Lake Bloomington, Illinois | Day trip from Bloomington-Normal
Spending some time in the Bloomington-Normal twin cities and looking for something to do this weekend? Head over to Lake Bloomington! This 635-acre lake is located only about 15 miles from the city center, making it an accessible destination for fishing, boating, picnics and exploring the trails by the water.
Let’s find out more about Lake Bloomington, how to get there and what there is to do in the area!
What is Lake Bloomington?
Located a little northeast of Bloomington-Normal, close to the town of Hudson, Lake Bloomington is a man-made lake that was created for the purpose of providing the city and surrounding areas with a source of fresh water. It’s owned by the City of Bloomington, IL and is dotted with properties along the 18.5-mile lakeside, forming its own little community.
Lake Bloomington was finished in 1930, with the municipality keeping recreation in mind while creating it. It has a maximum depth of 36 feet, though the average depth is only 14.5 ft.
Did you know? Lake Bloomington is vulnerable to shore erosion, but projects exist that work to keep its banks stable and prevent its water level from dropping further.
Day trip to Lake Bloomington
As we’ve already mentioned, there’s plenty to do over at Lake Bloomington, which is why locals flock there on nice days. The lake is particularly popular for fishing: at its conception, various fish species were introduced into its waters, and they still thrive today. You can catch crappies, walleye a few different species of bass there. There are even tournaments held on a regular basis!
If you’re not into fishing, don’t worry. There are more than enough other activities to keep you (and the whole family) busy for the afternoon:
Trails: they’re well-maintained, with great lake views. There are portable bathrooms in some spots.
Boating: there is a public boat launch, though remember that you need a sticker from the City of Bloomington to be able to boat here.
Water skiing: between the hours of 12 pm to 7 pm, you’re allowed to go water skiing on the lake, always wearing a personal flotation device of course.
Kayak or paddleboard: if you have the gear, you’re free to use it here.
Picnic: if you’ve finished all your activities, or don’t feel like doing much today, just bring some snacks to enjoy by the peaceful lakeside.
Tip: You can find a comprehensive PDF with the rules for boating, fishing and water skiing on Lake Bloomington here. Check them out! After all, this is a small lake, so abiding by the City’s regulations helps prevent accidents.
How to get to Lake Bloomington
As long as you’ve got a car at your disposal, getting to Lake Bloomington is a breeze. From anywhere in Bloomington-Normal, just make your way onto a street called Pipeline Road (later changes to County Road 1700 E), heading north, and you’re straight on your way there.
Keep going to the intersection that allows you to turn right and follow E 2350 North Road, and then take the first left to drive straight into the heart of the recreational area.
Staying in Bloomington
If you haven’t found your accommodation in Bloomington yet, why not check out the House of Games AirBnB? It’s the perfect place to stay with family or friends, sleeping up to 10 and offering every type of entertainment you can think of.
Enjoy arcade games, video games, a rec room and a fully equipped backyard (including grill and firepit!). Sound good? Book your stay now!
PS: if it’s not lake weather, don’t worry. There are plenty of other activities available in Bloomington. Check out the local bars, cinemas and other fun things to do in Bloomington, Illinois.
