Home to Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois is a college town with lots to offer its visitors. Whether you are dropping your student off or simply roaming in and around the town, Normal has so many activities for people of all ages and all interests. For families, there are a variety of museums, indoor and outdoor activities as well as a well-loved farm nearby. If you’re on your own or traveling with a small group of friends, you could also try out the local wine tastings, art galleries, local shopping, and nature sanctuaries. Come and explore all Normal, IL has to offer as the home of the famous ISU Redbirds! Here is a list of the best things to do in Normal, Illinois.
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1. Come shop for college wear and comic books in the Uptown Shopping District
Find everything from campus supplies to yoga wear while strolling through Normal’s Uptown Shopping District. There is also an amazing variety of dining options that can satisfy your need for gourmet ice cream and Chicago-style pizza. Uptown is also home to music festivals and different weekend markets that bring local and international cultures to life.
Uptown Shopping District
Address: Normal, IL
Website: Uptown Shopping District
2. Transpace Gallery gives you a glimpse into the work of the university's artists
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located within the University’s Center for Visual Arts, Transpace Gallery is responsible for hosting the work of student artists and gives them their first taste of what it is like to showcase their work as well as giving guests the opportunity to view the art of rising artists.
Transpace Gallery
Address: 468 W. Beaufort St., Normal, IL 61761
Website: Transpace Gallery
3. View contemporary art any day of the year at University Galleries
As one of the most exclusive exhibition spaces in the Midwest, University Galleries has been home to contemporary artwork from around the region and the country for several decades. With artists featured such as Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams, this is one gallery you won’t want to miss.
University Galleries
Address: 11 Uptown Circle, Suite 103, Normal, IL 61761
Website: University Galleries
4. Take a relaxing stroll through Hidden Creek Sanctuary
If you’re looking to get away from the noise of Uptown and take a quiet stroll on a trail alongside a stream, then look no further than Hidden Creek Sanctuary. This little gem of a park has everything you need to settle into nature and listen to the birds sing for you.
Hidden Creek Sanctuary
Address: Sycamore Street, between Linden and Fell, Normal, IL 61761
Website: Hidden Creek Sanctuary
5. Visit the history filled McLean County Museum and be amazed by the architecture inside and out
Learn the history of the region around Normal while viewing thousands of artifacts and exhibits that explain the rich heritage of McLean County. This amazing institution is housed within the county’s old courthouse and serves as an educational site for anyone interested in the history of this county and its people.
McLean County Museum
Address: 200 N Main Street Bloomington, IL 61701
Website: McLean County Museum
6. Taste some amazing cheese with a sustainable history at Ropp Jersey Farm
This family-run farm is as old as the state of Illinois and it has been consciously farming since then. Ropp Jersey Farm will be a delicious stop for your trip to Normal, where you can go to their store and buy artisan cheeses made from the milk that comes from their famous Jersey cows.
Ropp Jersey Farm
Address: 2676 Ropp Road Normal, IL 61761
Website: Ropp Jersey Farm
7. Spend a day exploring the exhibits at the Children's Discovery Museum
If you’ve got little ones traveling with you, then a stop at the Children’s Discovery Museum is a must. This innovative museum has hands-on stations that will keep the kids thinking and moving through each one. You’ll be amazed at what they’re capable of at this museum.
Children's Discovery Museum
Address: 101 E Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761
Website: Children’s Discovery Museum
8. Take a fun break at the Bowling and Billiards Center on campus
The Bone Student Center on ISU’s campus has a Bowling and Billiards Center that you can take advantage of for some relaxing fun. The center also has air hockey tables, table tennis, and more. The activities are all reasonably priced for the public, so stop by and enjoy the college fun!
Bowling and Billiards Center
Address: 100 N. University St Normal, IL 61761-4441
Website: Bowling and Billiards Center
9. Fall time is fun time at Rader Family Farms
Rader Family Farms has been a regional favorite for many years. This activity-filled farm opens to the public in the fall for pumpkin picking, rides, great food, and the atmosphere of a farm fair. Try the corn maze and then get an aerial shot of the breathtaking designs!
Rader Family Farms
Address: 1238 Ropp Rd. Normal, IL 61761
Website: Rader Family Farms
10. Cool off at the Pepsi Ice Center
If you’ve never been ice skating, then this is your chance to try it out! Or it perhaps you’re a pro, then you can drop in at an open hockey session at the Pepsi Ice Center. This ice rink has open skate hours that you can participate in during your trip to Normal and you can be guaranteed a fun time!
Pepsi Ice Center
Address: 115 E. Washington St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Website: Pepsi Ice Center
11. Go karting, bumper cars, mini golf, and batting cages anyone?
For those of you that are looking for some high-paced activities that will get your heart racing, then check out Grady’s Family Fun Park in nearby Bloomington. This amusement park will be sure to make you smile as you take advantage of their many options to maximize your good times.
Grady's Family Fun Park
Address: 1501 Morrissey Dr. Bloomington, IL 61701
Website: Grady’s Family Fun Park
12. Waterfalls and rock formations like nothing you've never seen
About an hour’s drive south of Normal is the Starved Rock State Park, Illinois state’s premier attraction. Take in the amazing natural beauty of the multiple trails, camping sights, dinner cruises, and lodge stays that will allow you to fully experience the breathtaking views around the park.
Starved Rock State Park
Address: 2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
Website: Starved Rock State Park
Normal, IL is anything but normal
Your time spent in Normal, IL will not be wasted with the number of activities you can find in and around town no matter what season or what kind of weather. With the college town always bustling with great minds and great energy, this is one trip you will be able to remember as good times.
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