I think the closest you can come to the great outdoors in Bloomington/Normal is a trip to a scenic portion of the Constitution Trail. Back in September on Labor Day, we celebrated a big birthday (I can't say how many, though) for my mother-in-law Phyllis. We met up with them at Peoria for lunch and then went to the Great Outdoors (AKA: Bass Pro Shop). I'm sure she appreciated going there for her birthday celebration :) We had never been and thought Meredith would enjoy looking around. She definitely did and not only saw their giant bear (picture below), but also huge catfish, a fish pond outside as well, and of course, deer/moose/etc. heads mounted on the walls.
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| The Prentice's with Big Bear |
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| Grandma Prentice and Meredith |
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| Grandpa Prentice showing Meredith how to cross her legs. |
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| Exhausted once we got to the van for the drive back! |
