Area Information

Listed below are some of the great ways to explore Bloomington/Normal and the surrounding cities. Check for current events and festivals happening throughout the year. Having trouble deciding? Make a list of your favorites, and Vrooman Mansion will await your return to continue the adventure!

• Convention of Visitors Bureau for Bloomington Normal, IL
• Downtown Bloomington, IL
• Uptown Normal, IL

• Epiphany Farms Restaurant – Bloomington: Bloomington/Normal’s only farm-to-fork restaurant, located in the historic fire station built in 1902. The architecture of the building has been largely maintained: engine stalls are now the main dining room, the horses used to be kept in what is now the kitchen, and the firemen’s quarters were remodeled into banquet rooms. Epiphany Farms’ ‘chefarmers’ grow the organic ingredients for the restaurants at their farm 10 miles outside town, and create seasonal dishes unlike any other. Open Tuesday through Saturday.
• Rosie’s Pub: Also located in a restored building in downtown Bloomington – used to be just a pub. However, along with the addition of more dining space, a fine dining menu was added. This diverse menu has more than the usual ‘steak and potatoes’ fare, and always pleases.
• Baxters American Grille: Located across the street from the airport, Baxter’s Chop House & Wine Bar offers American-classic food. The wide variety on their menu includes casual choices such as sandwiches and pizzas to more upscale steaks and seafood. They often have live music and are open all week.
• Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano: Biaggi’s is a casual restaurant that offers a large menu featuring a full selection of house-made and imported pasta, soups & salads, pizza, seafood, chicken, veal, steaks, and desserts. Large portions of affordably priced dishes are made with the freshest ingredients available.
• Jim’s Steak House: Open since 1960, Jim’s Steak House is a local favorite. This fine dining restaurant offers the best dry-aged beef in town. Not only are they known for the finest steaks and prime rib, but they also offer quality seafood, pork, lamb, and chicken.

• Destihl: Located near The Shoppes at College Hills, Destihl is a restaurant and microbrewery. They feature bold flavors with an inventive approach to American-classic pub fare that pairs well with their wide array of beers. Destihl’s casual atmosphere offers a great place to enjoy anything from burgers, sandwiches, salads, and stone-oven pizzas, to their creative signature dishes and twists on comfort foods.
• Anju Above: Located above Epiphany Farms and part of their Hospitality Group of restaurants, Anju Above is an eclectic Asian Fusion They offer an interesting variety of small plates from sushi, steam buns & dumplings, to rustic pizza and pretzel bites. Open all week.
• Brass Pig Smoke & Alehouse: If you loved smoked meats, barbeque, beer and whiskey then you’ve found the newest spot in downtown Bloomington. With outdoor picnic tables, a spacious interior and a large and beautiful bar you can pick your favorite spot to eat their Notorious P.I.G. pulled pork sandwich and drink local craft beer.
• Lucca Grill: Established in 1936, Lucca’s was started by the Baldini brothers. They offered the first crisp thin crust pizza in Central Illinois. The first floor still has the original antique mahogany bar, ornate tin ceiling, and many interesting newspaper articles from the past. The A La Baldini pizza is our favorite!
• Medici: Unique in its décor, Medici has a 30-foot mulberry tree as their centerpiece in the restaurant. On summer nights, you can enjoy their second-floor bar with rooftop patio. You will notice Hans’ love of forestry throughout the space. Their menu is eclectic, from pizzas to spätzles, from Reubens to roulades. Medici believes in the importance of details in their food and décor.
• Reality Bites: Reality Bites is a locally owned tapas restaurant and It boasts a fun and sophisticated atmosphere and offers a large variety of choices on their menu. Located in the heart of downtown Bloomington and open Tuesday through Saturday.

• Mystic Kitchen and Tasting Room : Located in downtown Bloomington with a Bohemian flair,  stop in to see about Terrie and Chelsea’s latest creations. This is a great place to stop for a couple of glasses of wine and have their “noshables” like their charcuterie board, or stay for an eclectic and memorable dinner. And if you are out and about for the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning, stop in for a Bloody Mary or try their brunch menu!
• Stave Wine Bar & Market: Another great location to stop in for their diverse beer on tap and wine selections, located in uptown Enjoy the lovely atmosphere and their knowledgeable and friendly staff. The owners and staff are always there to help suggest a pairing of one of their great seasonal wines with their unique cheeses, meats, or truffles.
• Destihl Brewery and Beer Hall:  Located on North Veterans close to Interstate 55 is Destihl’s Brewery home and Beer Hall. With outdoor seating on the patio, you can enjoy their unique pub fare food, as well as 30 beverages on tap. From Destihl’s brewed beers, to beer-based cocktails and on site craft sodas, there’s something for everyone! Tours of the brewery also available; please contact them directly for more information. 
• Keg Grove Brewing Company: The vision of Jeff Mroz and Mike Hoff, Keg Grove began  on Oakland Avenue where the duo shared their craft beers with friends in a driveway. Located on Empire Street, Keg Grove Brewery is a Bloomington original. With outdoor seating, a dozen original craft beers and more, you’ll want to stop in and see what Jeff and Mike are up to today! 
• Lil Beaver Brewery: Located off of South Veterans by Gold’s Gym is nestled another local Brewery. Recently expanded to include an outdoor patio, spaced out indoor dining and a full kitchen menu! Lil Beaver keeps 24 unique beers on tap everyday including their own and other local breweries. The menu rotates, so be sure to stop in frequently to see what is on tap!  
• White Oak Brewing: Located on Industrial Park in west Normal you will find White Oak Brewing. With an outdoor patio and an abundance of natural wood inside the bar, choose their perfected craft beers on tap, or take some back with you to the mansion in a 4-pack of cans. 

• Schooners: Looking for some true bar food? This local bar is only two blocks from our location. Open since 1983, this is a local Bloomington favorite where you can enjoy their beer garden during the summer season. They are famous for their King Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Buffalo wings.
• Pub II: Established in 1974, Pub II is located in uptown If you want to watch a sporting event, this is one place you should consider. Pub II is a large bar with 19 TVs and a beer garden. The menu consists of classic burgers and sandwiches at very reasonable prices.
• Gill Street Sports Bar & Grill: This warm and inviting bar and restaurant features two large outdoor patios and is a little off the beaten path in Bloomington. Their large menu ranges from a variety of appetizers, salads, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and wraps.
• Elroy’s: Looking for a place to watch the game, grab a bite, and enjoy a cold beverage? Elroy’s in open 7 days a week in downtown Bloomington. Chose one of nine varieties of great burgers or one of the many other choices from their menu.
• Maggie Miley’s: Relax and enjoy a taste of Ireland at Maggie Miley’s – a fun, warm, and inviting pub. Maggie would be proud of her great grandson’s vision and dedication of replicating an authentic Irish pub. In hiring Irish carpenters to craft the mill work and bar in the pub and finding a company from Dublin to design it, his hard work paid off. Open 7 days a week in uptown

• Carl’s Ice Cream: Carl’s has two locations to serve you, one in Bloomington and one in Normal. This local favorite serves many varieties of hard ice cream, as well as soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt. Carl’s also has sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs on the menu.
• Gene’s Dairy Delight: A locally owned business within one mile of our location, Gene’s offers wonderful soft-serve custard. Enjoy a dipped cone, a specialty item like the Wonder Bar, one of their unique flavors such as the Lemon, or go for the gusto with a banana split!
• Ivy Lane Bakery: If you love scones, muffins, quiche and sugar cookies, you’ve found the perfect spot in downtown Bloomington not far from the mansion. Perfect for an afternoon sugar rush!
• Theo’s Microcreamery: If you love homemade ice cream, or are always looking for dairy-free options, take a drive to Uptown Normal and get a scoop or two from Theo’s. Then you can sit in their outdoor patio space, or take a leisurely stroll up Constitution Trail!
• The Chocolatier: The Chocolatier is a local candy shop approximately two miles from us. Not only do they have wonderful chocolate treats (our favorite is the Cashew Cow!) that can be purchased either per item or in bulk, but they also have a wide variety of products made on-site. They carry chocolate-covered strawberries, Italian ice, and a great popcorn line.
• Grove Street Bakery: Have a sweet tooth? Grove Street Bakery is our neighborhood bakery just two blocks from the Mansion. So, if you have a craving, I hear their sugar cookies are the best! And they’ll even custom decorate cookies for special events, so surprise the one you’re traveling with!
• The Coffee Hound: The Coffee Hound is locally owned and operated, and has three locations, two in Bloomington and one in Normal. So, if you are out perusing the town and need a pick-me-up, don’t forget to support the small local businesses. They offer the finest roasted and brewed coffees, as well as made-from-scratch baked goods and exceptional customer service.
• The Coffee House: A local favorite, The Coffee House is located in Uptown Normal. Whether you are in the mood for ethically sourced coffee and beverages, breakfast all day or lunch and  fresh baked goods, you will find something for everyone with their vegan friendly menu options. Outdoor seating is available. 

• • La Tea Da Tea Room & Gift Shop: This tea room and gift shop is located 30 minutes south of us on Route 51. They have a daily flavor of tea, soups, and desserts with their standard lunch menu. You can enjoy a great lunch and then spend some time in their wonderful gift shop. You’ll find a lovely variety of tea-related items and more.
  • The Tea Room at the Depot: The Tea Room at the Depot is located approximately 35 minutes west of us near Peoria off Route 9. Their seasonal menu includes salads, sandwiches, paninis, soup, and dessert. These delicious options are sure to please everyone in your group. Plan to spend some time afterwards to shop in the surrounding boutiques. Reservations requested.

• Third Sunday Market: This is an indoor and outdoor market at the Interstate Center, open 8am–4pm on the third Sunday of each month, May through October. Antiques and handcrafts. You can definitely spend several hours here, so bring your comfortable shoes!
• Downtown Bloomington Farmer’s Market: Open 7:30am–11:30am on Saturdays, May through October. Locally grown produce, arts and crafts, live music, baked goods, and kids’ activities – all held around the McLean County History Museum.

• Gridley Antiques: The premier antique shop in the area. The store has been open since 1993 and has continued to enlarge. It now consists of three storefronts with 16 rooms. Jim and Andy are very knowledgeable and great to work with. Only open on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year and on third Sundays May through October. Make sure to schedule a stop at this store!
• Pars Rug Warehouse: Locally owned and operated by Hossein Nateghpour since 1994. If you are in the market for a rug or just interested in more information on this ancient art, stop in for a visit. Hossein is a wonderful educator and would love to help you find the perfect rug to fit your home, taste, and budget. Open Tuesday through Saturday.
• Old House Society Salvage Warehouse: The warehouse offers education with their own library and a list of experienced contractors and suppliers who are willing to help you with your old house project. They also have been able to go into homes that are up for demolition to take out anything that can be salvaged and reused. Therefore, the warehouse has a collection of unique, hard-to-find restoration items from wood flooring to old hardware.
• Gingerbread House Toys: A locally owned and operated toy store off Washington Street, with an array of options for your littlest adventurers that help them learn and grow through educational play. 
• Downtown Bloomington Shops: The Downtown Bloomington Association has a list of all the stores and events in the downtown Spend a relaxing day browsing through the shops.

• The Garlic Press: In business for 35 years, this store has grown multiple times, and has a wide variety of products. This one-of-a-kind store has distinctive high quality products, from local handmade cards to FLAX clothing to fine chocolates and coffee.
• Apricot Lane Boutique: As a mother/daughter team, Renee and Jena have created a store with a fun atmosphere filled with a mix of styles and designs that moms and daughters will love to wear. They pride themselves on their top-notch customer service. So, don’t hesitate to ask for some suggestions for a whole new look.
• Uptown Normal Shops: This site has a listing of all stores and events happening in the uptown Normal area. Enjoy your day perusing the streets and shops.

In Bloomington/Normal

• Children’s Discovery Museum: Make time to visit the newest and most exciting children’s museum in the Midwest. Explore, imagine, create, and play with three floors of unique, hands-on, larger-than-life
• David Davis Mansion: A visit to Judge David Davis’ estate offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and powerful of its day. Davis helped Abraham Lincoln win the 1860 Presidential nomination, and, in turn, Lincoln appointed Davis to the United States Supreme Court.
• McLean County Museum of History: From Kickapoo Indians to early European settlers, from the small town where Lincoln practiced law to today’s thriving community, the stories of this uniquely Midwestern place are told at the McLean County Museum of History. The museum traces its roots back to 1892, the year the McLean County Historic Society was founded.
• Prairie Aviation Museum: At the Prairie Aviation Museum, see all the displays, revolving aviation exhibits and memorabilia, a mini-theatre, world famous aircraft models, and more.
• Stevenson Graves at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery: The Stevenson family has brought honor to McLean County for three generations. Buried here are Adlai I, who was Vice President to Grover Cleveland, and Adlai II, who was Governor of Illinois, Ambassador to the United Nations, and twice Democratic Candidate for the United States Presidency. Also buried here are Adlai I’s wife Letitia (Green) Stevenson, who was Second National President-General of the Daughters of the American Revolution from 1893-1898, and her sister, Julia (Green) Scott, the Seventh National President-General of the D.A.R. from 1909-1913 and the first to live at Vrooman Mansion.

In nearby towns

• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: Combining scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in downtown Springfield, IL communicates the amazing life and times of Abraham Lincoln in unforgettable ways.

Outdoor

• Constitution Trail: The Constitution Trail is a multi-use trail with over 14 miles of hard surface. The trail is perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading, biking, cross-country skiing, or strolling. The closest entrance to us is just a couple of blocks northeast on Grove Street.
• Evergreen Lake: The glistening 900-acre Evergreen Lake, also referred to as Comlara Park, provides a scenic backdrop for some of the best fishing and passive water sports in Illinois. Canoes, paddleboats, sailboats, rowboats, and five horse outboard motors are available here for an enjoyable afternoon alone or with family and friends. State record hybrid-walleye, big Muskie, and bass make this a favorite for both the casual and tournament fishermen.
• Lake Bloomington: Located 15 miles north of Bloomington, you will find this 635-acre lake is a mixture of residential houses, parks, camps, and nature preserves, making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy fishing and boating. There is also an amazing little restaurant, bar and tackle shop where you can stop for lunch called Green Gables, famous for their burgers.
• Moraine View State Park: Moraine View State Park features campsites, light hiking trails and a boat launch with docks. Many locals referred to it as Dawson Lake.
• Miller Park Zoo: Reindeer, monkeys, and bears…oh my! Come visit Miller Park Zoo’s beautifully landscaped grounds and see a wide variety of animals from around the world.
• Sugar Grove Nature Center: Sugar Grove Nature Center is one of Central Illinois’ hidden natural treasures. It contains interpretive exhibits, a bird sanctuary, a children’s discovery den, and live animals. Over five miles of well-maintained trails take visitors through prairie, forest, and riverine habitats. A trail from the nature center leads to the Funks Grove Church, the Funks Grove Cemetery, and the Chapel of Templed Trees.
• Anderson Aquatic Center & Fairview Family Aquatic Centers: The town of Normal has two aquatic centers. Both include multiple pools and water slides with family changing areas and concessions.

Indoor

• Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup: Guided tours offered during February and March show sirup-making by the ‘boiling-down’ process. Shop in the gift store stocked with Funks’ brand sirup, as well as Route 66 memorabilia.
• Ropp Jersey Cheese: The Ropp Cheese processing facility in North Normal is owned and operated by a family of sixth-generation McLean County dairy farmers. The facility produces cheese curds in various forms, as well as artisan cheddars, colbys, and other cheeses.
• Upper Limits: Upper Limits indoor rock climbing gym has more than 20,000 square feet of climbing, including routes up to 110 feet tall, a wave-wall, a bi-level cave, and a unique outdoor bouldering area. This is one of the largest and tallest gyms in the world! Upper Limits offers introductory and advanced classes to accommodate all skill levels and ages.
• The Bloomington Ice Center: The Ice Center is a public indoor ice-skating facility, featuring a full-size sheet of ice. It sits adjacent to the Grossinger Motors Arena. The facility offers ice-skating lessons, skate rentals, and a concession stand.

• Mackinaw Valley Vineyards: Experience a bit of the Napa Valley right here in Central Illinois. Mackinaw Valley’s oldest commercial vineyard now offers a spacious tasting room and gift shop. Come out to the winery and sample for yourself while you enjoy the panoramic view of the valley and majestic vineyards from their wrap around porch. They also have live music outdoors all summer long! It’s only a 25 minute drive west from the mansion.
• Kickapoo Creek Winery: Slightly west of Peoria, and an hour’s drive from the mansion you’ll find Kickapoo with a large outdoor patio, wine flights and food. It’s the perfect afternoon excursion. And before or after you can explore some of the beautiful hiking trails near Peoria.
• Old Mill Vineyard wants you to uncork and unwind with local wine! Their tasting room is only open Friday – Sunday, but they offer beers, drinks and snacks for the non-wine drinkers in your group. Located an hour’s drive away in Metamora, north of Peoria and just east of the Illinois River.
• Tres Rojas Winery: Located in Pekin, IL on your way to Peoria, they are open Wednesday through Sunday and offer a variety of reds, whites and non-wine options for the beer drinkers in your group. Their delightful patio and the ability to order snacks to go with your wine make this a great little stop if you’re exploring west of Bloomington.
• Alto Vineyards: Take a drive east to Champaign and the home of University of Illinois, where you can stop at Alto Vineyards Tuesday through Sunday, wish special Wine Wednesdays so you’ll want to make this a weekday spot!

• The Den At Fox Creek: 6,926 yards – Par 72 – 18 Holes
  The Den at Fox Creek is a 4-star, Arnold Palmer Signature Designed Course that opened in 1997. The course includes bent grass tees, greens, and fairway. Amenities include GPS-equipped carts, club rentals, a pro shop, and a snack bar.
• Highland Park Golf Course: 5,725 yards – Par 72 – 18 Hole
  Located in South Bloomington, Highland Park Golf Course has numerous challenges including creeks, three lakes, well-placed sand traps, and tree-lined fairways. The course includes a pro shop, carts, club rentals, and a snack bar, and offers individual or group lessons.
• Ironwood Golf Course: 6,960 yards – Par 72 – 18 Hole
  Ironwood Golf Course is a championship course that includes four water hazards and four sets of tees ranging from 5,580 to 6,960 yards. Ironwood’s attributes, which include a grass tee driving range, large practice putting greens, a practice bunker, banquet room, pro shop, carts, and individual or group lessons, offer a challenging test of golf to players of all abilities.
• The Links at Ireland Grove: 1,590 yards – Par 30 – 9 Hole
  The Links at Ireland Grove is Bloomington’s newest public golf course and first executive course. Each hole can be played from multiple tees to accommodate every level of golfer, from the novice to the most experienced.
• Prairie Vista Golf Course: 6,745 yards – Par 72 – 18 Hole
  Bloomington-Normal’s second Packard designed course, Prairie Vista is one of the most challenging in the Midwest. With 16 water hazards, a unique ‘wave bunker’, numerous sand pots, and unruly wind conditions which change at a moment’s notice, this 18-hole course plays differently every day.
• University Golf Course: 6,730 yards – Par 71 – 18 Hole
  The course was designed by golf course architect Robert Bruce Harris and opened for play in 1964. The course features bent grass greens, tees and fairways, continuous cart paths from tee to green, strategically placed bunkers, and a variety of tees for every skill level.