If your next trip takes you to Bloomington, IL, or if you’re looking for some great staycation ideas in the area, there is plenty to do in and around town. But if you want a little bit more adventure in your itinerary, there are also some fantastic day trips from Bloomington, IL—perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends.

All of these destinations take about an hour or less to drive from Bloomington, which will give you plenty of time for a leisurely day of fun and adventure with minimal travel time.

And you can make the most of your time in Bloomington by booking a popular Airbnb! House of Arcade is the perfect home base for friends and family, with sleeping space for up to ten people, and a unique collection of arcade and video games you can play to your heart’s content. Book now to ensure you never have a dull moment while in Bloomington!

1. Wildlife Prairie Park

Located just outside of Peoria, Wildlife Prairie Park is a hidden gem in Central Illinois! It is home to 60 different species of animals, most of which are native to the area. View majestic bison, elk, mountain lions, snakes, otters, bobcats, and more!

And there’s more to do than visit the animals. Take a train ride, go on an adventure trek, or even rent a kayak as you enjoy the natural beauty. You’ll also want to be sure to check the events calendar so you can time your visit around concerts, festivals, classes, and “Wildlife Scary Park” around Halloween.

Give yourself about three hours to fully enjoy all there is to offer in this day trip from Bloomington, in addition to an hour drive time each way.

2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library

Illinois is the Land of Lincoln, so a visit to the iconic president’s home state wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in Springfield, about an hour from Bloomington. The museum houses an interactive experience that is educational and entertaining for people of all ages.

Travel in time back to Lincoln’s era and imagine what it was like during different events of his life. The museum also explores complex topics like war and slavery. It takes about three hours to fully enjoy the museum, making it the perfect day trip from Bloomington.

3. Monticello Railway Museum

Kids and adults alike will enjoy a ride behind a real steam engine at the Monticello Railway Museum! This attraction is a fantastic day trip from Bloomington from May to October, and also for special events like the Polar Express. You can also tour a collection of historical railroad equipment, exhibit cars, and other displays. Hop off the train at the town of Monticello and enjoy quant places to eat and shop.

Moraine View State Recreation Area

For a more relaxed day trip from Bloomington, take a short drive to the southeast and enjoy the beauty of Moraine View State Recreation Area near Le Roy. Enjoy the peaceful view of Dawson Lake, where you can fish, boat, or even swim when the public beach is open. Nature lovers can also enjoy picnicking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and even cross country skiing during the winter months.

Starved Rock State Park

Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Illinois River at this popular destination near LaSalle-Peru, off I-39. Starved Rock State Park is known for its hiking trails, canyons, and seasonal waterfalls. Aside from 13 miles of hiking trails to explore, you can also boat and fish on the river.

While you can stay overnight at the lodge or campgrounds, this destination is an ideal day trip from Bloomington. About an hour’s drive away, you can enjoy a full day enjoying nature and still get back to the comforts of Bloomington when you’re done.

Make House of Arcade Your Home Base for Day Trips from Bloomington, IL

Wherever you go on your day trips from Bloomington, you can make the most out of your travels by resting comfortably at House of Arcade. Relax and unwind after your daytime adventures with gaming activities for the whole family, and top-notch amenities to make your stay comfortable.

Book today to guarantee your spot. We hope to see you soon!