Tourism

Tourism in Illinois has a $88 billion impact on the state's economy. Not only does it generate money, but it also provides tax relief, jobs and municipal revenue. VisitBN has now secured nearly $500K through three State of Illinois grant programs for fiscal year 2027 to invest in McLean County's tourism industry.

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.

Jeff Hake, director at CORE of McLean, said the tower includes every marker of the village, including the Dixie truck stop and a biking path.

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.

After a years-long fight to save the old water tower in McLean, work is now being done on the Depression-era relic that a community group hopes will help fuel a renaissance in the village of about 700 residents.

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.

A growing number of visitors are discovering southern Illinois as a travel destination amid a recent effort to entice more people to visit for the summer season.