Location: Bloomington
Top Things to do in Bloomington
Top Restaurants in Bloomington
10 Things to Do in Bloomington That You Shouldn't Miss
Don't let Bloomington's modest size fool you; this Midwestern city offers as much sophistication as it does all-American charm. At Indiana University you will find cutting edge theatrical performances, museums and sports. Check out 4th Street's Restaurant Row for fine international dining. Head downtown for galleries, theaters and fun spots for the kids. Year round festivals will keep you entertained in any season.
Restaurants in Bloomington
1. Indiana University
Overall Ratings
5 based on 533 reviews
Center of many activities in Bloomington - arts, music, sports and events.
Reviewed By JA M
Rankings of America’s “Most Beautiful College Campuses” are proliferous. They are found in every year in every college guide and business periodical. Most such polls are bogus. Sure, they include some campuses of undeniable beauty in their list, but it seems that other less attractive campuses can buy their way onto the list.
Indiana University - Bloomington campus is, by any measure, one of the genuine beauties. IU ranks high in nearly all such polls, and at the very top of the list in several. Ever since a book was published 30-40 years ago that published the results of credible research to determine the top five most architecturally-beautiful campuses in America, Indiana University has been widely-recognized as the singular most beautiful state university in the nation.
I tend to view campuses in two categories: (a) private colleges versus (b) state universities. The sheer size of the “footprint” of the larger state universities with 25,000 plus students puts them at a serious disadvantage to the smallish private college with only 1,800 students. In the first category, the clear winner is Princeton University. It is exceptionally beautiful. By comparison, Harvard is a dump. William and Mary is arguably #2 in this group. In the second category I place Indiana University at the very top of the list, followed closely by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Virginia. I have visited hundreds of campuses, and nearly all the major state institutions. So, my opinion, though subjective, is well-informed.
2. Oliver Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Oliver Winery is Indiana’s oldest and largest winery and one of the most modernly equipped wineries east of the Mississippi River. With an award-winning winemaking team and distribution in 18 states, the winery is well-known for producing wines that reflect the flavor and character of the highest quality fruit. You’ll find an extensive but approachable wine list at the winery’s beautiful Tasting Room on State Road 37. Enjoy a glass of Soft Red — the top-selling wine in the state of Indiana. Or taste an estate-bottled vintage from Oliver’s 54-acre Creekbend Vineyard, a crisp glass of Beanblossom Hard Cider, or a dry Oliver Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or Riesling. Oliver Winery also offers special events spaces for personal or corporate celebrations, from rehearsal dinners to holiday receptions. Tasting Room Summer Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm; Saturday 10 am-8 pm; Sunday 12 pm-6 pm. Production tours available Friday-Sunday. Please call for details or group visit information.
Reviewed By teamsnardy
Dont miss the Oliver experience. Great selection of all varieties including hard-to-find categories like hard cider (hold my beer Strongbow). The tasting room is complete with high end picnic like foods to enjoy on the many shaded outdoor eating areas.
3. WonderLab
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology is an award-winning science museum and popular destination for family fun! The museum offers two floors of exciting hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages! These include a two-story grapevine climbing maze, close encounters with live animals, the Bubble-Airium, and a special area with science adventures for very young children. WonderLab is an accessible facility. Amenities include a gift store, vending/snack area, and outdoor garden. WonderLab is located on the B-Line Trail in the heart of the Bloomington entertainment and arts district (BEAD). See WonderLab’s website for special programs and events, discount admission opportunities, special exhibitions, private party rentals, high visitation alerts, and more.
Reviewed By Well-traveled908 - Bloomington, Indiana
This is a wonderful, affordable place where kids can have fun for hours—and learn about science, nature and more. And adults will enjoy it too. Child-oriented special activities and exhibits are added bonus. In spring and summer, the outdoor garden is relaxing.
4. Monroe Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Monroe Lake is part of the Indiana State Parks system. It covers 23,952-acres, including a 10,750-acre lake (the largest in Indiana and known for bass fishing) with both open and no-wake areas. The property includes 9 State Recreation Areas (Paynetown, Fairfax, Cutright, Moore's Creek, Salt Creek, Pinegrove, Allen's Creek, Crooked Creek, and Cartop) and 3 Wildlife Resting Areas (Stillwater-Northfork, Middlefork, and Southfork). Facilities vary at each location. The two most-developed sites are Paynetown SRA (campground, swimming beach, marina, general store, activity center, and other amenities) and Fairfax SRA (hotel resort, restaurants, marina, swimming beach, and other amenities). There is a seasonal entrance fee to enter Paynetown and Fairfax ($5/vehicle for Indiana residents, $7/vehicle for out-of-state residents). Refer to our website or call the Property Office for specifics about amenities available at each of the 9 SRAs. Hunting is allowed in all non-developed areas of the property, with special restrictions in the Wildlife Resting Areas. Call the Property Office for information about hunter access.
Reviewed By Misonix - Cleveland, Ohio
amazing place about 20 minutes away from the campus. We walked around for about an hour or so. You can rent a boat while you visit.
5. Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By ANDRETS1966 - Weston, Florida
Farmers market in Bloomington offers a huge variety of products. Coffees beans from all around the world, delicious Amish dairy products, breads and pastries, fruits and vegetables, bison cuts and kobe beef. It's a good place to have breakfast on Saturday and it gets crowded so go early.
6. Assembly Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie S - Aurora, Colorado
We really enjoy the atmosphere of watching Hoosier basketball at Assembly Hall! They did such a great job with the renovations, keeping the nostalgia of the original hall but making it more up to date. The glass atrium is beautiful inside and out, particularly when lit up at night. Take some time to walk the lobby and look at the basketball history they have added, including the new bronze sculptures.
7. Memorial Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By maserk - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Fun, fun place to watch college football. Currently the stadium is undergoing major renovations/additions so the construction is a downside. But we had beautiful weather and great views of the game, even from Row 60, which is fairly high up. Game was sold out, so approximately 53K fans in attendance. I went to go a snow cone (Kona Ice is the best!) about 6-8 minutes before the half and the concourse wasn't terribly busy. But by closer to halftime, concessions had long lines. The people working the game were super helpful. Two different people who answered questions for us were extremely nice, helpful and friendly.
8. B-Line Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By be32 - Denver
We have taken the entire B-line at different times but never all at once. Farthest North End is wooded and secluded, similar to the south end. Dirt path towards south the rest is paved. Crosses numerous streets, sometimes over bridges and sometimes in crosswalks. Well maintained.
9. Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By MICHAEL M - CHESNEE
First is the building itself. Designed by I.M. Pei, renowned Modernist Architect, It is very beautiful on a campus with many beautiful Gothic buildings already. The attraction is free, which is a huge plus. You normally can't find this level of quality for free anymore. I would recommend this museum to anyone with eye for the arts.
10. Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
The Buskirk-Chumley Theater is owned by the City of Bloomington and operated by BCT Management, Inc., a private non-profit organization. The mission of BCT Management, Inc. is to develop the Buskirk-Chumley Theater as a high quality and widely accessible community resource and performance venue, operated in a fiscally responsible manner. Support from the City of Bloomington, Indiana University, the Indiana Arts Commission, our many corporate sponsors and community donors helps maintain this historic community resource and bring a wide diversity of programming to the stage each year.
Reviewed By hunt4702
We visited to watch a film at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The theater has been restored. It was originally built for silent films. Both my husband and I had visited the theater as children in the early seventies. I had not been back since. It was very much as we remembered it! It is a classic! There is memorabilia from the early days of the theater that was fun to see.
The staff was very welcoming and friendly. The theater was very clean and well maintained.
We were there to see a film but they offer many forms of entertainment and community involved events.
Loved it! We will be going back!
TAGS
