The City of Bloomington is located in the heart of Central Illinois, approximately 125 miles southwest of Chicago, 155 miles northeast of St. Louis, and 64 miles northeast of Springfield, the State Capital. Bloomington is the County Seat of McLean County, the largest county in Illinois (approximately 762,240 acres). Bloomington (pop. 64,808 2000 census) is a twin City with the Town of Normal (pop. 45,386 2000 census). Intestates 39, 55 and 74 converge on Bloomington-Normal, as well as US Route 51 and State Route 9. <br> Bloomington is located in one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation, but the economy is diverse and well-balanced. In addition to the major manufacturers and industries , there are two universities, three hospitals, a convention center, two indoor malls, an outdoor outlet mall, and many banks and Savings & Loan Associations located in Bloomington-Normal. The City of Bloomington is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Illinois with and estimated 20.25% increase in population between 1986 and 1995. New construction continues to enhance residential, industrial and commercial growth. <br> Visually the symbol and the City's identity represent a modern progressive style which is consistent with the City's government. The symbol is based on three different concepts which combine to represent the City in a contemporary and appropriate way. First and foremost is the chevron. The City government is a respected agency dedicated to serving the public. In this way, the chevron represents service, rank and authority. <br> There are a wide variety of cultural and entertainment options available in Bloomington. Theater options include the longest running American Passion Play in the United States, the Community Players Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Wesleyan University Merwin Galleries, the McLean County Arts Center, the Miller Park Outdoor Summer Theatre, Twin Cities Ballet and several movie theaters. <br> Ever wonder where Beer Nuts came from? Come to Bloomington, the only place in the world where they are manufactured. Other attractions include the Apple Barn, Bloomington Off-track Betting, Children's Discovery Museum of Central Illinois and The David Davis Mansion (shown left). Davis was a former Supreme Court Justice who convinced Abraham Lincoln to run for the Presidency. Tours of the Mansion are available. If you have a chance, stop by the Kathryn Beich candy factory. You can explore nature with a visit to the Miller Park Zoo. These are just a small sampling of varied attractions of Bloomington.