Location: Bloomington
Top Things to do in Bloomington
Top Restaurants in Bloomington
Things to do in Bloomington, Indiana (IN): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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
5.0 based on 639 reviews
Center of many activities in Bloomington - arts, music, sports and events.
Reviewed By BillWaconia
My wife and I attended IU from 79-83. Our 23 year old son graduates from IU in 5 weeks. First, it's a top notch school with nice, clean kids and a beautiful campus. We have visited our son frequently the past few years. If you want to visit IU here are some of our favorite ideas... 1 Park at the square in downtown Bloomington, walk down Kirkwood to feel the youthful energy, enter the campus, stop in the Union to check out the art and the book store, and continue along the Jordan River to the far side of campus. Take an uber back to your car. 2 Time your trip to coincide with an Opera. Best opera school anywhere and great performances of popular and not popular operas. 3 Eat breakfast at The Runcible Spoon one day even if there is a line, the next day eat breakfast at The Uptown Cafe order two cornmeal pancakes. 4 avoid he campus on busy game days.
2. St Charles Borromeo Church
3. Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By rimjhim1 - Crofton, United States
This was our second visit and we were pleasantly surprised by one of the guides who greeted us and gave us a wonderful explanation of the significance of the place built by the Dalai Lama’s brother who used to be a faculty member at Indiana University. She went through each picture and shared the inner meaning and story depicted in the work of art. I recommended she share her narrative on YouTube. Must visit.
4. Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date on all BCT events: https://bctboxoffice.org/newsletter/ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! @buskirkchumley
Reviewed By bornthatway_traveler - Bloomington, United States
I’ve been to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater hundreds of times in my life in Bloomington, so nothing new has compelled me to write a review, other than my wish to show readers my praise! Thanks to Cardinal Stage, Btown’s renowned professional theater group, performances of first-rate quality can be seen here. Southern Indiana can truly be represented on the map for all the shows here. Specifically last afternoon, my family and I went to the matinée for Cardinal’s holiday show, Newsies. Just like every time, the musical was incredible. The Buskirk-Chumley’s historic ambiance, excellent sound quality, and amenities add a lot to even the most standard performance. Of course, no show is ever “standard”—I just had to demonstrate the remarkable splendor of the theater! As a longtime resident, I am continually grateful for the Buskirk-Chumley Theater as an amazing resource for performing arts (*of all kinds*) in Bloomington. Be it a musical or a symphony or a comedy, checking it out is always worthwhile. So highly recommended to see a Cardinal Stage production or any event you can when you’re in town!
5. Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By LRead44 - Houston, United States
Assembly Hall is a great place to see a basketball game. If you can afford it, splurge on lower level seats. The upper level is very steep and if you have trouble with stairs like me....it was scary.. GREAT FANS too. Their student section is CRAZY.
6. Monroe County Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
Had a few minutes to spare so took a look around Monroe County's courthouse on the square in Bloomington. Designed in the style of the public buildings of the Chicago and St. Louis World's Fairs at the turn of the 20th century, this interesting structure features a nice sculpture by Albert Molnar by the front entrance and several murals in the interior by Gustave Brand. The building itself is naturally clad in Indiana limestone for which the area around Bloomington is, of course, well known. This is actually the third county courthouse built on this site - the first, basically a log cabin, dating back to the county's founding, with the present structure dating back to 1908. If you look closely at the top of the dome, there's a fish-shaped weather vane which previously sat atop the second courthouse. The interior of the dome is quite striking with extensive backlit stained glass panels. After view it from the ground floor, be sure to go up to the balconies on the second and third levels. In addition to the closer views of the domes interior and the various murals, there are some interesting architectural details such as the large faux marble finished columns. Also along the walls on the second and third floors are several large format photos from 19th and early 20th century Monroe County, including area soldiers preparing to depart for the Spanish-American and First World Wars. Outside, there are good size monuments honoring Civil War and Second World War soldiers, the latter from the studio of Owen County sculptor E. M. Visquesney. The latter is in stone or cast concrete and is different than his more common "Spirit of the American Doughboy" honoring First World War soldiers seen at other courthouses around Indiana and beyond.
7. Indiana Memorial Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By 364ansleyv - Wooster, United States
The Indiana University Memorial Stadium is a real experience. The recent renovations and additions to the facility make it one of the best college football stadiums I have seen. Also, the digital displays and interactive camera work are a wonderful augmentation to any home football game. Even if you are not that into football, you can still have a wonderful fall experience. Tailgating is a big deal in the lots and fields around the stadium, but be sure to save some room for snacks during the game.
8. Islamic Center of Bloomington
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By jordynf040201 - Bloomington, United States
I came to the Islamic Center twice to interview two women for a journalism project I am doing. The space is absolutely beautiful, warm, and welcoming. The community is tight knit and family oriented. I learned so much about Islam and the people belonging to it. Thank you for giving me this opportunity!
9. Indiana Memorial Union
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By mhershey - Northfield, United States
This was our second visit to IU, and we are always amazed by the IMU. There are tons of dining options inside, including ice cream and fast food, plus the bookstore, computer rooms, and lots of spots to work or meet up. There's even a fireplace room, with super comfy chairs, and an excellent hotel. The building itself is beautiful and located right next to Dunn Woods, Admissions, and the center of campus.
10. Hinkle-Garton Farmstead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
