From history museums to tours of a beer nut factory, there's something for everyone in Bloomington. A few highlights include:

Prairie Aviation Museum -- this is a must-see for aviation lovers, and includes indoor exhibits on aviation history as well as full-size aircraft in an open-air setting. Outdoor displays include a Bell Sea Cobra, Huey Helicopter, and 1942 DC-3, as well as a collection of military fighter jets. The DC-3, with the markings of "Ozark Airlines", is operable, and is available for rides by appointment. Mission Control and Space Station Stimulators are featured in the museum's Challenger Learning Center (see below). The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost of admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children aged 6 to 11. Located in Bloomington, off East Empire Street, at the Central Illinois Regional Airport.

Challenger Learning Center -- Affiliated with Bloomington's Prairie Aviation Museum, this multi-million dollar, hi-tech facility simulates a Space Shuttle launch. Participants receive training and assume roles at Mission Control consoles, the controls of the Space Transport Shuttle, or the International Space Station. This facility is heavily booked by school and youth groups, but business groups and private parties can also be accommodated.

Children's Discovery Museum -- Located at 101 East Beaufort in downtown Normal, this new, three-floor museum enchants children and adults alike with exhibits that make time pass quickly, so allow a minimum of two hours. The newest exhibit, "Agmazing" is sponsored by local corporations such as Growmark and ADM, and will open in late 2006. Gift shop. Admission is $4, under age 2 free. Open 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m. through 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 1 p.m.  through 5 p.m. Sunday. During June, July, and August, the museum is also open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are rooms available for parties and special events.

McLean County Museum of History  -- This museum right in the center of downtown Bloomington features exhibits that explore the history of McLean County, from the Kickapoo Indians, the area's first residents, to the early settlement of the area by European pioneers. Special exhibits change frequently, and feature people, events, and ideas that changed our history. A 1920's era courtroom has been recreated and is available for classes , meetings, and parties. Gift shop. The museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cost of admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. The museum also operates a historical and genealogical library. Main Street, between Washington and Jefferson, downtown Bloomington.

Clover Lawn, the David Davis Mansion -- Operated by the State of Illinois, this restored 19th-century mansion was home to attorney David Davis, who was a contemporary of Abraham Lincoln, and one of a small group of Bloomingtonians that convinced Lincoln to run for president in an upstairs room in this city's downtown. Davis went on to manage Lincoln's successful campaign, and was rewarded with a seat on the United States Supreme Court. The home and grounds are open to the public, and special events include parties and simulated gala dinner parties with Judge and Mrs. Davis. The home is especially attractive prior to Christmas, when many rooms are decorated for the holidays. Gift shop. Suggested donation of $2. Open 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday with the last tour at 4 p.m., except holidays. Davis Avenue just north of East Washington Street, Bloomington.

Historic Evergreen Memorial Cemetery -- This large and well-maintained city cemetery is the permanent home to many people that were prominent in local, state, and national events. The cemetery includes the resting place of David Davis, Illinois governors, as well as two-time presidental candidate Adali Stevenson and his grandfather, a former vice present of the United States. Dorothy Gage, the neice of Wizard of Oz author Frank Baum, and who is considered the real "Dorothy", is interred here. Free. Open during daylight hours daily. Off Main Street, one-half mile south of downtown Bloomington.

Miller Park Zoo -- indoor and outdoor exhibits feature at this zoo, which includes tortoises, sea lions, wild cats, and tropical birds, among other animals. The zoo also has educational programs for all ages, a "junior zookeeper" program, and is located in a large park with picnic facilities, food concessions, a boating lake, and memorial exhibits. Gift shop. The zoo is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost of admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $3 for children aged 3 to 12. In Miller Park, at Wood Street and Morris Avenue, on Bloomington's west side.

Mitrsubishi Motors Assembly Plant -- Watch the assembly of the popular Eclipse and Gallant models. Robots and thousands of workers interact as recognizable vehicles emerge on an assembly line from stacks of parts, are painted, checked, and driven into a huge lot with thousands of cars awaiting shipment to all over the world. Regular tours are offered from special catwalks, contact the Bloomington-Normal Convention & Visitors Bureau for details, as tour availability varies with production scheduling and new-model confidentiality. Telephone toll-free (800) 433-8226. Plant is located on Mutsubishi Motorway, south of I-74 on the west side.

Beer Nuts, Inc. Company Stores -- learn how Beer Nuts are made from a video. Free samples abound. The plant is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The plant is located at 103 North Robinson Avenue, Bloomington; a factory store is located on US 51 South.

Ewing Manor. This sprawling brick and stone home was constructed in European style in the 1920's by an heir to the Wrigley (chewing gum) fortune. Today, it is operated as a conference and event center, and its grounds are also home to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival theatre and a botanic garden that is now under construction. Bloomington's adjacent Ewing Park contains playing fields, a sledding hill and X-country ski course, and walking trails through a small timbered area. Emerson Street at Towanda Avenue, on Bloomington's east side.

City Parks. Both Bloomington and Normal operate an extensive system of parks and trails. Facilities include outdoor swimming pools, a water park with slides, and spray parks. There are also extensive playing fields for a variety of sports, including some championship facilities. The Constitution Trail system includes over 30 miles of walking/running/bicycle trails that extend throughout the community. Miller Park in Bloomington and Maxwell Park in Normal include bandshell stages, and frequent performances are staged during the warmer months.

Planetarium. Operated by Illinois State University on its campus, this facility offers frequent shows to the public. Also nearby on campus is the Funk Rock and Mineral Museum, a small, but complete collection of nature's rock wonders. Call for operating hours. College Avenue at School Street, in Normal.