9% off (Sale price $63.91, Reg. Price $70.55) :: Hotel at a Glance: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Bloomington – NormalLocated just a mile north of Illinois State University, this Radisson hotel is a convenient spot for families visiting the campus and fans in town to cheer the Redbirds on. Guests can unwind from long days at ISU by swimming in the hotel’s heated indoor pool. Brand-new rooms are outfitted with mini fridges and 50-inch TVs. Where to eat: Traders Grille serves shrimp po’boys and bourbon-glazed chicken along with handcrafted cocktails. Free perks: WiFi to keep in touch and an airport shuttle to make traveling easier Ready to run: The fitness center is equipped with treadmills and elliptical machines.Bloomington, Illinois: Family-Friendly Cultural OutpostThe middle of Illinois’s vast farmland might seem like an odd spot for a cultural hub, but Bloomington offers visitors just that. Its historic downtown district is rife with attractions, including galleries, theaters, and more than 10 museums. Among these is the McLean County Museum of History, where pioneer artifacts are displayed in a historic 1903 courthouse. Another is the David Davis Mansion, the mid-Victorian home of Supreme Court Justice David Davis, who was also Abraham Lincoln’s mentor and campaign manager.Among this family-friendly city’s many outdoor activities is the Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park. It’s home to a rare buffalo herd and honors the Kickapoo Native Americans who used to inhabit the area. Those looking for a peaceful getaway can walk or bike the 24-mile trail that stretches into neighboring Normal.Normal is home to a host of diversions. The Children’s Discovery Center, for instance, encourages little ones to learn about science through hands-on exhibits and a laboratory. At Ropp Jersey Cheese, visitors can see how cheese is made and meet a few Jersey calves.
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