About Bloomington
Bloomington is a city in McLean County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. The city had a population of 78,680 as of the 2020 census, making it the 13th-most populous city in Illinois and the fifth-most populous outside the Chicago metropolitan area. It is adjacent to the town of Normal, and is the more populous of the two principal municipalities of the Bloomington–Normal metropolitan area, which has a population of roughly 170,000.
Places to visit in Bloomington
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Eskenazi Museum of Art
MuseumThe university's art museum, in a building designed by I.M. Pei, holds a wide-ranging collection from ancient Mediterranean and African art to European paintings and modern works.
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Kirkwood Avenue
NeighborhoodA lively street linking the campus to downtown and the courthouse square, lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and shops that serve students, locals and visitors throughout the day.
Where to stay in Bloomington
Popular hotels in Bloomington, out of 47 properties you can book.
Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal
From $130 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Bloomington
From $52 per night
Best Western Pontiac Inn
From $124 per night
Hampton Inn Pontiac
From $155 per night
Home2 Suites by Hilton Bloomington Normal
From $167 per night
Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Cen
From $230 per night
Econo Lodge El Paso, Il
From $69 per night
Comfort Suites Normal University area
From $87 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Pontiac
From $80 per night
Quality Inn Normal Area
From $99 per night
The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center
From $82 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham McLean/Bloomington SW
From $62 per night
Best time to visit Bloomington
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bloomington is June and August to October, when average daytime highs are around 68–83°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Bloomington weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 72° 46° 2%
- Thu 22 Oct 73° 55° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 74° 54° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 75° 55° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 77° 58° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 71° 49° 5%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Indiana/IndianapolisUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Bloomington
These are the airports closest to central Bloomington. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BMI Central Illinois Regional Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Bloomington
Parking near the university is regulated. A daily visitor parking pass may be purchased for $6 at the Biddle Hotel lobby of the Indiana Memorial Union (although this may only be purchased on the day of). This pass will allow visitors to park in many different lots & garages around the campus. Additionally, there are some metered parking spots on campus and some lots and garages on campus that are pay-parking (per half-hour). There are a few lots and garages that are free on Saturday & Sunday.
By bicycle
Bloomington is a fairly bicycle-friendly city, with a network of bike trails and recommended bike routes. (See map). B-Line Trail is probably the most popular of them. The trail runs along the route of the now-dismantled railroad that used to separate the better-off east side of Bloomington from "the other [western] side of the tracks".
Bloomington travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bloomington?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bloomington is June and August to October, when average daytime highs are around 68–83°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
What is the weather like in Bloomington?
July is usually the warmest month in Bloomington, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 22°F (-6°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 146 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Bloomington?
Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Bloomington.
What time zone is Bloomington in?
Bloomington uses the America/Indiana/Indianapolis time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Bloomington?
Parking near the university is regulated. A daily visitor parking pass may be purchased for $6 at the Biddle Hotel lobby of the Indiana Memorial Union (although this may only be purchased on the day of). This pass will allow visitors to park in many different lots & garages around the campus.
What are the best places to visit in Bloomington?
Top sights in Bloomington include Eskenazi Museum of Art and Kirkwood Avenue. The university's art museum, in a building designed by I.M. Pei, holds a wide-ranging collection from ancient Mediterranean and African art to European paintings and modern works.
Where should I stay in Bloomington?
Popular areas for hotels in Bloomington include Normal area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal and Super 8 by Wyndham Bloomington.
How many hotels can I book in Bloomington?
Destina Holidays currently lists 47 properties in and around Bloomington, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
