During your visit to this Illinois attraction, explore the rich stories of past generations and new and growing communities through the history museum’s permanent exhibit galleries and rotating galleries. Additionally, the McLean County Museum of History houses a Gift Shop that carries items unique to the McLean County Museum of History and Illinois.
Permanent Exhibit Galleries
Encounter on the Prairie
On the first floor of the history museum, four separate galleries make up Encounter on the Prairie, an exhibit that explores the broad history of the people of McLean County.
People Gallery
In the People Gallery, learn about the traditions and objects settlers brought with them to McLean County. Meet the Native Americans, African Americans, Irish, Upland Southerners, Germans, Yankees, Anabaptists and more recent Asian Indians who migrated to central Illinois. In addition, visit kitchens from these various cultural groups and take home authentic recipes to try at home.
Politics Gallery
The Politics Gallery offers insight into McLean’s political history through government, war and education. Explore the lives of notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln as well as the common people who have called McLean County home, take a look at the important role education has played in McLean County and learn about the community’s involvement in military conflicts from the Indian Wars through World War II.
Work Gallery
Take a tour of the many occupations and industries of the residents of McLean County. In the Work Gallery you can learn about the many goods produced by McLean County businesses and discover what a “prisoner holding cell” in McLean County is like.
Farming Gallery
The Farming Gallery offers a look at the physical landscape of McLean County and how it was changed over time. Learn about the farm practices of Kickapoo Indian, Yankee, German and Irish settlers, or discover how tiling changed areas of the prairies from swampland to rich farmland.
Hands-On Pioneer Discovery Room
In addition to its Encounter on the Prairie exhibit, the McLean County Museum of History features the Harriet Rust Pioneer Discovery Room. Experience the lives of early McLean County settlers as you push a steel plow, beat an area rug, scrub your clothes and milk a cow.
Shopping in the Gift Shop
Be sure to stop by the McLean County Museum of History Gift Shop, located on the second floor of the museum. Special limited edition items, books, souvenirs, genealogical publications and merchandise related to Abraham Lincoln are available to purchase.
- In addition to its permanent exhibit galleries, the McLean County Museum of History features a number of temporary exhibits.
- Wheelchairs and walkers are available from the reception desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Downtown Bloomington offers an abundance of restaurants and eateries all within a short distance from the McLean County Museum of History. Ask museum staff for more information.