To fully experience the Bloomington-Normal area, you will want to have access to a car. Doing without a car is difficult, because the community has grown to the be over ten miles east-wast, and about nine miles north-south, although many of the universities, major businesses, and retail stores are in a more compact central core bordered by College Avenue on the north, Hershey Road on the east, Veterans Parkway on the south, and Main/Center Streets on the west. Although public transporattion is available, it is geared more to locals than visitors.

Downtown Bloomington itself is relatively compact (about ten blocks by five blocks) and easy to navigate, though there are several one-way streets. Downtown Normal, though not on the same gridded pattern, is relatively small, easy to walk, and is bounded on its west side by  Illinois State University. There is ample parking in both areas, although it may be necessary to walk a few blocks from a parking garage or lot.

A great way to experience the area is to explore the college campuses in the area, both Illinois State University in Normal and Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. Both have a number of interesting buildings and sights to see on their campuses. For example, ISU houses a planetarium which is open to the public. Both campuses have museums that are open to the public as well.

Bloomington and Normal share a walking/jogging/bicycling trail system, of over 30 miles in length, known collectively as the Constitution Trail. These paved paths extend into many parts of the community, and provide a more green and leisurely way to explore the area