BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, Ill. – VisitBN has secured $496,101 through three competitive State of Illinois grant programs for fiscal year 2027. With VisitBN’s required matching contribution of $118,405, the awards will generate a total investment of $614,506 in Route 66 projects, international promotion and destination marketing initiatives.
“Securing nearly half a million dollars in competitive state funding is an incredible added value that VisitBN brings to our community,” said Melissa Chrisman, President & CEO of VisitBN. “These grants allow us to invest in visitor experiences across McLean County, reach new domestic and international audiences, and strengthen the visitor economy while leveraging our locally provided resources.”
Route 66 Grant Program
VisitBN will receive $351,794 through the Route 66 Grant Program to support six projects in Chenoa, Lexington, Normal, Bloomington and McLean. The grant requires no matching funds from VisitBN, allowing the state funding to be invested directly into projects that preserve, enhance and promote McLean County’s Route 66 attractions.
The funded projects are:
- City of Chenoa – Route 66 Dog Park Addition: $14,697.50. An addition to the community’s Route 66 visitor amenities that will create a welcoming stop for travelers and their pets.
- City of Lexington – Oasis Sign and Site Restoration: $63,900. Restoration of the historic Oasis Drive-In sign and improvements to the surrounding site, preserving an important piece of Lexington’s Route 66 history.
- Town of Normal – Sprague’s Super Service Restoration: $239,696.79. Continued restoration of the nationally recognized Sprague’s Super Service property, one of McLean County’s most significant Route 66 landmarks.
- City of Bloomington – Miller Park EV Charger Improvements: $4,500. Design work supporting improvements to electric-vehicle charging infrastructure at Miller Park, helping the site better serve today’s road-trip travelers.
- CORE of McLean – McLean Water Tower Mural Lighting: $13,000. Installation of lighting that will improve the visibility and impact of the community’s Route 66-themed water tower mural.
- Rader Family Farms – Meet in the Middle Farm Mural: $16,000. Creation of a new mural celebrating agriculture, community and McLean County’s place along Route 66.
“These projects demonstrate the power of working together as a county,” Chrisman said. “From preserving nationally significant landmarks to creating new visitor experiences, this funding will leave a visible and lasting impact in communities along our stretch of the Mother Road.”
International Grant Program
VisitBN will receive $51,807 through the International Grant Program. With VisitBN’s matching contribution of $25,905, the award will create a total international marketing program of $77,712.
The program will include familiarization tours conducted in partnership with Enjoy Illinois for the United Kingdom and German markets. The tours will bring travel and tour operators as well as international media to experience Bloomington-Normal and McLean County firsthand.
Funding will also support a digital advertising campaign targeting prospective Route 66 travelers as they plan trips for the 2027 road-trip season.
Marketing Partnership Grant Program
VisitBN will receive $92,500 through the Marketing Partnership Grant Program and provide an equal match, creating a total marketing investment of $185,000.
The program will support:
- Production of VisitBN’s 2027 visitor guides
- $85,000 in destination advertising
- Creation of new illustrated maps
- Production of new Love BN marketing videos
Together, these initiatives will provide VisitBN with new tools to reach prospective visitors, showcase local businesses and attractions, and strengthen the Bloomington-Normal area’s position as a welcoming and compelling destination.
“VisitBN’s success in securing these grants reflects the expertise and commitment of the organization’s team,” said Cheryl Magnuson, Chair of the VisitBN Board of Directors and President/Owner of Majestic Interior Design. “These dollars support communities and partners throughout McLean County while helping more visitors discover everything we love about our area. It is a wonderful example of how investment in VisitBN produces benefits well beyond the organization itself.”
The three grants are separate from VisitBN’s annual state operating grant and were awarded through competitive application processes. VisitBN will administer the funding, coordinate with project partners and complete the required program reporting.
“These resources would not be coming into McLean County without VisitBN’s leadership and our strong community partnerships,” Chrisman added. “We are proud to turn this funding into projects and marketing programs that will benefit our residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.”
About VisitBN
VisitBN is the official destination marketing organization for McLean County, dedicated to promoting the region through strategic branding, marketing, sales, and destination services. The organization leads efforts to grow the local visitor economy while enhancing quality of life for residents and showcasing the authentic experiences that make Bloomington-Normal a vibrant place to visit and call home. For more information, check out VisitBN.org.
