Bloomington

by The Linguist

 

Bloomington, Illinois

Bloomington is a city located in McLean County in central Illinois, United States. It had a population of 78,005 as of 2019, making it the 12th most populous city in Illinois [1].

History

Bloomington was founded in 1831 and named after Blooming Grove, New Jersey. It was established as county seat for the new McLean County in 1843. The town was originally called Blooming Grove, New Jersey. The name was later changed to Bloomington [2].

Some key moments in Bloomington’s history:

  • 1854 – Bloomington was incorporated as a town
  • 1900 – The population reached 20,000
  • 1940 – The US Route 66 ran through Bloomington bringing more growth
  • 1960 – Interstate 55 was constructed near Bloomington

To learn more about the history of Bloomington, visit the City of Bloomington website or the McLean County Museum of History.

Geography and Population

Bloomington is located at 40°29′03′′N 88°59′37′′W. It has a total area of 27.7 square miles. As of 2019, its population was 78,005 people [1].

County

Bloomington is the county seat of McLean County. More information about McLean County government can be found on the McLean County website or by visiting 115 E Washington Street, Room 102, Bloomington, IL 61701 or calling (309) 888-5110.

Economy and Major Employers

Some of the major industries and employers in Bloomington include:

  • Insurance – State Farm Insurance is headquartered in Bloomington and is the city’s largest employer. State Farm Insurance, One State Farm Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61710, (309) 766-2311 [3]
  • Healthcare – OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, 2000 E Washington St, Bloomington, IL 61701, (309) 662-3311 [4]
  • Education – Illinois State University, Campus Box 1000, Normal, IL 61790, (309) 438-2110 [5]
  • Manufacturing – Country Financial, 1701 N Towanda Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701, (309) 557-3000 [6]

To learn more about economic development in Bloomington visit the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council at 115 E. Washington Street, Suite 200, Bloomington, IL 61701, (309) 829-6344.

Transportation

Bloomington is served by several key transportation links:

  • Air: General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport
  • Interstates: Interstate 55, Interstate 74, U.S. Route 150, Illinois State Route 9
  • Rail: Amtrak station in Normal provides rail service
  • Public Transit: Connect Transit provides bus service in Bloomington-Normal area

To learn more visit the Connect Transit website at 351 Wylie Drive, Normal, IL 61761, (309) 828-9833.

Education

Public education in Bloomington is provided by two school districts:

The city is also home to Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University.

Places of Interest

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Bloomington include:

  • Miller Park Zoo – 1020 S Morris Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701, (309) 434-2250 [7]
  • U.S. Cellular Coliseum – 101 S Madison St, Bloomington, IL 61701, (309) 434-2843 [8]
  • Children’s Discovery Museum – 101 E Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761, (309) 433-3444 [9]

Some other popular attractions include the McLean County Museum of History, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, Miller Park, Constitution Trail, and more. The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has a full list of local attractions and things to do.

Miller Park Zoo – GPS Coordinates and Map

Miller Park Zoo is located at: 40°29’25.4″N 88°59’48.3″W

U.S. Cellular Coliseum – GPS Coordinates and Map

U.S. Cellular Coliseum is located at: 40°29’6.8″N 88°59’47.5″W

Children’s Discovery Museum – GPS Coordinates and Map

Children’s Discovery Museum is located at: 40°30’28.2″N 88°59’00.4″W

Local Community Resources

Here are some additional community resources in Bloomington: