A Group Travel Guide to Bloomington, Illinois's Best Destinations

Planning a group trip to the "Twin Cities" of central Illinois? Whether you are a local organizing a family reunion or a visitor heading into town for a convention, navigating Bloomington and Normal (BloNo) is always better together. At Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington , we specialize in providing seamless, reliable, and comfortable group transportation across McLean County. From the historic Route 66 landmarks to the bustling campuses of Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan, there is so much to see here.

Forget about coordinating a convoy of cars down I-55 or struggling to find parking in Uptown Normal during a busy weekend. When you book a private charter bus rental in Bloomington, you gain the freedom to explore on your own schedule. Our fleet ranges from 18-passenger minibuses for intimate corporate outings to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches for large school field trips and wedding parties. With amenities like reclining seats, climate control, and onboard WiFi, the journey becomes just as enjoyable as the destination. Ready to explore? Here is our guide to the top destinations in Bloomington, Illinois, perfect for visiting with a charter bus group.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

Disney logo
Coca Cola logo
Walmart logo
Fedex logo
Pepsi logo
Aramark logo

Miller Park Zoo

For school field trips, family reunions, and youth group outings, the Miller Park Zoo offers an incredible window into the wild right here in Bloomington. Located inside Miller Park, this zoo may be compact, but it is packed with exotic animals, including Sumatran tigers, red pandas, river otters, and the famous majestic snow leopards. Navigating a large group of excited children through a parking lot can be stressful for teachers and chaperones. That is why renting a charter bus to Miller Park Zoo is the smartest choice.

When you book with Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington, your driver can drop your group off right at the main entrance at 1020 S Morris Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701. Instead of parents circling to find parking spots or worrying about crossing busy streets, your group steps off the bus together, safe and accounted for. While you explore the Wallaby WalkAbout or the Tropical America Rainforest exhibit, your bus will be parked nearby, ready to load up the moment you are finished. We recommend booking your bus at least 3-6 months in advance for spring field trips, as this is a popular season for local schools!

David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

History buffs and architecture lovers cannot miss the David Davis Mansion. This stunning Victorian home, built in 1872 for Supreme Court Justice David Davis (a close friend and mentor to Abraham Lincoln), offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the 19th century. It is a fantastic destination for senior tour groups, historical societies, and educational tours. The mansion is renowned for its "Gilded Age" style and its beautiful, sprawling gardens.

Located at 1000 Monroe Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701, the estate has specific parking areas, but maneuvering multiple personal vehicles can detract from the experience. A private minibus rental ensures your group arrives in style. Your driver can drop you at the visitor center for your guided tour. If you are visiting during the holidays for the famous "Christmas at the Mansions" tour, a heated charter bus is essential. Your group can leave their coats on the bus and enjoy the tour without carrying heavy winter gear, then step back into a warm, climate-controlled cabin to head to lunch or your next stop.

Children's Discovery Museum

If you are looking for hands-on fun in the heart of Uptown Normal, the Children's Discovery Museum is the place to be. With three floors of interactive exhibits focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), it is a premier destination for elementary school field trips and summer camp excursions. The museum encourages learning through play, with exhibits like the Innovation Station and the expansive agricultural play area.

Uptown Normal is a vibrant, bustling area, but parking can be tricky for large groups, especially near the roundabout. The museum is located at 101 E Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761. By booking a charter bus rental with Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington, you bypass the parking decks entirely. We will arrange a safe drop-off point near the museum entrance so your students and chaperones can head straight for the fun. After a day of climbing, building, and exploring, everyone can relax in reclining seats on the ride back to school, perhaps even watching an educational DVD on the onboard monitors.

Grossinger Motors Arena

From concerts by national touring acts to exciting Bloomington Bison hockey games and indoor football, Grossinger Motors Arena is the hub of entertainment in downtown Bloomington. Located at 101 S Madison St, Bloomington, IL 61701, this venue draws crowds from all over central Illinois. If you are planning a group outing for a concert, a corporate event, or a sports team celebration, relying on rideshares or finding downtown parking during an event can be a logistical nightmare.

Score big with your group by renting a party bus or charter bus for the event. Your driver becomes your designated driver, ensuring everyone gets to the arena safely and responsibly. You can even start the pre-game celebration on the bus! With ample storage space for tailgating gear or merchandise and a premium sound system to get the hype going, the bus ride becomes part of the event. After the encore or the final buzzer, your driver will be waiting at a prearranged location to whisk you away from the post-event traffic jams.

Illinois State University & Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington-Normal is a college town through and through. Whether you are a high school counselor organizing a campus tour for prospective students, a visiting athletic team playing against the Redbirds or the Titans, or an alumni group returning for Homecoming, reliable transportation is key. Illinois State University (ISU) is located in Normal, while Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is in Bloomington, and moving groups between campus buildings and athletic facilities requires coordination.

Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington facilitates seamless campus tours. We can drop your group off at the Bone Student Center (100 N University St, Normal, IL 61761) for ISU tours or the Minor Myers, Jr. Welcome Center (1211 N Park St, Bloomington, IL 61701) for IWU. Instead of walking long distances across the quad in bad weather, your bus can shuttle your group between dorm tours, dining halls, and the stadiums. For sports teams, our full-size charter buses offer massive undercarriage storage bays perfect for hockey bags, football pads, and training equipment, keeping the aisles clear for athletes to stretch out and rest.

McLean County Museum of History

Located in the majestic Old McLean County Courthouse at 200 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701, this museum is a treasure trove of local heritage. It is the perfect stop for groups interested in Abraham Lincoln’s legal career in Bloomington and the history of Route 66. The square surrounding the museum is the heart of downtown, filled with local shops and restaurants.

Parking downtown can be limited, especially for larger vehicles. A charter bus rental eliminates this headache. Your driver can drop your group off right at the square, allowing you to explore the museum’s interactive exhibits at your own pace. If you are planning a multi-stop historical tour—perhaps combining this with a visit to the Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center—a charter bus is the most efficient way to keep your itinerary on track. We help senior groups, history clubs, and educational tours connect with the rich past of McLean County without the stress of modern traffic.

The Constitution Trail

For active groups, scout troops, or corporate wellness outings, the Constitution Trail offers over 45 miles of hard-surfaced trail running through Bloomington and Normal. It’s a beautiful way to see the "Twin Cities" from a different perspective. However, doing a linear trail walk or bike ride creates a logistical problem: how do you get back to your cars at the starting point?

This is where a charter bus rental shines. We can provide point-to-point transportation. Your driver can drop your group off at one trailhead—for example, near Tipton Park—and pick you up at a completely different location hours later, perhaps near Uptown Normal for a post-hike lunch. You get to enjoy the journey without looping back. Our buses have plenty of storage space, so if you are bringing hiking gear or picnic supplies, everything fits easily in the luggage bays.

Epiphany Farms Estate

If you are planning a wedding, a corporate retreat, or a large family gathering centered around incredible food, Epiphany Farms is a must-visit. While they have a restaurant in downtown Bloomington, their Estate located at 23676 E 800 North Rd, Downs, IL 61736 (just outside Bloomington) offers a farm-to-table experience right at the source. It is a stunning venue for weddings and events.

Because the Estate is located in a rural area outside the city center, reliable transportation for your guests is crucial. A wedding shuttle bus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington ensures your guests don't have to navigate dark country roads late at night. We can shuttle guests from hotels in Bloomington directly to the Estate for the ceremony and reception, then provide safe rides back at the end of the night. With a driver at the wheel, your guests can enjoy the celebrated wine and cuisine without worrying about driving home.

Rent a Charter Bus in Bloomington Today

Don't let transportation logistics overshadow your trip to Bloomington. Whether you are cheering on the Peoria Rivermen nearby, touring the ISU campus, or celebrating a wedding at a historic mansion, Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington has the perfect vehicle for you. We offer transparent pricing , modern amenities, and 24/7 customer support to ensure your trip is flawless.

Call our reservation specialists today at 563-551-8160 to discuss your itinerary. We can provide a free, no-obligation quote in minutes. You can also use our online quote tool for instant pricing in under 30 seconds. Let us handle the driving so you can focus on making memories in Bloomington!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bloomington Group Travel Transportation

The cost of your bus rental depends on several factors, including the size of the bus (minibus vs. full-size coach), the duration of your trip, the time of year, and the distance traveled. Trips during peak seasons like spring (for proms and graduations) may be priced differently than winter trips. We offer hourly rates for local events and daily or mileage rates for long-distance travel. The best way to get an accurate price is to call our team at 563-551-8160 or use our online quote tool for an instant estimate tailored to your specific itinerary.

Yes, you can! Most of our charter bus rentals allow food and beverages on board. It is perfect for tailgating at ISU games or keeping a wedding party hydrated. However, we usually ask that you avoid glass bottles and messy foods to keep the bus clean for your group. Cleaning fees may apply if the bus is left in a messy condition.

We generally recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date is confirmed. Ideally, you should aim to book 3 to 6 months in advance. This is especially important if you are traveling during busy seasons like May/June (end of school year, weddings) or during major local events. Booking early ensures you get the best selection of vehicles and the most competitive pricing. However, we can often accommodate last-minute requests, so don't hesitate to call us even if your trip is coming up soon!

Absolutely! While we love serving the BloNo area, Charter Bus Rental Company Bloomington is equipped for long-distance travel. We can take your group to Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, or anywhere else in the United States. We also service nearby communities like Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Whether it is a day trip to Starved Rock State Park or a week-long tour across the Midwest, the drivers are ready to take you there.

Yes, a deposit is required to lock in your reservation and secure your specific vehicle. This ensures that the bus is taken off the market for your specific date and time. The remaining balance is due before the date of your trip. Our reservation specialists will explain all payment terms clearly when you call for your quote, ensuring there are no surprises.