Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Bloomington-Normal tourism officials said the Route 66 centennial celebrations have increased out-of-town visits to McLean County by 3% compared to year-to-date figures from last year.

Bloomington-Normal groups are having early conversations about creating a Tourism Improvement District that would impose fees of up to 5% for hotel and short-term rental guests.

In a one-time show on June 6, the McLean County Museum of History will serve as the backdrop of a special projection show. Visit BN coordinated the project for ISU fine arts faculty to illustrate and animate images for the show.

With over $500,000 in new grant money, VisitBN will use the funds to continue projects, renovations and updates to McLean County's Route 66 landmarks.

Leaders gathered Tuesday in Downtown Bloomington to announce a yearlong celebration for the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Organizers expect an influx of tourism tied to the celebration of the famed American highway.

Zach Dietmeier from Visit BN said a new strategic plan will focus on a community-first outlook for tourism. The last one was five years ago.

The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has received a $150,000 state tourism grant to further restore Sprague’s Super Service in Normal ahead of Route 66's 100th anniversary next year.

Bloomington native Melissa Chrisman moved back to her hometown to lead the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Planning for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026 is her biggest project so far.

Bloomington Gold, the country's oldest Corvette show, came back to Bloomington-Normal in 2022. The event will be held in Madison, Illinois in 2025.

Melissa Chrisman succeeds Crystal Howard, who led Bloomington-Normal tourism for two decades. Chrisman will join the agency in February, as preparations ramp up for the Route 66 centennial.