/

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Bloomington

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Bloomington, Illinois

Updated September 7, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Bloomington

Bloomington, Illinois

Dorothy's Grave

The carved remains of a 200-year-old oak tree memorialize the namesake of the iconic "Wizard of Oz" character.

Bloomington, Illinois

Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn's Grave

A giant wooden statue of one of the greatest pitchers in 19th-century baseball.

Are we missing something unusual?

Normal, Illinois

Abandoned Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s School

This abandoned 19th century orphanage started as a boarding school for children of Civil War veterans.

2 miles from Bloomington

Shirley, Illinois

Funk Gem and Mineral Museum

Eclectic collection of rare and beautiful stones in an historic home.

7 miles from Bloomington

Atlanta, Illinois

Paul Bunyon

While he no longer has an eatery to give him context, this off-brand Paul Bunyan still holds his giant hot dog with pride.

21 miles from Bloomington

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Guided Tours of Bloomington

Explore Bloomington, Illinois

Trees 2 Graves 2 Memorials 1 Cemeteries 1 Children 1 Woodwork 1 Burial Places 1 Gravestones 1

Bloomington Leaderboard

Places Added

Join the Ranks!

Add an unusual place to Bloomington.

Places Edited

Join the Ranks!

Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

Join the Ranks!

Visit a place in Bloomington.

Recent Bloomington Activity

J

joshzillarex3000

wants to go to Dorothy's Grave
K

keenbrandy

wants to go to Dorothy's Grave
D

danielcody1111

wants to go to Dorothy's Grave
curiouser 54cc2706

wants to go to Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn's Grave
J

JayQueline

wants to go to Dorothy's Grave

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.