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Vrooman Mansion Blog

Category: Local Attractions

Fall Date Ideas in Bloomington, Illinois

2023 Fall Date Ideas in Central Illinois   The leaves are about to change! That means new opportunities for date night ideas that only fall weather can bring. We’ve pulled together some of the best Bloomington-Normal date ideas for couples to tr… Read more
Promotional image for Vrooman Mansion with a bouquet of red roses in a vase on a table, an ornate chair in the background, and the text "5 Valentine's Day Ideas in Bloomington-Normal."

5 Valentine's Day Ideas in Bloomington-Normal

With the holiday season wrapping up, and a stack of Amazon boxes ready for the recycle bin, let Valentine’s Day be a day to give the gift of experiences, new memories, and epic moments. We compiled a list of five ways you can create new memories with… Read more
Close-up of a Route 66 road marking with the Vrooman Mansion logo placed above it, showing the road stretching into the distance.

Route 66 Roadtrip: 10 Illinois Hotspots You Don't Want to Miss

In 1903, two men and a dog made history. Their ragtag group was the first to drive an automobile across the United States.    We have H. Nelson Jackson, Sewall Crocker, and Bud to thank for the first American road trip.  Thirty-th… Read more

5 Best Hikes in Central Illinois

Many people don’t think of traveling to Central Illinois for a hiking trip, but the area has great hiking spots to offer and explore. Located only a two-hour drive from Chicago and less than an hour from Peoria and Springfield, Bloomington is the per… Read more

5 Great Places to See Fall Foliage in Bloomington, IL

Warm one day, cool the next. Yep, it’s fall in the Midwest and soon the leaves will let us know there’s no turning back. It might be a harsh reality, but it’s beautiful to witness, especially in central Illinois. Come to Bloomington-Normal and stay a… Read more
A blue, red and white route 66 sign

Explore Central Illinois on a Route 66 Road Trip

If you’re driving on Route 66 this summer, you will come right through Bloomington/Normal. Stop and stay a while. And if you’re on the interstate, consider an overnight detour! We’re sure we’re one of the reasons people are still getting their kicks … Read more
A woman wearing a t-short, a colorful orange scar, and a brown hat singing in front of a microphone with her hands raised.

Plan a Getaway With Lauren Daigle and Vrooman Mansion in IL

Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle is moving on up in 2020. Since the release of her debut album, Look Up Child, she has sold out nearly 70 performances, and is now embarking on her first arena tour. She brings “The Lauren Daigle World Tour” to Gros… Read more
A black and white snow leopard

Get Up Close and Personal at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL

Get up close and personal with your favorite animal at the Miller Park Zoo! Located in downtown Bloomington, IL, you will find many interactive activities and exhibits for people of all ages. Although the Zoo’s exact origins remain unknown (the maste… Read more

5 Reasons to Visit the Pristine Moraine View State Park in Bloomington, IL

For outdoor enthusiasts looking for new places to visit, put Moraine View State Park at the top of your list. Named for moraines, or irregular crests formed by glaciers of the last Ice Age, the Park boasts light swellsand spacious valleys conta… Read more
Exterior view of the Children's Discovery Museum building, featuring a curved facade with large windows and a "Children's Discovery Museum" sign.

Fun Indoor Activities in Bloomington, IL

With the cooler months approaching, now is the time to start planning some fun indoor activities. Bloomington, IL has two great museums that provide hours of entertainment for adults and kids alike. The McLean County History Museum and the Children’s… Read more