Bloomington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bloomington which includes a garden
Bloomington featuring a park
Bloomington
Oliver Winery which includes a garden 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 Buskirk Chumley Theater.

Downtown Bloomington
Bloomington

Old Northeast Downtown

Though Old Northeast Downtown may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Monroe County Courthouse and Wonderlab Science Museum.

Old Northeast Downtown
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Bryan Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bryan Park and surrounding area, you can visit Monroe County Courthouse and Wonderlab Science Museum.

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

Prospect Hill

While there might not be top attractions in Prospect Hill, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Wonderlab Science Museum and Monroe County Courthouse.

Prospect Hill
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Barclay Gardens

Though Barclay Gardens may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like IU Opera and Ballet Theater and Indiana University Auditorium.

Barclay Gardens
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Green Acres

While there might not be top attractions in Green Acres, you can explore the larger area and discover places like IU Opera and Ballet Theater and Indiana University Auditorium.

Green Acres
Biddle Hotel and Conference Center

Biddle Hotel and Conference Center

3 out of 5
900 E. 7th St., Bloomington, IN
The price is NZ$218 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$218
20 July - 21 July
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! (1,273 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Biddle Hotel and Conference Center
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 NZ$197 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$197
30 July - 31 July
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! (1,178 reviews)
"Great for the price compared to more expensive properties in Bloomington. Room was cleaned every day without asking, which is not the standard. Ten thumbs up! :)"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bloomington
Hyatt Place Bloomington

Hyatt Place Bloomington

3 out of 5
217 W. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN
The price is NZ$209 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$209
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location, large rooms, comfortable beds and good air conditioning!"

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Place Bloomington
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.
Adventurewood Luxury Log Cabin - Hot Tub, Fireplace, Pool Table

Adventurewood Luxury Log Cabin - Hot Tub, Fireplace, Pool Table

Bloomington
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Bloomington. Enjoy a garden, a pool table, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (337 reviews)
"Great for a Girl's trip, everything was perfect, will tell our friends and be back ourselves!! Thank you Jeff and Amy for your hospitality!!"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Adventurewood Luxury Log Cabin - Hot Tub, Fireplace, Pool Table
Hoot Owl Cabin - Your home away from home!

Hoot Owl Cabin - Your home away from home!

Bloomington
Stay at this cabin in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bob Klawitter Lake Lemon Woods and Lutheran Hills Lake ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (213 reviews)
Anniversary Trip
"Nice little get away for our 42nd Anniversary."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Hoot Owl Cabin - Your home away from home!
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 27 May 2025

Stunning 4-BR Houses with On-Site Pool
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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