Join the McLean County Museum of History for a fascinating, historically enriching stroll through Illinois State University's Quad on Saturday, August 1 from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.! You'll hear how one of the more picturesque spots in all Central Illinois speaks to the surrounding community and beyond.
This walking tour will be led by Museum Librarian Bill Kemp and ISU Milner Library Government Documents Librarian Angela Bonnell and kick off at the Normal Theater. Following a brief presentation, the walk will highlight a range of topics, including the lost natural environment; the removal of Indigenous peoples; the role steam power and railroads in the transformation of the landscape; 19th century Black Normal; the rise of women’s athletics; lost neighborhoods; picketing racially segregated business and protesting the Vietnam War; and much, much more!
This program is open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. The cost per person is $27 for members of the Museum and $30 for the general public. The program will include boxed lunches from Green Top Grocery and bottled water. Parking will be available in any parking garage in Uptown Normal. For more information on parking, click here. Box lunch choices are: Turkey and Cheddar, Ham and Swiss, and Chickpea Sunflower Salad (vegetarian). Box lunches also include chips and whole fruit. The tour is limited to 30 people. Registration is due by Friday, July 24 at 5:00 p.m.
Please dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. We will walk approximately one mile over a one-hour period, standing and stopping between various sites. The tour will begin and end at the Normal Theater (209 W. North Street). Lunch will immediately follow the tour.
Ticket sales will begin on May 11, 2026, and will be available for purchase on our website.
Questions? or for more information, contact the Education Department at education@mchistory.org or 309-827-0428.