Normal, Illinois

About Normal, Illinois

Normal is an incorporated town in McLean County, Illinois, United States. It had a population of 45,386 as of the 2000 census. The smaller of two principal municipalities of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area in area and population, its population had risen to 50,519 by 2005.

Originally known as North Bloomington, the town was founded under the name of Normal in February of 1865 and officially incorporated in 1867. The name was taken from Illinois State Normal University, a teacher-training institution located there. The school has since been renamed Illinois State University after becoming a general four year university. Normal is adjacent to Bloomington, Illinois, and when mentioned together they are known as the "Twin Cities," "Bloomington-Normal," or simply "B-N." The current mayor of Normal is Chris Koos.

The main campus of Heartland Community College, a two-year, fully accredited institution, is located in Normal, as is a satellite campus of Lincoln College, which offers associate degrees as well as four-year programs.