McLean County Communities
Urban and Rural Spaces
McLean County, IL, is made up of a diverse array of communities radiating out from the Bloomington-Normal metro area, each with its unique charm and character.
Bloomington, IL
The most populous city and county seat of McLean County, Bloomington has been named one of the fastest-growing cities in the country — a testament to the high quality of life enjoyed by residents. The city is home to two nationally known financial institutions, a private university, and numerous historical sites that recognize Bloomington’s connections to American icons like Abraham Lincoln and Route 66.
Normal, IL
Taking its name from its most famous institution — Illinois State University, formerly Illinois State Normal University — the Town of Normal was founded in 1865 and serves as a hub of connections, creativity, and diversity in Central Illinois.
Carlock, IL
One of the last communities to be platted in McLean County, the Village of Carlock was originally known as Oak Grove until the city was moved closer to the railroad beginning in 1879 and ending in 1888, when the village was renamed. Today, Carlock prides itself on its Midwestern small-town values and a progressive approach to fostering local business growth.
• Braffet Berry Farm & Orchard
• Carlock Family Restaurant
• Kamp Komfort
Chenoa
Laid out in 1856 at the intersection of the Chicago and Alton Railroad and the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railway, the City of Chenoa sees about 8,000 vehicles annually traveling on both Illinois Route 24 and Historic Route 66. The city features a unique layout, the result of two rival townsites merging — one centered on a central park and the other built around the railroad.
• Chenoa Family Restauran
• Finish Line Sports Bar
• Golden Thread Apiary
• Matthew T. Scott Home
• OB’s Cervezaria
• Silliman Lake Park
• VerClare Boutique
Danvers
Located 15 miles west of Bloomington-Normal, the Village of Danvers was established in 1836 and was originally named Concord. Employment opportunities throughout McLean County spurred rapid growth throughout the 20th century, positioning Danvers as a small-town alternative to larger metro centers.
• Danvers Y Bar & Grill
• The Vault Bar & Grill
DOWNS
Established in 1829 as Delta, renamed Priceville in 1869, and finally called Downs in 1902 after pioneer settler Lawson Downs, this small village along U.S. Route 150 offers a peaceful, small-town way of life with quiet neighborhoods and serene, wooded parks.
• Dooley Park
• Epiphany Farms Estate
• Gameday Grill
• Kickapoo Park
• Kickapoo TeaRoom and Boutique
• Papa G’s
• The Station Saloon
• Viking Brews Coffee House
Gridley
Gridley was established as a railroad community, like many Central Illinois towns, in the 1800s. Today, the village boasts a safe and friendly community with easy access to Bloomington-Normal.
• Common Grounds Café & Pie Shop
• Fat Albert’s
• Green Garden Restaurant
• Gridley Telephone Museum
Heyworth
With a strong commitment to community safety and a high quality of life, the Village of Heyworth is one of the fastest-growing rural communities in McLean County, promising both the convenience of small-town life and the secluded peacefulness of rural life.
• Centennial Park & Lake
• The Hornet’s Nest
• Houchin Family Alpacas
• Luck of the Irish Lounge
• Prairie Fire Grill
• Schroeder Nature Preserve
• Smokey’s Circle II Grill
• Volunteer Park Splash Pad
• Wild Harvest Honey Farm
Hudson
A welcoming community boasting a community-focused spirit, the Village of Hudson was created by the Illinois Land Association in the 1830s, originally calling it a colony. Today, Hudson residents pride themselves on a strong sense of community and small-town values.
• Comlara Park
• Country Squire
• Evergreen Lake
• Green Gables Bar & Grill
• Hazy Hills Golf Course
• Lake Bloomington
• Lake Road Inn
• Shady Hollow Nature Area
• Timber Pointe Outdoor Center
• World’s Largest Square Knot
Le Roy
With a family-oriented atmosphere and easy access to both Bloomington-Normal and Champaign-Urbana, the City of Le Roy features numerous recreation and dining options. Enjoy the peacefulness of a small town with the convenient amenities of nearby larger cities.
• Jack’s Café
• Kiwanis Park
• Oak & Flame Bourbon Hall
• Princess Theatre
Lexington
Not many communities can boast a connection to two U.S. presidents, but Lexington can; Abraham Lincoln frequented the small farming community during his legal career, and Theodore Roosevelt famously delivered a speech at the train depot in 1902. Today, the community boasts a proud connection to another American icon — Route 66 — and offers an excellent quality of life, with locally owned businesses and restaurants, recreational opportunities, and historical sites.
• Analytical Brewing
• DaT Bar
• Keller Park
• Kemp’s Upper Tap
• Lexington Social
• ParkLands Merwin Preserve
• Route 66 Memory Lane and “American Standard” Crazy Presidential Elephant
• The Shake Shack
• Uncle Vait’s Pizza
McLean
Home to the famous Dixie Family Diner, the City of McLean is rich with tales of Route 66 as well as the railroad. Today, this warm, welcoming community celebrates its proud history and welcomes visitors from around the world.
• Arcadia: America’s Playable Arcade Museum
• Dixie Family Restaurant
• Funks Grove Nature Preserve
• Funks Grove Nature Spaces
• McLean Depot Train Shop
• Route 66 Mural
Towanda
Featuring a preserved section of Route 66 and other Mother Road stops along the way, Towanda welcomes international travelers to explore this small village. Numerous parks, a fantastic school system, and proximity to I-55 make Towanda an excellent place to enjoy small-town living with big-city connectivity.
• Duncan Manor House & Gardens
• Kicks Bar & Grill
• Old Rugged Barn
