Normal, Illinois 2025

Normal is a town in McLean County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 53,435. Normal is the seventh-most populous community in Illinois, outside of Chicago.

The town was laid out by Joseph B. Cullom, who was elected the first mayor, and was named "Normal" to advertise the school'j normal school' and illustrate that it was a'normal' town, free from the complications of city life. Most of the residents work at Illinois State University, the local university.

Ewing Cultural Center

The Ewing Cultural Center, located on 143 acres of scenic timber and prairie, is home to four art galleries and various event spaces. The cultural center is located in the historic Ewing House, which was built in 1872 by John Ewing, the great-nephew of Nicholas Ewing, the original owner of the property.

The center features a theater, an atrium, meeting rooms, arts studios, observatory, and a 375-seat performing arts theatre. It is located on the grounds of the Ewing Cultural Centre. A former Christian church building that has been restored and now hosts concerts, lectures, performances, displays, and workshops.

The Corn Crib

The Corn Crib is a multi-use stadium in Normal, Illinois, home to the Normal CornBelters baseball team, an independent baseball team that is part of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. The stadium opened in 2010 and has capacity of 7,000. The venue was built with a combination of private and public funds but has not been well-maintained.

The Normal Public Museum

This museum was established in 1954 and relocated to its current location in 1973. The museum has four permanent exhibit galleries focusing on history, arts, science, and community. Temporary exhibits are installed and changed frequently. The McLean County Arts Center and Bloomington-Normal Constitution Color Guard are also housed in the building. The museum offers lectures, workshops, and activities.

Elijah's Cupcake Cafe & Bakery

This place is for you if you want the most delectable and savory cupcakes in Normal, Illinois. Every bite of their freshly baked products will transport you to a world of sugar and joy. They use natural, organic ingredients and house-made cream cheese frosting. Some cake flavors include vanilla, carrot, red velvet, and triple chocolate. The owner, Elijah, greets everyone and is known for his delicious cupcakes and positive attitude.

Miller Park Zoo

Miller Park Zoo is home to more than 140 animals from around the globe. With zookeeper talks, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours, everyone can enjoy learning about our planet's marvelous inhabitants. The zoo features a petting zoo and playground for young visitors and a carousel.

Bloomington-Normal Constitution Trail

The Bloomington-Normal Constitution Trail is a unique 24-mile trail that connects the twin cities of Bloomington and Normal. The trail was created as a constitutional remedy to prevent the construction of interstate highways through the towns. It forms a T, running from E. Lincoln Avenue in Bloomington to W. Washington Street in Normal.

The trail was created as part of a Constitutional amendment prohibiting any route from crossing a right-of-way granted by the state for the Interstate 55 extension to Livingston, Illinois. Automobile routes of all types— Interstates, US routes, and State routes—are not allowed between Bloomington and Normal. Four townships are connected by the path: Bloomington, Normal, and McLean, and a small segment of Leroy Township.