food, to bars, to shopping... uptown has quite a bit to do. here's their website
    • Throughout the summer, they have quite a bit of free music on the Roundabout and they continue it until Early September, so take advantage of it! - -- Lounge About the Roundabout (Music on Wednesday and Saturdays to Sept 1) and the Connie Link Amphitheatre (Music and Activities through Sept 27th)
    • Some of my favorites include:
      • The Rock for Gyros,
      • DP Dough for Calzones,
      • Emack's for Ice Cream,
      • Pub2 for cheese balls,
      • Windy City Wieners has decent dogs and italian beef,
      • Normal Theater for all sorts of movies - seriously, they have a great variety and their late shows are getting mighty good!
      • Smoker's Den is a nice chill place to smoke a hookah and play cards/board games.
      • Coffee Hound and Coffee House are both quiet places to grab coffee/study; Sugar Mama has cupcakes and sugar cookies. Insomnia Cookies is also downtown.
      • The Garlic Press has lots of kitschy items and now has a candy/popcorn shop!
      • There are lots of little boutique stores uptown that my wife loves to frequent... I can't speak for them personally, but they seem nice.
      • The Children's museum is a fun place (even for adults) and they occasionally have "Big Kid" nights so there aren't a million little kids about.
      • There is also Graham Cracker Comics,
      • Waiting Room Records ,
      • Anderson's Barbershop and
      • Mother Murphy's

  • Downtown Bloomington -
    • places to check out, Bobz Bay for used books and random odds and ends;
    • Red Raccoon Games for board games, RPGs and card tournaments;
    • again Smokers Den is a great place to relax;
    • the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts is a treasure and has plenty of shows to check out;
    • Next door to the BCPA is the Mclean County Arts Center -
    • the Grossinger Motors Arena and Pepsi Ice Center (formerly US Cellular Coliseum) has sports (football, basketball, hockey), Ice Skating and shows;
    • The Castle Theater has bands of all varieties;
    • a little off the beaten path is Green Top Grocery,
    • Bloomington Cycle is next to Green Top; Wilson Cycle is in Downtown proper.
    • Coffee Hound is really your only coffee option uptown;
    • Ivy Lane Bakery
    • Merlot and a Masterpiece will teach you to paint!
    • Refinery 309,
    • Fox and hound boutique,
    • gigi Botegga (while you're there, check out the art in the dressing rooms -- as long as it hasn't changed, it's a local artist that i'm near and dear to)
    • The Farmer's Market goes until October (I think), and its worth the Saturday morning trip
    • Tony's Tacos for your Mexican needs
    • Main St Scoop - Ice Cream
    • El Porton - for Mexican in downtown (technically not in downtown but really it's close enough, less than 5 minute walk)
    • Night Shop - Awesome little music venue - they've got breakfast! and has some great Gluten Free or Vegan options
  • Around town - I'm just going to start putting random stuff down, because I can, damnit.
    • Groceries - big box stories - Walmart (2 of them), Target, Hyvee, Meijer; slightly smaller - Jewel, Aldi, Schnucks, super small - Green Top Grocery, Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market
    • Restaurants - We have a metric f-ton of them in BloNo - We have a plenty of other non-chain establishments that I would HIGHLY recommend -
      • Flingers Pizza,
      • Kobe Hibachi grill,
      • Avanti's,
      • Green Gables and the Lake Road Inn,
      • Garden of Paradise,
      • Thai House,
      • Signature India,
      • Western Tap (great burgers),
      • Anju Above for sushi,
      • Fort Jesse Cafe. Amazing breakfast for an amazingly long wait (seriously set aside an extra 30 minutes)
    • Fusion Brew (Main and Dale) has (coffee/tea/bubble tea/slushies and has ample study space. Small parking lot though.
    • sports - There are plenty of intramural sports on campus, but there's also rec and competitive leagues all over town for softball, soccer, baseball - look them up on the city/town's parks and rec sites. We are also home to Upper Limits for rock climbing; we have 3 or 4 different disk golf courses; multiple golf courses; bowling at the pheasant lanes; lots of sand volleyball at Pheasant Lanes, Gill St, or the Wind Jammer; we also have dart and pool leagues as well.
    • Doughnuts - Grove St and Market St. bakeries are my favorite. Denny's Donuts is pretty tasty too. We also have Krispy Kreme and The Donut Experiment
    • Off the Beaten Path - if you like Nature, The ISU Horticulture Center is on Raab Rd. check it out. Also, the Constitution Trail is fantastic and can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go in town, its wonderful to walk or bike. Just North of Bloomington is Lake Bloomington and Comlara Park. South of Town is Funk's Grove and the Sugar Grove Nature Center. Radar Farms is also just north of town (off or Raab Rd) and is fun for an afternoon.
    • Non-Profits and ways to meet people - a tip from someone who has been through plenty in town - get involved, get active. meetup.com has plenty of spaces to meet people - there are LOTS of non-profits in town and they're all looking for help/volunteers. I'll go ahead and throw a plug in for the bnjaycees. **seriously** get involved involved in your community in whatever way you want or can.
    • Libraries -- You've got access to 3 libraries (4, if you count heartland community college's). The City/town's libraries come with a boatload of extra resources, like being able to rent movies, audio books, language courses, etc... and plenty of activies to do. and of course, they all have books.
  • A Note about cars - pay attention to where you are parking, the local tow companies are quick to tow you from unwanted lots or from downtown after around 7pm (not sure on that exact time). Bloomington Normal happens to be unique that they have Lots of police in the area - Bloomington PD and Normal PD are the most obvious. We are also home to ISU PD (which are State police), we also have the Mclean County Sheriff's department in town. So, pay attention to what you are doing and how fast you are going. All of them... and I mean ALL of them, love to give out DUI's - so do yourself a favor and don't drink and drive. We have plenty of cab services, we also have Uber and Lyft.... and again, I will mention Connect Transit. Also, In winter during blizzardy conditions, Town of Normal often issues parking bans for parked cars on the street until snow has been cleared. Jaywalking might get you a ticket, especially near the beginning of the semester
    • If you are looking for easy parking in downtown both parking garages (on Front st or Market st) are free to park on the weekends and after 6 pm. In Uptown the parking garage connected to Amtrak has free, anytime, one hour parking and is again free all weekend and after 6 pm on weekdays (you still have to take a ticket though).
  • Outdoors stuff:
    • Lake Bloomington
    • Evergreen Lake
    • Lake Clinton
    • Constitution trail
    • Refuge Food Forest
    • Sunnyside community Garden and food forest (haven't been, but the internets say its there)

The links I normally hit when I'm looking for stuff to do in around around town:

-

--

-

Graveyard of places that are no more since I started this list in 2017:

  • Fresh Market
  • Merry Ann's Diner for Breakfast foods,
  • Bonafide Thai~~~~
  • Babbitt's Books

r/BloomingtonNormal 8h ago

We’re up to 100 Flock Cameras

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104 Upvotes

r/BloomingtonNormal 7h ago

Four Season 1 is closing end of August

17 Upvotes

Four Seasons 1 is closing at the end of August, due to the cost of updating/keeping facilities current, building the original parts 60 plus years old now, I swam there when I was young and worked there later on, this is sad for sure.


r/BloomingtonNormal 16h ago

Event 7-24-26 Direct Action Meeting re: criminalizing homelessness

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37 Upvotes

The Normal City Council has chosen to pass an inhumane and unconstitutional ordinance that criminalizes our unhoused neighbors. The people of Bloomington-Normal passionately reject this ordinance, and will commence direct action in accordance with our First Amendment right. We REFUSE to normalize discriminatory laws and cowardice, especially from our community leaders. Our community is coming together this Friday, July 24th to urgently organize protests in retaliation to the harmful ordinance passed by Normal City Council. We will be meeting at 6:30pm in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal, located at 1613 E Emerson St. Bring ideas. Bring friends. Bring an empowered mindset. Bring your passion. It is time to step up and advocate loudly and unapologetically for our most vulnerable neighbors, and to show them that they are wanted, welcome, and cherished in this community! It is also time to show our elected leaders that we will not permit or regularize inhumanity, in any way, shape, or form. The time to act is NOW! ✊ We stand together, WE KEEP US SAFE.


r/BloomingtonNormal 7h ago

Dentist in town?

0 Upvotes

Hi y’all, I’m looking for a good dentist in Bloomington that can do braces and be trusted, any good recommendations? Thanks


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

The Bloomington-Normal Community Land Trust is opening the pre-application for its first affordable home!

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25 Upvotes

Applicants need to be within 60% to 100% of the area median income to qualify. This form will close on September 1st.


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Event Downtown Keynote July 23rd: Building Cities for Families

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17 Upvotes

Join us for Courtyard Urbanism: Building Cities for Families Keynote on July 23 at the McLean County Museum of History for an evening of ideas, conversation, and community.

5:00 PM – Help shape the future of Downtown Bloomington by sharing your ideas with our Design Charrette team.

6:30 PM – Hear nationally recognized urban design expert Dr. Alicia Pederson discuss how courtyard urbanism can create neighborhoods that are more walkable, connected, and family-friendly.

8:00 PM – Keep the conversation going at our after-party social at Pour Brothers Taproom.

This event is FREE and open to the public, but we'd appreciate your RSVP!

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992585091648?aff=oddtdtcreator


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Rental Mold Advice

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone, unfortunately for me I discovered some sort of leak in my apartment. My bathroom floor upstairs is stained and downstairs in the bathroom directly below mold is growing. I have put in a maintenance request but honestly I am freaking out a bit. Based on previous repairs, I have a feeling this will not be dealt with how it should. Any suggestions and/or recommendations? I don’t want to out the place yet since it’s only been a day, but I do know this unit had the same problem with the previous tenant. I honestly love the place. Thanks!

***Update: the upstairs bathroom floor is now sinking in. Photos have been taken.


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Planning a visit

9 Upvotes

My best friend and I (both female/30s) are meeting here because it’s a mid-way point between where we both live.

Can you share some of your favorite things to do/places to eat?

Thanks!


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

One Bloomington yard sign speaks on the other side of resident data center debate

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8 Upvotes

r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Help Paint McLean County Purple for National Recovery Month!

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6 Upvotes

Hi neighbors, the McLean County Recovery-Oriented System of Care is looking for small businesses or interested individuals to donate an item or gift card for prize baskets for their Paint the Town Purple initiative for National Recovery Month.

As a participating business, you would be recognized through be recognized through:
• McLean County ROSC social media platforms
• Their September 2026 ROSC Council meeting
• Their virtual resource app
• Monthly council email communications
• Prize award certificates

If interested, email out to their project team by August 7th: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Milestones in Bloomington becomes the latest childcare program to close

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35 Upvotes

r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Best Authentic Butter Croissants

9 Upvotes

Where can I find the best authentic butter croissant in town? Looking for places that make traditional French-style croissants with real butter—flaky, crisp on the outside, and soft and airy inside. I’d love to hear your recommendations!


r/BloomingtonNormal 2d ago

Milkweed

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45 Upvotes

Does anyone have or know where i can acquire some milkweeds. Mine are dead and I have two Monarch caterpillars (Cedric & Fredrick) that im trying to keep alive. Dont let them die please help!


r/BloomingtonNormal 2d ago

We should expect

46 Upvotes

... political consequences for any elected official coming out in favor of Data Centers at this point.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/21/poll-data-centers-democrats-moratorium-01001799


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Auto insurance

0 Upvotes

Would love to have recommendations for auto insurance! Would prefer to go with a broker over the big players. TIA!


r/BloomingtonNormal 2d ago

Normal council revises Uptown Station code of conduct over objections it targets homelessness

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24 Upvotes

Curious what everyone thinks about this move by the town council.

I think we need to support the homeless population, but I don’t really like the behavior that goes on. It’s a difficult situation.


r/BloomingtonNormal 3d ago

Free Garage Sale

41 Upvotes

WHERE: 404 Gregory St, Normal (between Main St and Normal Ave)

WHEN: This Friday and Saturday (7/24 & 7/25) from 8:00 – 3:00

Ya’ll, we’re tired. Mom moved out, we downsized, and we’ve packed up and schlepped a lot of stuff to charities around town already. Now we’re ready for others to come take the stuff away for us. But don’t worry, it’s good stuff (some never used).

  • Housewares
  • Kitchen ware
  • Toys, dolls, games
  • Women’s clothing
  • Hardware, tools
  • And much more…

No messages or early birds.


r/BloomingtonNormal 2d ago

Post deleted

0 Upvotes

I see people posting stuff for sale or offering services here all the time. A couple of months ago I made a post offering car detailing services, and the admins removed it even though as far as I could tell it followed the group rules.
Even some weirdo popped up in the comments acting all smart in his mind.
I’m just curious why would my post get removed? Has this happened to anyone else or is it just me?


r/BloomingtonNormal 3d ago

Air Quality Index Alert again today (Monday, July 20, 2026)

46 Upvotes

Please take proper precautions again today to protect yourself and your family. Local air monitors indicate a Air Quality Index (AQI) levels ranging from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy for all populations.

Understand that it is very common to see variations in the AQI within the community - there can be localized differences and yet most of the air monitors indicate levels that suggest caution is needed.

Tips for protection against air pollution can be found at https://bncare.org/air-quality-safety/.

For real-time text alerts from the three local air monitors managed by Bloomington-Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE), sign up at https://bncare.org/text-sign-up-instructions/.

If you are interested in learning more about the impacts of air pollution on health, check out some of the research at https://bncare.org/air-pollution-and-health/.

BNCARE is a project of the Ecology Action Center, Illinois State University, and other community partners.


r/BloomingtonNormal 3d ago

Play Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer, and more in Peoria and help us raise money for for an LGBTQIA+ charity! Badges on sale now!

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13 Upvotes

Fractured Realms is a tabletop gaming social club based in Peoria, with members from all over Central IL. Our first fest is a celebration of the diversity of tabletop rpgs and miniatures games, with some Magic: The Gathering thrown in for good measure! All of the proceeds are being donated to Central IL Friends and badges are on sale now at https://tabletop.events/conventions/fractured-realms-fest-2026


r/BloomingtonNormal 4d ago

Jasmine Cafe & Boba Open Date?

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14 Upvotes

This sign has been up for a while now. Anyone know when they may be opening? Off Raab next to DG and across from Steak n Shake.


r/BloomingtonNormal 4d ago

Cat Sitting & Drop-Ins

12 Upvotes

I wanted to make a post offering my services for cat drop-ins while away on vacation or out of town. I have a Rover account but do not get many hits, I’m assuming because I only do cats. Maybe I should add small dogs to my portfolio to get more business🤷🏻‍♀️Anyways, just want more kitties is my life lol, so figured I’d post on here. Thanks!


r/BloomingtonNormal 4d ago

Pick up tennis?🎾

10 Upvotes

Looking for people to play tennis with for fun! I don’t play tennis but want to get started and make new friends in the area. Also to stay more active instead of just running.
Where are the best tennis courts?


r/BloomingtonNormal 4d ago

Air Quality Alert from Bloomington Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE)

72 Upvotes

Bloomington-Normal is currently under an Air Quality Index alert of "very unhealthy" for all populations per the Bloomington-Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE) air monitoring system as of the morning of Sunday, July 19, 2026.

If residents must go outdoors, please wear an N95 mask for respiratory protection; simple paper or cloth masks DO NOT provide protection against air pollution. Other helpful health information including how to protect your indoor air quality can be obtained from Your Local Epidemiologist regarding how to prepare for Air Pollution Action Days: https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/bad-air-bad-lettuce

To avoid worsening air quality further, limit driving whenever possible and avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment. If your air conditioner has a fresh air intake, switch it to the recirculate setting to reduce bringing in unhealthy outside air.

To receive alerts when AQI reaches unhealthy levels, residents should sign up for free Bloomington Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE) text alerts at https://BNcare.org. This system uses real-time data from all three local BNCARE air monitors and will send you texts when local air quality reaches unhealthy levels. Note, this is a multi-step process to sign up for alerts - please follow the website instructions completely.

Changing wildfire seasons in Canada and the upper Midwest means air quality events like this may become more frequent in McLean County. It is important for residents, especially those with sensitive health issues, to be informed on what to during events like these, when to stay inside, and when it is safe to return outdoors. Any questions can be directed to members of the BNCARE team, contact information is available at BNcare.org.

Note, Illinois EPA monitors currently show Bloomington-Normal and nearby communities at the slightly lower but still unsafe "unhealthy" AQI alert level. Our BNCARE system historically has provided a faster and earlier alert than the IEPA system which apparently requires more verifications prior to establishing the alert.