5 Fun Facts About Bloomington, IL
Bloomington, IL and it’s neighbor, Normal, is a mid-sized city that is well-known for its Midwest charm. It is home to a variety of industries and is especially known for its Universities, agricultural production, manufacturing, banking, and insurance. College students, families, and people from all walks of life call the area home.
Whether you’re coming for a visit or you’re a local resident, there are plenty of fun facts about the area that you may not know! Here are just a few.
Related: 15 Interesting and Fun Things to Do in Bloomington, IL
1. Highest Elevation in Illinois
Who knew…Bloomington boasts the highest elevation in all of Illinois, at the dizzying height of 797 feet!
If that doesn’t inspire you, the tallest structure in Bloomington-Normal is the Waterson Towers building at ISU, which you can spot from miles away.
2. Abraham Lincoln’s Stomping Grounds
While America’s iconic president Abraham Lincoln famously resided in Springfield, he came to Bloomington often to practice law, campaign for public office. He had several noteworthy colleagues in the area including Judge David Davis and businessman Jesse W. Fell. You can learn more about his legacy in Bloomington at the McLean County Museum of History.
Related: 8 Interesting Things Bloomington, IL is Known For
3. Politicians Buried at Evergreen Cemetery
Two lesser-known politicians who played roles in the history of Illinois are buried in Bloomington. Adlai Stevenson I was an Illinois Representative to the U.S. House before becoming Vice President of the United States from 1893-1897, in Grover Clevand’s administration. His grandson, Adlai Stevenson II, was Governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953, and, following two failed candidacies for the U.S. Presidency, served as Ambassador to the United Nations during the Kennedy administration.
You can find both of these historical figures and many others at the historical Evergreen Cemetery, which hosts historical tours.
4. Big Name Companies
Bloomington must be a great place to launch a big corporation because a couple of big ones call Bloomington home. State Farm Insurance and Country Financial are major employers.
EV startup Rivian houses its only production factory in Normal. And while its headquarters are currently in Indianapolis, Steak ‘N Shake started in Normal in 1934.
5. Inspiration for Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz
Frank Baum, author of the classic children’s book, had a niece named Dorothy Gage who lived with her parents in Bloomington. He named his heroine after her. She died from illness at just five months old, but her name lives on in the timeless tale. You can see her tombstone at Evergreen Cemetery.
Bonus: Bloomington’s Incredible Arcade Rental
One more quirky bonus fact you may not know about Bloomington, IL is its incredible arcade-themed Airbnb, House of Games. If you’re visiting the area and want a fun-one-of-a-kind place to stay, this is the destination for you. With a room full of vintage arcade games, a rec room, classic video game consoles, and sleeping accommodations for up to ten people, it’s a destination you don’t want to miss.