Bloomington

Travel Guide

Bloomington featuring a park
Bloomington which includes a park
Bloomington
Oliver Winery showing a park as well as a small group of people
Bloomington

Discover this fascinating Central Indiana town by strolling through its historic university campus, swimming in the state’s largest lake and treating the kids to fun activities.

Bloomington is best known as the home of Indiana University but there’s a lot more to this town than college life. Discover its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, thriving local arts scene and relaxed way of life. 

Plan to spend some of your vacation time enjoying Bloomington’s outdoor escapes. Take one of the short walking trails through Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. See caves, wetlands and springs as you make your way along the 1.1-mile (1.7-kilometer) trail in Leonard Springs Nature Park, located about 15 minutes drive southwest of downtown. About 10 miles (16 kilometers) outside of Bloomington is Lake Monroe, Indiana’s largest lake. Dive in for a swim or go waterskiing, fishing or boating.

Bloomington’s downtown area is easily walkable. The network of bike lanes makes cycling a good option too. Visit the shops, restaurants and theaters to mingle with the international students and locals. View contemporary artworks on the Gallery Walk Bloomington that takes in 11 art galleries. 

Enter the Sample Gates to explore Indiana University’s campus. Take a walking tour over the beautiful grounds and stroll along Old Crescent, part of the original 1820 campus. Admire the stonework of the Student Building with its clock tower. Relax in the Arboretum, an open green space.

Despite being a college town, Bloomington has many attractions for families too. WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology is full of interactive science exhibits, while Hoosier Heights has challenging climbing walls and structures for kids. Other attractions include a farm, an entertainment center with inflatable slides and a large obstacle course. 

For your evening’s entertainment have a drink in a cozy bar and a meal on Fourth Street. This is nicknamed the “Restaurant Row,” with many restaurants housed in former homes. After dinner, catch a performance at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, a renovated vaudeville and silent movie house.

Situated in the American Midwest, Bloomington is about an hour’s drive from Indianapolis, which has an international airport. Thanks to a regular shuttle service, it’s easy to get to the artistic, cultural and natural attractions of Bloomington.

Where to stay in Bloomington

Bloomington

Downtown Bloomington

While visiting Downtown Bloomington, you might make a stop by sights like Monroe County Courthouse and Bloomington Community Farmers' Market.

Downtown Bloomington
Bloomington

Old Northeast Downtown

While Old Northeast Downtown isn't home to many top sights, Monroe County Courthouse and Wonderlab Science Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

Old Northeast Downtown
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Bryan Park

Though Bryan Park might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Monroe County Courthouse and Wonderlab Science Museum.

Bryan Park
Wonderlab Science Museum which includes interior views as well as a small group of people

Prospect Hill

While Prospect Hill might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Wonderlab Science Museum and Monroe County Courthouse.

Prospect Hill
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Barclay Gardens

While Barclay Gardens might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like IU Opera and Ballet Theater and Indiana University Auditorium.

Barclay Gardens
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Green Acres

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Green Acres and surrounding area, you can visit IU Opera and Ballet Theater and Indiana University Auditorium.

Green Acres
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bloomington

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bloomington

3 out of 5
3380 W Runklel Way, Bloomington, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,815 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,815
P6,512 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,196 reviews)
"Customer Service was great. Nice stay."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bloomington
Biddle Hotel and Conference Center

Biddle Hotel and Conference Center

3 out of 5
900 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN
The price is P6,660 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P6,660
P7,460 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 restaurants, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,295 reviews)
Excellent location!
"Excellent location!"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Biddle Hotel and Conference Center
Cascades Inn

Cascades Inn

2 out of 5
2601 N Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN
Stay at this motel in Bloomington. Enjoy 2 meeting rooms, a garden, and a fireplace in the lobby. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Cascades Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool

Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool

4 out of 5
1310 N Denver Rd, Bloomington, IN
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly vacation home in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Butler Winery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Really nice!"

Reviewed on May 27, 2025

Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool
Postcard Cabins Brown County

Postcard Cabins Brown County

2 out of 5
6249 Poplar Grove Rd, Columbus, IN
Stay at this cabin in Columbus. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attraction Southwest Community Field is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Enjoyed the peacefulness without any distractions"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Postcard Cabins Brown County
3rd Floor Back Side Corner Penthouse Suite - 308 by Grand Wood Suites

3rd Floor Back Side Corner Penthouse Suite - 308 by Grand Wood Suites

3 out of 5
201 N Van Buren St, Nashville, IN
Stay at this 3-star condo in Nashville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Brown County State Park and Brown ...
3rd Floor Back Side Corner Penthouse Suite - 308 by Grand Wood Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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