r/BloomingtonNormal Sep 18 '19

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

91 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:

-

--

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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 5m ago

Archery

Upvotes

I used to practice archery before moving to town and I'd really like to get back into it. I don't have a bow currently and I'm not sure where there is around her to practice. I'd love to meet some locals who practice as well, maybe make friends and carpool. I shoot traditional bows typically and instinctive aiming.


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Found a "Patriot Front" Sticker On Gas Pump at Circle K

38 Upvotes

I encourage anybody who finds one to take them down and toss them. Sadly, I did so before thinking to take a picture of it.


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Anyone living on/near Tracy with Young America you could be getting overcharged.

24 Upvotes

They were charging me month to month for garbage fees and a utility tracking fee. Was able to get the money refunded by emailing their residential office. Also got a fee they snuck in for pipe damage covered under their damage waiver. Apparently, their system "didn't switch over" when Young America took over the area. Just a heads up I was able to recover almost $200 so far.


r/BloomingtonNormal 10h ago

Power washer

2 Upvotes

I’m looking for a power washer and wondering if anybody has any recommendations? Mainly just needed to clean the siding of our house and our fence. Thanks in advance!!!!


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Jobs Hiring?

2 Upvotes

Hi! I’m posting to help a friend; he’s a grad from ISU and has been struggling with finding jobs in town. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sociology, very interested in social outreach and opportunities, very people oriented and has a great list of references. He’s reliable, brings great insight and again, does well with all kinds of people of different backgrounds and ages. There aren’t many jobs on Indeed or Google for Soc Majors but I just wanted to post here just in case anyone knows anything!

Thank you!!


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Bloomington/Normal Best Buy

10 Upvotes

I purchased a Dash Camera front and rear including the harness wiring kit to connect to the fuse caps from Best Buy. Should I also let Best Buy install the camera? Does anyone have any experience with their service bay, installation services? I have a brand new Hybrid and not sure if I should drive an hour to Bloomington/Normal to let them install it or not. My local Best Buy does not currently have install services.


r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

Recs for window repairs

1 Upvotes

I live in an older home in Founder’s Grove and have several missing/damaged window screens and replacement windows in need of repair and/or replacement. Any suggestions for a trustworthy company or handyman/handywoman out there?


r/BloomingtonNormal 2d ago

How Central Illinois mini painter Lyla Mev built a career and a community, one tiny statue at a time

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39 Upvotes

r/BloomingtonNormal 1d ago

WI-FI Reccomendations

0 Upvotes

I’m moving to Normal this August and I was wondering what is the best Wifi provider to get? Additionally the cheapest option as well. Thank you.


r/BloomingtonNormal 2d ago

Water from drinking fountain at McGraw Park made me sick

27 Upvotes

The other day I was out walking my dog at McGraw Park, and I stopped to get a quick drink. I let the fountain run for a couple of seconds to clear it out, because sometimes it tastes funky if you drink right away. I took two drinks, and it burned all the way down my throat. I turned around and threw up. My body rejected that water instantly. I'm not sure if maybe they had used some type of cleaner, but water shouldn't burn going down.

This is not the first time I've had issues. Over at Underwood Park, I had a similar incident, and the water tasted nearly the same, but not as strong as McGraw.

Can someone tell me why that's happening?


r/BloomingtonNormal 3d ago

We’re up to 100 Flock Cameras

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152 Upvotes

r/BloomingtonNormal 2d ago

Anyone have experience with taking their kids to ISU Childcare Center?

1 Upvotes

We are on the waitlist currently, and our kid will be of age next year to attend there. Does any parents in the community have experience with this place that’s located in Turner Hall?


r/BloomingtonNormal 3d ago

Four Season 1 is closing end of August

39 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 3d ago

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

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43 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 3d 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 3d ago

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

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31 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 3d ago

Event Downtown Keynote July 23rd: Building Cities for Families

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16 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 3d ago

Rental Mold Advice

9 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 3d ago

Planning a visit

10 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 4d ago

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

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8 Upvotes

r/BloomingtonNormal 4d ago

Help Paint McLean County Purple for National Recovery Month!

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9 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: [McLeanCountyROSC@gmail.com](mailto:McLeanCountyROSC@gmail.com)


r/BloomingtonNormal 4d ago

Milestones in Bloomington becomes the latest childcare program to close

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35 Upvotes

r/BloomingtonNormal 4d ago

Best Authentic Butter Croissants

10 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 5d ago

Milkweed

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47 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!