The courthouse was designed by architect George H. Miller in the Neoclassical style.
The building's courtroom has been meticulously restored to reflect its appearance during the era when Abraham Lincoln practiced there.
The museum holds a collection of over 20,000 artifacts related to the history of McLean County.
The site was once the location of the 1836 McLean County Courthouse, the second courthouse built in Bloomington.
The building features a grand rotunda topped by a copper-clad dome that is visible from various points in downtown Bloomington.
The McLean County Museum of History is housed in the historic 1903 Old McLean County Courthouse, an architectural landmark featuring a distinctive dome and limestone exterior. Located in downtown Bloomington, the museum occupies the former seat of county government where Abraham Lincoln frequently practiced law as an attorney on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The permanent exhibits focus on regional history, including the evolution of the local agricultural industry, the impact of Route 66, and the development of the Illinois corn culture. Visitors can explore displays highlighting the social and economic shifts of Central Illinois over the past two centuries. The facility serves as the headquarters for the McLean County Historical Society, which manages extensive archival collections related to the region's genealogy and industrial past. The structure itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
From the sidewalk across the street, capturing the full scale of the Neoclassical dome and the courthouse facade.
Visit the archives or research library if you have specific interest in local genealogy or historical land records.
Check the museum's rotating gallery schedule, as they frequently host temporary exhibits highlighting diverse local themes.
Walk around the exterior to view the intricate architectural details of the limestone facade and the courthouse square.
Don't rush through the permanent exhibits; the historical narrative is dense and best understood by reading the detailed placards provided.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
