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Normal is a town of about 53,000 people in central Illinois, sharing a border with its twin city, Bloomington. It grew around Illinois State University, founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, the first public university in the state. The town took its name from the school, since "normal schools" trained teachers.
Uptown Normal, the town center, was rebuilt in the 2000s around a circular park and fountain called Uptown Circle, and is now a walkable district of restaurants, shops and the historic Normal Theater, a 1937 Art Moderne movie house that shows classic and independent films. The Children's Discovery Museum stands nearby.
Illinois State University's campus has historic buildings around the Quad, including Cook Hall, a castle-like former gymnasium, and the Hovey Hall clock tower, plus museums and performing arts venues. The Constitution Trail, a long rail-trail, runs through town for walking and cycling, and Bloomington's historic downtown and the David Davis Mansion are just to the south.
The town's lively center next to Illinois State University, with restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques and the Normal Theater around a central roundabout. It hosts outdoor events and markets. Parking garages are close by, and the Amtrak station is right in the district, making it easy to visit car-free.
A landscaped roundabout at the center of Uptown Normal with a park in the middle, where water from a fountain flows and filters through planted beds. Benches make it a nice spot to sit and people-watch. It won national awards for its design and hosts small concerts and gatherings in warm weather.
A modern multimodal transportation center with Amtrak and bus services and the Normal town hall, in the heart of Uptown. It has a public observation deck with views over Uptown Normal. Inside is a comfortable waiting area, and the building connects to the town trail network and nearby shops.
The oldest public university in Illinois, founded in 1857, with a large central quad, historic buildings and the Bone Student Center. Visitors can walk the campus freely and attend concerts, plays and games. The quad is especially pleasant in spring and fall, with students and trees in bloom or color.
A castle-like brick building from 1898 on the Illinois State University quad, with towers and battlements, originally a gymnasium and now home to the music department. It is one of the most recognizable buildings on campus. See it from the quad, and look for concerts that are sometimes held inside.
A restored 1937 Art Moderne movie theater in Uptown Normal with a bright neon marquee, showing classic, independent and foreign films, plus special series and events. Tickets are inexpensive. The interior has been returned to its original look; check the schedule, since shows are mostly in the evenings.
The art galleries of Illinois State University, located in Uptown Normal, presenting changing exhibitions of contemporary art by national and international artists, plus student shows. Admission is free. It is an easy stop while walking around Uptown; check the website for current exhibits and hours.
A planetarium on the Illinois State University campus offering public sky shows and programs about stars, planets and space, often on weekend evenings. Tickets are inexpensive and shows are good for families. Check the schedule ahead, as public shows are offered on limited days during the school year.
A three-story hands-on museum in Uptown Normal for young children, with play areas about farming, health, building and science, plus a water play exhibit and a pretend town. It is ideal for kids up to about age ten. Allow two hours, and check the website for special events and member days.
A small nature preserve in Normal along Sugar Creek with mowed paths through restored prairie and woodland, where you can see wildflowers, birds and butterflies. It is maintained by volunteers and the town. It is a quiet spot for a short walk; trails can be wet after rain, so wear sturdy shoes.
An annual summer arts festival in Uptown Normal, featuring juried artists selling paintings, pottery, jewelry, glass and photography, plus live music, food vendors and activities for kids. It is one of the larger art fairs in central Illinois. Admission is free; visit in the morning to avoid the heat.
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