Bloomington Travel Guide, Illinois

Bloomington, IL US – Overview: Heart of Illinois

The city of Bloomington, rightly recognized as the Heart of Illinois, is located 125 miles southeast of Chicago. People also refer to it as the Twin City with the town of Normal, which is located in the same state, as both have many things in common.

Culture

Recently rated amongst the 80 best places in the world to visit, Bloomington offers loads of cultural and traditional attractions. Most of the travel guides and magazines grade Bloomington as the most appropriate destination for family vacation. You can find out attractive presentation for children at the Cellular Coliseum, the museum of performing art and other related venues.

The Bloomington Center of Performing Art presents a number of cultural presentations throughout the week. This Center is the major resource of recreation during the festival season in Bloomington. There are many art galleries downtown.

Romantic Destination

Bloomington is not only startling for the families, children and teenagers, but it has a special romantic flair for couples as well. Bloomington has a lively and energetic nightlife throughout the vocational season. Couples can hang out Treehouse Lounge or can have ultimate fun at Funnybones Comedy Club. Couples and families can shop at Eastland Mall and at College Hills as well.

Popular Activities of Bloomington

An attraction for teenage travelers in Bloomington is the nation’s indoor climbing center, which offers exciting and enthralling climbing experience to both experts and novice climbers. You can enjoy the professional experience of indoor football and ice hockey at U.S. Cellular Coliseum, the WPGA Tournament in the Labor Day weekend or the state Championship events of high schools in Bloomington. Another appeal is Par-a-dice riverboat casino hoisted on the bank of the Illinois River.

Economy

Bloomington was initially an agricultural area. However, with the passage of time, the economy of the city has become diverse and well balanced. It presents an image of a rapidly developing city with three hospitals, two universities, many banks and indoor malls. There are numerous offices of major manufactures and industrialists providing a sound economic foundation to the city. Travelers can have a tour to the Mitsubishi Motors Assembly Plant or the State Farm Insurance Corporate Headquarters to follow the industrial pace of the city.

Many hotels and serviced apartments assist you in planning an economical and exciting trip to Bloomington - the ‘Heart of Illinois’.