Bloomington-Normal's convention and visitor's bureau is getting a half-million dollar boost aimed at McLean County tourism. VisitBN has won three state grants allocated for infrastructure, marketing and public art primarily focused on the county's presence along Route 66.
In total, the awards will generate a total investment of $614,506 with VisitBN's required matching contribution of $118,405.
"Securing nearly half a million dollars in competitive state funding is an incredible added value that VisitBN brings to our community," said Melissa Chrisman, president and CEO of VisitBN, in a media release. "These grants allow us to invest in visitor experiences across McLean County, reach new domestic and international audiences and strengthen the visitor economy while leveraging our locally provided resources."
In total, VisitBN will receive $351,794 through the Route 66 Grant Program to support six projects in Chenoa, Lexington, Normal, Bloomington and McLean. This secured the most funding overall and does not require a match by VisitBN. This means the funds can be directly invested into the program.
The funded projects
• City of Chenoa - Route 66 dog park addition: $14,697. An addition to the community's Route 66 visitor amenities that will create a stop for travelers and their pets.
• City of Lexington - Oasis sign and site restoration: $63,900. Restoration of the historic Oasis Drive-In sign and improvements to the surrounding site.
• Town of Normal - Sprague's Super Service restoration: $239,696. Continued restoration of the nationally recognized Sprague's Super Service property.
• City of Bloomington - Miller Park EV charger improvements: $4,500. Design work supporting improvements to electric-vehicle charging infrastructure at Miller Park.
• CORE of McLean - McLean water tower mural lighting: $13,000. Installation of lighting to improve the visibility of the community's Route 66-themed water tower mural.
• Rader Family Farms - Meet in the Middle farm mural: $16,000. Creation of a new mural celebrating agriculture, community and McLean County's place along Route 66.
An ongoing process
During a meeting previously held to discuss tourism — which Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady, Normal Mayor Chris Koos, Illinois Destination Association Board chair Cory Jobe, and VisitBN board chair Cheryl Magnuson attended — Jobe explained the importance of tourism for locals.
“When people think of tourism, they often picture vacations, but for local municipal leaders, travel is serious business," said Jobe. "Every dollar spent by visitors at a hotel, local restaurant or sports tournament in McLean County is a dollar that stays here, directly generating local sales tax, funding city services and lowering the tax burden for the people who live here year-round."
Physical investments are not all VisitBN is focused on. It will receive $92,500 through the Marketing Partnership Grant Program and provide an equal match, creating a total marketing investment of $185,000.
The program will support the production of VisitBN's 2027 visitor guides, provide $85,000 in destination advertising, fund the creation of new illustrated maps and the production of new Love BN marketing videos.
"VisitBN's success in securing these grants reflects the expertise and commitment of the organization's team," said Magnuson. "These dollars support communities and partners throughout McLean County while helping more visitors discover everything we love about our area. It is a wonderful example of how investment in VisitBN produces benefits well beyond the organization itself."
According to statewide economic data, visitors generated over $4.9 billion in direct tax revenue last year, helping offset municipal and property taxes for Illinois households. Tourism also maintains more than 450,000 jobs statewide across hospitality, retail and entertainment.
VisitBN said these initiatives will provide new tools to reach prospective visitors, showcase local businesses and attractions and make McLean a more welcoming and attractive destination.
The grants tip VisitBN's over the $1 million mark over two years of funding primarily supporting Route 66 projects. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity previously awarded VisitBN over $500,000 for Route 66 celebrations and landmarks. The new money will be applied for improvements in fiscal year 2027.
