Mclean County: Nature, Route 66 and Culture

Mclean County combines expansive recreational areas, historic trails and a surprisingly diverse cultural landscape. Those looking to plan a trip involving nature, activity and museums will find a variety of options here: from the water and hiking trails to Route 66, historic homes and local traditions.

Nature, Water and Trails

COMLARA Park covers approximately 1,300 acres. Camping, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are the main activities there. This makes it possible to plan your stay according to your own pace: one day can be devoted to the water, another to an active trail or a relaxing break outdoors. When choosing your vacation rental, it makes sense to first consider whether you are primarily looking for nature experiences, excursions or a combination of several interests.

Moraine View State Recreation Area also places a clear emphasis on the landscape. The area covers 1,687 acres and includes 158-acre Dawson Lake. The 0.5-mile Tanglewood Self-Guiding Nature Trail passes a beaver lodge and a beaver dam. Sailing boats and motorboats of up to 10 horsepower are permitted on Dawson Lake; there is also a two-lane boat ramp, a dock and boat rentals. This information helps with daily planning if you want to combine walks, nature observation and water sports.

Route 66 and Active Exploration

The Historic Route 66 Trail identifies sections for non-motorized traffic along the historic highway, as well as more bicycle-friendly local roads and separate recreational routes. Through its cycling and pedestrian paths, the trail connects neighborhoods, schools, parks and commercial areas. The Constitution Trail extends for more than 50 miles through the Bloomington-Normal area and includes paved paths for walking, running and cycling.

Since its commissioning in 1926, Route 66 has connected the Bloomington-Normal area with the rest of the world and passes through communities in Mclean County. You should check specific distances or driving times in accordance with your own travel plans.

Culture, History and Special Discoveries

In Bloomington, the David Davis Mansion is a 36-room National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour 20 rooms on the second and third floors, some of which contain Renaissance Revival-style furnishings. The McLean County Museum of History has seven exhibition galleries and more than 18,000 objects. The entrance is on Washington Street on the south side of the building. In addition, the Prairie Aviation Museum displays 11 aircraft and two helicopters.

The historic Normal Theater shows arthouse and cult films as well as live events. Through playful, hands-on experiences, the Children's Discovery Museum aims to promote learning and development. Families with different interests can therefore include cultural visits, historical topics and active days outdoors in their travel plans without limiting themselves to just one type of experience.

Other distinctive places include the 20-acre S.H. West Park, donated by Simeon H. West in 1908, and Rader Family Farms with a 12-acre corn maze. A digital map accessible on a phone shows your own location in the maze. In Funks Grove, the Funk family has been producing maple syrup since 1824 – a local tradition that adds a culinary dimension to a stay alongside the landscape and history.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When searching for a vacation rental in Mclean County, it is worth determining your preferred focus first. Travelers who prefer museums, historic buildings and events will plan differently from those who want to spend as much time as possible at lakes, on nature trails or on cycling routes. A trip with children can also benefit from a varied itinerary: hands-on museum experiences, a corn maze, walking trails and water activities offer different ways to structure each day. When choosing your accommodation, pay particular attention to which places you actually want to visit and which journeys fit your personal pace.

For further orientation in the area, pages on Mclean, Normal, Chenoa and Bloomington are available. For additional travel ideas, you can also visit Lake, Bond County, Massac County and Shelby County.

For the broader travel overview: Illinois.