One of the jewels of Bloomington-Normal is being honored as a state treasure during Illinois’ bicentennial celebration.
The Illinois Office of Tourism has chosen Ewing Manor as a featured venue for the statewide Doors Open Illinois. The program highlights historic locations from around the state during the month of August.
As part of the honor, Ewing will be open to the public at no charge from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, August 11, and from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, August 12. The manor is located at 48 Sunset Road in Bloomington, with parking available at the St. John’s Lutheran Church on Emerson Street.
Completed in 1929 and maintained by the Illinois State University Foundation, Ewing Manor was chosen for the program by the Office of Tourism because it “embodies the grace, practicality, and natural beauty envisioned by its original owner, Hazle Buck Ewing.” Locally, the McLean County Museum of History and Ryburn’s Place at Sprague’s Service were also named to the Doors Open Illinois.
Doors Open Illinois will celebrate venues with themes that fit each region. The dates and regions include:
August 4-5: Southern Illinois: Trails to Adventure
August 11-12: Central Illinois: Land of Lincoln
August 18-19: Western Illinois: Great Rivers Country
August 25-26: Northeastern Illinois: Chicago and Beyond
As a participant of the program, Ewing Manor will be promoted through the Enjoy Illinois campaign. More information can be found on the Illinois Bicentennial website, enjoyillinois.com/illinois-bicentennial.
Those with questions about Doors Open can contact doorsopen@enjoyillinois.com. For information on Ewing Manor, contact Director Toni Tucker at 309-438-6333 or ewing@illinoisstate.edu.
