31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Normal, IL
Are you a resident or visitor seeking thrilling activities in Normal, Illinois? You’re in luck! This guide provides a comprehensive list of the 31 most exciting and enjoyable things to do in Normal, IL, ensuring you make the most of your time in this lively town.
Located in McLean County, Illinois, Normal is famous for housing Illinois State University, which contributes to its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
As a key location in McLean County, Normal offers a picturesque and engaging cityscape with numerous fun, educational, and entertaining indoor and outdoor attractions to enhance your visit.
From the Children’s Discovery Museum and Uptown Normal to the historic Normal Theater and Constitution Trail, countless attractions and experiences are waiting to be discovered during your adventure.
31 Best And Fun Things To Do In Normal, IL (2024)
1. Mother Murphy’s 
Commence your Normal voyage with a visit to Mother Murphy’s, a beautiful headshop offering a different array of unique things to do in Normal, IL, this weekend.
Established in 1968, the shop sells smoking accessories, clothing, tapestries, incense, and other counter-culture items.
A visit to Mother Murphy’s allows one to examine local history and view a vast selection of special products.
Address: 111 1, 2 W North Street #2, Normal, IL 61761, United States
2. Maxwell Park
Unearth many exciting and pet-friendly things to do in Normal, IL, for families at Maxwell Park, a large beehive with different fun opportunities and natural areas.
Spanning 125 acres, the park prides itself on facilities like softball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, a dog park, a disc golf course, hiking trails, and a nature area.
Families can enjoy picnics and fun time, athletes can use the sports amenities, nature enthusiasts can explore the trails, and dog owners can have fun with their pets.
Address: 305 N Parkside Road, Normal, IL 61761, United States
3. Children’s Discovery Museum
The Children’s Discovery Museum is a paradise with interactive facilities created to ignite a passion for learning through play and other fun things to do in Normal, IL, for kids.
The museum features different hands-on experiences covering various themes like agriculture, health, art, and science, and comprises the country’s largest children’s museum exhibit, AgMazing.
An adventure promises hours of amusing exploration for kids and adults, parking interests, innovation, and a sense of marvel through practical activities and programs.
Address: 101 E Beaufort Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States
4. Bronze Giraffe Antiques
Bronze Giraffe Antiques is a mart providing special things to do in Normal, IL, for shopping enthusiasts through its focus on antiques and collectibles.
The shop presents a collection of vintage discoveries, including artworks, primitives, and furniture.
At Bronze Giraffe Antiques, you can browse a careful selection of intriguing items and find secret gems.
Address: 1720 Bradford Lane, Normal, IL 61761, United States
5. CEPCU Arena
Previously known as the Redbird Arena, the CEPCU Arena is a 10,200-seat multi-functional arena offering different fun things to do in Normal, IL, for everyone.
Established in 1989, the arena is situated on the campus of Illinois State University, and it organizes the Illinois State Redbirds men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball.
Attending an event at the CEPCU Arena provides an exhilarating atmosphere to cheer on the Redbirds, or engage in a concert or other entertainment.
Address: Illinois State University, Athletics Campus, Box 2660, Normal, IL 61790, United States
6. University Galleries
The University Galleries is a treasure trove displaying modern-day artwork within the walls of the Illinois State University.
With a plethora of unique things to do in Normal, Illinois, the gallery consists of artwork from both established and upcoming artists, with a concentration on unpopular works.
Browsing the University Galleries promises thought-provoking art, talks by artists, and special events.
Address: 11 Uptown Circle #103, Normal, IL 61761, United States
7. Fiala Brothers Brewery & Beer Hall
As a beer enthusiast, exploring the Fiala Brother Brewery & Beer Hall, a brew bar made popular by its craft beers and tasty meals, is one of the best things to do in Normal, IL, for you.
The brewery houses beers made from locally grown ingredients, a list of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, a vast selection of whiskeys for bourbon lovers, and taprooms.
Get the chance to enjoy unique beers and delicious meals in a friendly environment, supporting socialization inspired by the classic German beer hall concert.
Address: 127 E Beaufort Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States.
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8. The Normal Theater
Catch a view of your favorite movie at The Normal Theater, an Art Moderne cinema with entertaining things to do in Normal, IL, at night.
Founded in 1937, the theater displays a handpicked blend of classic, independent, international, and cult movies in conjunction with unique events and rentals.
At The Normal Theater, viewers get the option to enjoy the rehabilitated structure by seeing diverse movies on the big screen with loved ones, making it one of the romantic things to do in Normal, IL, for couples.
Address: 209 W North Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States.
9. Stave Wine Bar & Market
Stave Wine Bar & Market is a place to find enjoyable wines in a comfortable atmosphere, making its visit one of the best things to do in Normal, IL, this week.
This attraction boasts a variety of offerings, including a careful choice of wines by glass and bottle, craft beers on tap and in bottles, charcuterie, and cheeses to complete your drinks.
Stave Wine Bar & Market allows wine lovers to grab a taste of different wines, relish mouthwatering complements, and encounter an amiable and welcoming environment.
Address: 111 W North Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States.
10. Rosa Parks Commons
Discover many free things to do in Normal, IL, for all ages with a visit to Rosa Parks Commons, a public destination named after Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist honored for not giving up her bus seat.
The public park features green space with benches and walking paths, for peace and so much fun.
An expedition will allow fun and nature lovers some fresh air and more knowledge about Rosa Parks through many established monuments and signage.
Address: 105 E Raab Road, Normal, IL 61761, United States.
11. Illinois State University
Visiting Illinois State University, the oldest public university in Illinois with a rich history in teacher education is among the educational things to do in Normal, IL, for everyone.
Established in 1857, the school presents various undergraduate and graduate programs in different disciplines, from liberal arts and sciences to business, education, and fine arts.
Also, the picturesque square is situated in the heart of the campus, with a thrilling mix of historic and modern buildings, providing for a lively learning atmosphere.
Guests and students can enjoy a different and interesting college experience by indulging in diverse student activities and organizational programs hosted to explore the town’s charm.
Address: 100 N University Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States.
12. The Corn Crib 
Get immersed in the exhilarating atmosphere at The Corn Crib, a multi-purpose stadium that makes room for different outdoor activities in Normal, Illinois.
The stadium is mainly used for baseball, as it is the home field for the Normal CornBelters, an academic summer baseball team.
Following a game at The Corn Crib provides the opportunity to feel the energy of summer academic baseball and cheer on the local team, the Normal CornBelters.
Address: 1000 W Raab Road, Normal, IL 61761, United States
13. Ryburn Place Gifts & Gab
Ryburn Place Gifts & Gab, a local gift shop with an inviting atmosphere where buyers can browse and chat, provides many unique things to do in Normal, IL, this weekend.
The shop sells diverse gift items, including souvenirs, home goods, and handmade products. A space is also made for conversations and gatherings.
Exploring Ryburn Place Gifts & Gab guarantees a chance to unearth special gifts and enjoy a nice conversation with shop owners and other customers.
Address: 305 Pine Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States.
14. Anderson Park
Offering multiple family-friendly and free things to do in Normal, IL, this summer, Anderson Park presents amusing activities for visitors and locals alike.
Sprawling 10.5 acres, the park prides itself on amenities like a playground, picnic shelters, grills, basketball courts, a ballfield, a paved walking trail, a zip line, and the Anderson Aquatic Center with swimming pools and water slides.
Get an opportunity to relax in a picturesque garden, enjoy a picnic with family, have some fun on the playground or sports courts, and cool
Address: 503 E College Avenue, Normal, IL 61761, United States
15. Duffy Bass Field
Duffy Bass Field is a baseball stadium serving as the cottage field for the Illinois State University Redbird baseball team.
To cater to a variety of fun things to do in Normal, IL, for athletes, the field provides a capacity for over 1,200 spectators, 1,000 seats, a smooth playing surface, and training facilities.
Gain the chance to catch a college baseball game on the meticulous field and catch the Illinois State Redbirds live in action.
Address: 700 Gregory Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States
16. Budget Blinds of Bloomington, IL
Budget Blinds Of Bloomington is a window treatment store with a focus on blinds, shades, curtains, and stylish home options, illuminating one of the unique things to do in Normal, IL.
The store boasts free in-home consultations, professional designs, gauging services, proficient installation, and different trendy window treatments at affordable prices.
Budget Blinds Of Bloomington offers a personalized experience to discover the ideal window coverings for your needs.
Address: 115 Susan Drive I, Normal, IL 61761, United States
17. One Normal Plaza
Experience different thrilling things to do in Normal, Illinois, at One Normal Plaza, an extensive park with diverse fun and recreational activities.
Spanning 22 acres, the park offers an open space for sports fields, a playground, a community garden, and an inline hockey rink, among the numerous fun things to do in Normal, IL, today.
With a visit to One Normal Plaza, enjoy recreation, relaxation, and a relationship with the site’s past as a home for orphaned children of soldiers.
Address: 601-691 E Lincoln Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States
18. Camelback Bridge
Exploring Camelback Bridge, a rehabilitated wooden bridge arching over the Constitution Trail, is one of the best things to do in Normal, IL, for all ages
The treasure features a special kingpost pony truss design assisted by rare Phoenix columns, allowing users to marvel at a piece of conserved history while exploring the precious landmark.
Address: 142-100 E Virginia Avenue, Normal, IL 61761, United States
19. White Oak Brewing
White Oak Brewing is a custom-made brewery with a public taproom to provide you with a different array of special things to do in Normal, IL, in the evenings.
The brewery boasts different craft beers, based on various styles like IPAs, stouts, kölschs, and can beers for purchase, allowing visitors to try the newest locally crafted beers in a warm ambiance.
Address: 1801 Industrial Park Drive, Normal, IL 61761, United States.
20. Rader Family Farms 
As a nature lover seeking free things to do in Normal, IL, in the fall, a visit to Rader Family Farms, a fourth-generation working farm, should make your bucket list.
The farm presents a pumpkin patch with u-pick choices, a 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, a jumping pillow, farm animals, and concessions.
Experience a fun-filled fall tour with family activities and an opportunity to learn about agriculture while creating unforgettable memories.
Address: 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, IL 61761, United States
21. 3rd Sunday Market
With an 11-minute drive from Normal to Bloomington, unearth unique things to do near Normal, IL, in the summerat 3rd Sunday Market, a trove providing hidden gems, special discoveries, and collections for simple shoppers.
The commercial hub consists of over 450 vendors representing 17 states, different selections of antiques, collectibles, crafts, and garden items, including furniture, Americana, folk art, keepsakes, and more.
3rd Sunday Market offers a chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, engage in treasure hunts, and meet friendly and welcoming vendors in a bustling environment.
Address: 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington, IL 61705, United States.
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22. Ironwood Golf Course
Booking a tee at Ironwood Golf Course, a general 18-hole championship course designed by Roger Packard should make your checklist of fun things to do in Normal, IL, this weekend.
The golf course prides itself on a par 72 layout from 5,400 to 7,100 yards with numerous tee options, a driving range, a putting green, a practice bunker, and a golf academy.
With a visit to Ironwood Golf Course, golfers of all skill levels can play a challenging round on a well-carved source with facilities to cater to them.
Address: 1901 N Towanda Avenue, Normal, IL 61761, United States
23. Lil Beaver Brewery
Nestled in Bloomington, about a 12-minute drive from Normal, exploring Lil Beaver Brewery, a destination for expertly made beer and tasty bar treats should make your list of the best things to do near Normal, IL, today.
The brewery focuses on imperial stouts, presenting a vast choice of beers, from classic styles to seasonal offerings, to cater to your tastebuds. A tap room is also available to ensure a perfect taste of blended beer flavors.
The brewery also offers a full-meal menu with delicious shareable, burgers, pizzas, salads, wings, and desserts to complement their beers.
You can savor a refreshing pint after work, enjoy a satisfying meal, or catch a live sporting event on the TVs provided at Lil Beaver Brewery.
Address: 5 Finance Drive, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States.
24. Tipton Park
One of the numerous fun things to do near Normal, IL, with family and friends is to embark on an adventure to Tipton Park, an expansive and scenic escape for enjoying the open air situated 10 minutes into Bloomington.
Spanning 50 acres, the beehive is divided into two sections: the northern section features a nature area, a fishing lake, a kiddies’ playground, and a bann-fashioned shelter.
On the other hand, the southern section features athletic fields for soccer & softball, a splash pad, a paved 2-mile asphalt trail ideal for walking, running, or biking.
Address: 2201 Stone Mountain Blvd, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States.
25. David Davis Mansion
Accessible within a 9-minute drive from Normal to Bloomington, an adventure to David Davis Mansion, a majestic specimen of Golden Age structure is one of the adventurous things to do near Normal, IL, for visitors.
The mansion is made up of 36 rooms carefully rehabilitated to depict the luxury and style of the mid-Victorian epoch, grand parlors, bedrooms, a library, a formal dining area, an 1872 wood house, a ban, a stable, outbuildings, and a flower garden.
Get a glimpse of 19th-century life by embarking on tours that unravel more about the life and legacy of David Davis, a Supreme Court Justice, and Abraham Lincoln’s confidante.
Address: 1000 Monroe Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States.
26. Bloomington Center For The Performing Arts
Nestled in Bloomington, about a 7-minute car drive from Normal, pay a visit to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), a cutting-edge venue for performances, events, and educational programs.
Known as “The Crown Jewel of Bloomington”, this attraction boasts a 1,200-seat hall with flawless acoustics, a multifunctional ballroom, and well-facilitated meeting rooms.
Additionally, the entertainment center features modern lighting and sound technology, providing unique experiences for performers and audiences alike, making room for entertaining things to do near Normal, IL, at night.
The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts offers something for everyone’s interest, whether you’re seeking a night of live theater, a heart-racing dance, or a comedy show.
27. Constitution Trails
Nestled between two cities of Bloomington and Normal, Constitution Trails, a 1989-established special must-use trail offers a variety of recreational chances and other romantic things to do in Normal, IL, for couples.
Also known as “Bloomington-Normal’s Best Park Amenity”, the trail encompasses over 35 miles of paved paths, parts of the old Illinois Central Golf Railroad, resting areas, picnic tables, and green spaces.
Constitution Trails gives room for a healthy exercise, exploring diverse parts of Bloomington-Normal, and appreciating the panoramic surroundings.
Address: 900 S. Linden Street. Underwood Park, Normal, IL, United States.
28. McLean County Museum Of History
A short 7-minute drive from Normal to Bloomington brings you to McLean Couty Museum of History, a repository of local history that offers an array of educational things to do near Normal, IL, for everyone.
The museum boasts a large collection of artifacts on the lives of Abraham Lincoln’s peers, the evolution of agriculture and industry, a research library, and an archive for profound inquiry.
On your visit to the McLean Couty Museum of History, you can get a deeper knowledge of Bloomington’s heritage, connect with the past, and unravel the captivating stories of people who existed before them.
Address: 200 N Main Street, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States.
29. Sprague’s Super Service Station
Sprague’s Super Service Station is a longstanding gas station with a special Tudor Revival structural fashion and some unique things to do in Normal, IL, for residents and visitors.
Established in 1931, the station serves as a visitor center and gift shop and gives a glimpse into Route 66’s past with exhibits and a chance to explore the area’s historical importance.
Address: 305 Pine Street, Normal, IL 61761, United States
30. Prairie Aviation Museum
Explore Prairie Aviation Museum, a storehouse of aviation history making a list of the best things to do near Normal, Illinois, just a 19-minute drive from Normal to Bloomington, IL.
The museum displays a vast collection of preserved aircraft, including airplanes, engines, and helicopters, legendary models like the F-14 Tomcat, A-4 Skyhawk, and Bell Huey helicopter.
A visit to the Prairie Aviation Museum allows you to explore the history of aviation from the early frontmen to the modern wonders, giving a close-up view of exhibits.
Address: 2929 E Empire Street, Bloomington, IL 61704, United States.
31. Evergreen Memorial Cemetary
One of the unusual things to do near Normal, IL, today is to stop by Evergreen Memorial Cemetary, a special resting place and a picturesque park-like ground for over 190 years.
Sprawling 47 acres, the cemetery presents meandering avenues, towering trees, a peaceful mausoleum, meticulous grounds, a Civil War burial area, historic monuments, and burial plots.
The cemetery, accessible with a 9-minute drive from Normal to Bloomington, also hosts veterans’ memorials to commemorate those who lost their lives during historic events.
An adventure to Evergreen Memorial Cemetery allows visitors to pay their respects to loved ones, stroll through the tranquil grounds, and learn about Bloomington’s history via the monuments and memorials.
Address: 302 E Miller Street, Bloomington, IL 61701, United States.
Plan your visit to Normal, IL
Normal, Illinois, features an assortment of activities for people of all ages. Whether you’re after excitement, relaxation, or a bit of each, you’re certain to find something appealing in this picturesque town.
Make plans to visit Normal today and enjoy the beauty and charm of its attractions in a whole new way!
