Explore the Campus and Community

Choose your own adventure and explore your new community.

• On Campus

  Visit Redbird Life, Illinois State's involvement portal, for events hosted by Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and campus departments.

  Activate your life with Campus Recreation.

  Shop for books, apparel, and more at the Redbird Spirit Shop, the official bookstore of Illinois State University.

  Illinois State's campus has a variety of great photo ops including with the Reggie Redbird statue at Redbird Plaza.

  If you're hungry, there are numerous dining options on campus.

  Check out Legends of the Night Sky - Perseus and Andromeda, a free online show through the ISU Planetarium.

  Utilize the resources compiled through the Redbirds Keep Thriving project.

  Explore the trees, artwork, and landscape tributes on campus utilizing the linked resources.

• Within Walking Distance

  Don't just walk. You can also run, bike, or skate to Constitution Trail.

  Uptown Normal is located directly next to campus, and includes various shops, restaurants, and unique features.

  The Main St. area near campus also has restaurants and more.

• By Car or Bus

  We've compiled some highlights, but you can find more information through the Bloomington-Normal Convention & Visitors Bureau and in the 2024 Bloomington-Normal Area Official Visitor Guide.

  Connect Transit is the public bus system in Bloomington-Normal. Through the Universal Access program all students, staff, and faculty have free access on fixed bus routes (Monday-Saturday) by showing a valid ISU ID.

  Explore Bloomington-Normal area restaurants by checking out Eat Local Bloomington-Normal. Spin the Wheel of Restaurants to see what pops up.

  Participate in the local arts community at the McLean County Arts Center, Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, and Community Players Theatre.

  Miller Park Zoo offers many exhibits and Zookeeper interaction opportunities.

  Chill out and practice your skating skills at the Bloomington Ice Center.

  Our community has numerous shopping options including two malls - Shoppes at College Hills and Eastland Mall.

  Explore nature at the Hidden Creek Nature Area or Sugar Grove Nature Center.

  Bloomington-Normal boasts a variety of beautiful homes and gardens including the Genevieve Green Gardens at the Ewing Cultural Center, the Vrooman Mansion, and the David Davis Mansion.

  Get to know your new home better at the McLean County Museum of History.

  Soar to new heights at the Prairie Aviation Museum.

  Paint your own pottery at Artful Designs.

  Uptown Normal is near campus, but Downtown Bloomington also has much to offer.

  Explore opportunities available through the Normal Parks & Recreation Department and the Bloomington Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department.

  If you like antiquing, check out a variety of antique shops in the area.
  
  Check out the famous Historic Route 66.
  
  Two local treasures - Rader Family Farms and Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm - are can't miss attractions.