Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bloomington, Indiana

Nestled in the undulating hills of south central Indiana, Bloomington is a vibrant college town that hosts the flagship campus of Indiana University (IU).

Marked by a grand entrance at the end of a broad boulevard, the distinguished IU campus adjoins downtown, enticing visitors with large-scale concerts, comedy performances, Big Ten sports, and exhibitions from a world-class art museum.

A Gold-level “Bicycle Friendly Community,” downtown Bloomington thrives with local enterprises, lively community events, a dynamic arts scene, an energetic nightlife, and the vivacious spirit of a college town.

1. Indiana University

Positioned on the eastern edge of downtown Bloomington, the Indiana University campus maintains a mutually beneficial relationship with its urban surroundings.

Encompassing nearly 2,000 acres, this exceptional district features stunning historical buildings crafted from local limestone, seamlessly integrated into lush landscapes.

A great initial stop is the Visitor Information Center, where visitors can obtain a campus map and participate in guided tours that occur on Sundays.

Allocate sufficient time to explore the Old Crescent, a national historic district that boasts the campus’s oldest structures.

Constructed between the 1880s and the 1900s, these buildings exemplify Gothic Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.

2. Eskenazi Museum of Art

A must-visit at the IU Bloomington campus, this extraordinary museum features works by celebrated artists including Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso.

The Eskenazi Museum of Art dates to the early 1940s, though the contemporary building designed by acclaimed architect I. M. Pei (1917-2019) opened in 1981. With over 45,000 objects in its collections, the museum encompasses the comprehensive history of art from various regions around the world.

During a single visit, you might encounter a Cycladic figurine, ancient Chinese porcelain, an Etruscan vase, a Roman bust, and an 1,800-year-old Buddha from Afghanistan.

Highlights of the museum include German and Austrian Expressionism (featuring artists such as Kirchner, Nolde, and Macke), ancient jewelry, Old Masters paintings, and significant works on paper, including pieces by Dürer, Rembrandt, and Goya.

3. Downtown Bloomington

Artistic, independent, and historic, Bloomington’s central commercial area offers the kind of atmosphere one might anticipate from a much larger city.

In this context, the expansive and elongated Kirkwood Avenue possesses a monumental quality, leading visitors upwards toward the IU campus.

There, one is greeted by the Gothic Revival Sample Gates, signifying arrival at the Old Crescent.

Around the distinguished Monroe County Courthouse (1908) lies the Square, home to more than 30 independent enterprises, including galleries, fashion boutiques, bookstores, restaurants, and cafés.

Many of these establishments have been cherished by IU students for numerous decades. As you perambulate through downtown Bloomington, you will observe the area’s walkability, further enhanced by the B-Line Trail and its interconnected plazas.

The nightlife is also vibrant, with a youthful demographic fueling a plethora of bars and live music venues.

4. Indiana University Auditorium

A notable advantage of hosting a flagship campus in Bloomington is the presence of this 3,200-seat performing arts venue, located in the heart of the city.

This building’s origins are intriguing as it was constructed as part of a Depression-era Federal Works Agency project, initiated in 1939 and opened in 1941.

It serves as the primary stage in the region for national touring Broadway productions, classical ensembles and solo artists, acclaimed recording artists, live comedy, and lectures by notable figures.

A remarkable array of performers and prominent personalities, including Yo-Yo Ma and Mikhail Gorbachev, have graced the stage at the IU Auditorium.

Don’t overlook the Hall of Murals, showcasing 16 of the 22 panels crafted by Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.

5. WonderLab

This acclaimed science museum found its permanent residence in downtown Bloomington in 2003.

Originally a traveling outreach program executed by volunteers, WonderLab has since become a staple of the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District.

This venue presents both children and adults with engaging encounters with scientific principles in an enjoyable manner. For instance, Bubble Flow effectively illustrates concepts such as density, light, matter, and evaporation through bubble-making activities.

The Fitzgerald Hall of Natural Science houses a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects within expansive terrariums, while the interactive How Things Work exhibit explores the roles of electricity, magnetism, gravity, and other forces in everyday items.

Adjacent to the museum building, the Lester P. Bushnell Garden is cultivated with herbs, vegetables, and native woodland plants, featuring exhibits related to the science of sound and solar energy.

6. Hoosier National Forest

Bloomington is located just northwest of Indiana’s only national forest, which spans an expansive 200,000 acres. However, some of the most inviting sections of Hoosier National Forest are located less than ten miles from downtown.

Among these is the 13,000-acre Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, the last remaining wilderness in the state, which preserves unspoiled karst topography, revealing stunning wildflower displays in spring.

Ensure you climb the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This wilderness area lies on the south shore of Lake Monroe, which is the largest lake entirely within Indiana’s borders, a topic we will elaborate on next.

7. Lake Monroe

This expansive body of water located just outside Bloomington is a reservoir on Salt Creek, which was dammed in the early 1960s and filled by 1965. Lake Monroe meanders through the wooded river valley, covering a surface area of more than 10,000 acres.

This lake serves as a refuge for aquatic activities during the summer months, featuring three public beaches, nine launch ramps, and three boat rental facilities.

Visitors can rent a variety of vessels ranging from pontoons and speed boats to fishing boats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and an array of boating accessories.

LT Paddle Sports, also situated along the shores, offers lessons in activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Additionally, anglers can find a multitude of fish species within this well-stocked lake, including bluegill, walleye, bass, catfish, and crappie.

Along the shoreline, light to intermediate hiking trails are available, and numerous campsites, cabins, and villas are offered at the various campgrounds and villages near the water.

8. Monroe County History Center

This valuable local history museum is housed in Bloomington’s former Carnegie Library, inaugurated in 1917.

Within its permanent exhibits, the Cook Gallery narrates the contemporary story of the county from several perspectives, highlighting industrial developments, education, and evolving lifestyles.

Visitors can learn about notable local athletes and explore a one-room schoolhouse from the 1800s as well as a log cabin from the pioneer era.

Additional permanent displays address transportation and natural history, showcasing local limestone samples and “Monroe,” a brown bear that was shot on Kodiak Island, Alaska, in 1949.

Moreover, the rotating galleries always offer interesting exhibits, including traveling displays from major regional institutions, such as the Evansville Museum of Art, History and Science.

9. B-Line Trail

A remarkable resource for the city, this 3.1-mile multi-use trail extends alongside the western edge of downtown. The B-Line Trail follows the path of a former CSX railroad that operated for over a century.

The paved asphalt route, measuring 12 feet in width, elegantly connects numerous contemporary plazas in downtown, facilitating access to shopping, cultural activities, and municipal services.

These spaces include the vicinity of City Hall, which hosts the farmers’ market, the WonderLab Museum, behind the Convention Center, and near the Seminary Square shopping area.

The B-Line Trail is illuminated with energy-efficient LED lighting and features ample public art and seating areas.

10. Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market

With its expansive canopies, Showers Common along the B-Line Trail provides a picturesque backdrop for Bloomington’s weekly farmers’ market.

This event occurs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., spanning from April to November (with a later start time in fall).

The market has gained significant popularity, bringing together numerous farmers, growers, and artisans from south central Indiana and beyond.

This gathering is an excellent opportunity to acquire seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, houseplants, meats, dairy products, baked goods, unique crafts, honey, salsas, jams, and much more.

Visitors can also enjoy breakfast or lunch as a variety of delicious prepared foods are available.

11. Oliver Winery

Initiating its journey as a hobby for a University of Indiana law professor in the 1960s, Oliver Winery has evolved into one of the largest wineries in the United States, recognized among the finest outside of California.

Located in the beautiful countryside north of Bloomington, the winery has established a reputation for its fruit-forward flavors, offering a diverse range from classic dry reds to sweet Moscatos.

Oliver wines are accessible in over 40 states, and the winery welcomes visitors for tastings, though reservations are advisable during busy weekend afternoons.

To sample a broader selection, visitors may order a flight and enjoy a sunny day on the patio, encircled by magnificent gardens. Wine is available for purchase by the bottle or case, and the winery’s shop also features unique gifts and tantalizing specialty foods.

12. Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

Serving as the home arena for Indiana University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall presents a unique architectural design.

Opened in 1971 and accommodating 17,222 spectators, this facility features prominently steep stands along the sidelines, contributing to its reputation as one of the loudest venues in college basketball.

The Hoosiers benefit from a home-court advantage like few others in NCAA competition. The men’s team has attained five championships, with the 1976 squad remaining the most recent to complete an undefeated season.

The arena has undergone several renovations, and outside of game days, visitors can engage in self-guided tours, explore the varsity store in the west lobby, and view captivating displays in the north and south lobbies.

13. Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center

This cultural center, situated southeast of Bloomington, was founded in 1979 by Indiana University Professor Emeritus Thubten J. Norbu to promote awareness of Tibet’s history and culture.

Spanning 90 picturesque acres, the center is home to the only two Tibetan chortens (stupas) in the United States.

Visitors may participate in worship rituals, ceremonies, recitations, yoga sessions, lectures, retreats, and meditation practices. Additionally, the temple, grounds, as well as Tibetan butter sculptures and sand mandalas can be admired through guided tours.

14. Indiana Memorial Stadium

During the college football season in the fall, families can enjoy engaging experiences at Indiana Memorial Stadium.

For children, Knothole Park at Sample Terrace features various activities, including a mini-quarterback throwing game and face painting.

Parents can indulge in the Hoosier Village Tailgate, offering delicious food sourced from local eateries. Opened in 1960 and last renovated in 2009, the stadium accommodates over 52,600 attendees and is often referred to as The Rock.

Throughout their history, the Hoosiers have claimed two conference titles (in 1945 and 1967), and currently, more than ten alumni are playing in the NFL.

15. Downtown Gallery Walk

The optimal time to immerse yourself in Bloomington’s vibrant arts culture is on the first Friday of each month when ten galleries downtown extend their hours into the evening.

The Downtown Gallery Walk has an established online platform where details about the participating galleries and supporting local businesses can be accessed.

The event primarily unfolds along 6th St, Kirkwood Ave, and 4th St, reaching eastward to the IU campus at the Gayle Karch Cook Center for Public Arts and Humanities.

On this self-guided journey, visitors can discover and purchase works from local, regional, and international artists across numerous mediums, including painting, weaving, pottery, glasswork, jewelry, sculpture, and many others.