A Wednesday for the Record Books: History, Pizza, and Pinball!
Our Wednesday with the Junior Ambassadors from Asahikawa was a masterclass in "The Best of the Midwest." From the Victorian elegance of the 1800s to the neon glow of a retro arcade, the group covered a lot of ground today!
Stepping Back in Time
The morning began at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site. The students toured the beautifully preserved estate of Judge David Davis, a close friend of Abraham Lincoln. They were fascinated by the 19th-century architecture and the stories of how life in Bloomington looked over 150 years ago. It provided a perfect historical anchor for their visit to McLean County.
A Local Legend & Route 66 Icons
Next, it was time for a "salty" stop at the Beer Nuts Factory Store! Learning about this world-famous snack that started right here in Bloomington was a hit (and the samples certainly didn't hurt!).
Of course, no trip to our area is complete without a nod to the Mother Road. The group headed to the Normal Route 66 Sign for a quintessential photo op, capturing a memory in front of one of the most iconic symbols of American travel history.
Pizza, Pins, and Play
Lunch was a massive "eat-and-play" extravaganza at BloNo Pizza Co. The ambassadors enjoyed a full pizza buffet before diving into some friendly competition. They hit golf balls at the driving range, tried their hand at duckpin bowling, and got competitive with giant games of Jenga. It was pure high-energy fun!
Arcade Magic in McLean
The afternoon took us a short drive south to McLean, Illinois, for a visit to Arcadia: America's Playable Arcade Museum. This was a particularly special stop, as the students found a bridge between their home culture and ours. They spent hours playing vintage pinball machines and—to their delight—several classic Japanese video games! Seeing the students share their gaming expertise with their American peers was a highlight of the day.
A Sweet Tradition
We wrapped up this epic Wednesday at a local landmark: Carl’s Ice Cream. The ambassadors got to meet the man himself, Carl, and took photos with the famous Large Marge statue. It was the perfect way to cool down and reflect on a day full of laughter and new experiences.
What’s Next?
As we head into the final days of the visit, the bonds between our cities are stronger than ever. Tomorrow they will visit a local school and play some laser tag! Stay tuned as we prepare for our farewell events!
