With extreme heat gripping Central Illinois, McLean County officials have opened a network of cooling centers to help residents escape dangerously high temperatures and prevent heat-related illness or death.
Cooling centers across the county range from public libraries and fire departments to 24-hour businesses and community centers. These temporary facilities offer a safe, air-conditioned environment, though they do not provide food or overnight accommodations.
Key Cooling Center Locations
Bloomington:
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Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St.
Hours: Mon–Thu 9am–9pm; Fri/Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 1–5pm -
Denny’s Restaurant, 701 Eldorado St. – Open 24 hours
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Walmart, 2225 W. Market St. – Open daily 6am–11pm
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Connect Transit Bus, parked at McLean County Health Department, 200 W. Front St., availability determined case-by-case
Normal:
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Meijer, 1900 E. College Ave. – Open 6am–midnight
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Uptown Station, 11 Uptown Circle – Available daily until last train at 9pm
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Walmart, 300 Greenbriar Dr. – Open 7am–11pm
Bellflower:
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Bellflower Community Center Cafeteria, 104 W. Center St. – Thu–Sat, 10am–6pm (enter through NE double doors)
Downs:
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Downs Fire Dept, 102 W. Main St. – Open 24 hours; call 309-378-2021 to confirm staffing
Heyworth:
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Village Hall, 108 S. Buchanan St. – Open Mon–Fri, 7:30am–3:45pm
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Heyworth Fire Dept, 103 S. Buchanan St. – Available upon notification at 309-473-3223
LeRoy:
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Loves Travel Stop, 505 S. Persimmon Dr. – Open 24 hours
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LeRoy Police Dept, 110 S. East St. – Call 309-962-3310 for assistance
McLean:
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Road Ranger Truck Stop, 315 E. Dixie Rd – Open 24 hours
Chenoa, Arrowsmith, Cooksville, Hudson, Lexington, Saybrook, and Stanford:
Cooling centers can be opened as needed. Residents should call the MetCom non-emergency number, 309-888-5030, and dispatchers will contact local fire or emergency officials for assistance.
Homeless Shelter Services
Bloomington-based shelters are also open for vulnerable individuals:
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Salvation Army Safe Harbor, 208 N. Oak St. – Open for eligible residents or day center patrons; vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required
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Home Sweet Home Ministries, 303 E. Oakland Ave – Open 24/7
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The Junction at Home Sweet Home, 301 E. Oakland Ave – Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm
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Project Oz – Serving youth ages 17–23. Call PATH at 309-827-4005 and ask for Project Oz on-call staff
Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and those without air conditioning. For assistance or to locate a center, call 309-888-5030.
Tips for Staying Safe During Extreme Heat:
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Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty
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Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day
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Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
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Never leave children or pets in vehicles
Stay safe, stay cool, and use McLean County’s available resources to beat the heat.
