Best Things to Do in Bloomington, Indiana

03/04/2024

27/02/2023

Indiana University

Covering a huge part of the city center, Indiana University has a lovely park-like layout with lots of green spaces lying amidst all its historic halls and college buildings. Its flagship campus has a very lively, youthful feel with concerts, sports events and art shows taking place all the time.

Since being founded in 1820, the prestigious public institute of higher education has had a profound impact on the growth, development and identity of Bloomington. Once past its iconic Sample Gates entrance, you’ll find beautifully maintained grounds and dozens of impressive old libraries, some art galleries and museums.

To learn all about the university and life on campus, make sure to take one of its daily tours. These take you past sites such as the Old Crescent historic district and even into some of the students’ halls of residence. At the Memorial Stadium, you can watch the Hoosiers college football team play with action-packed basketball games held at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

27/02/2023

Oliver Winery

After all the sightseeing and strenuous outdoor activities, why not sit back and sip a refreshing glass of wine at the award-winning Oliver Winery. Located just off of Interstate 69, some fifteen minutes drive north of downtown, it has terrific tours and tastings for you to enjoy at their fertile vineyard.

Originally the passion project of William Oliver, another professor at Indiana University, the winery has now wowed wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike for the last fifty years. At its secluded site, guests can see how their fruity reds, whites and roses are produced before sampling some either in its tasting room or on the terrace looking out over the gorgeous gardens.

Both the largest and oldest winery in Indiana, it now distributes its incredible collection of wines to over forty states all around the country.

25/02/2023

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Just a stone’s throw away is the brilliant Buskirk-Chumley Theater which puts on all kinds of superb concerts and shows. Part of the Courthouse Square Historic District, the atmospheric old venue is a magical place to enjoy a performance with something new and interesting taking place all the time.

Originally opened in 1922 as a vaudeville house, it boasts some exquisite Spanish Mission Revival style architecture while a bright red neon marquee greets you at the entrance. Thankfully restored to its former glory in the nineties, its grand lobby and mezzanine areas now showcase some delightful Art Deco decor.

In the community theater’s intimate auditorium, you can watch everything from local ballet recitals and student stand-up comedy nights to concerts by big-name acts and shows by touring orchestras. Film festivals are also held here as are lectures, plays by local theater troops and Christmas specials.

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23/02/2023

McCormick’s Creek State Park

A very peaceful and picturesque place to explore, McCormick’s Creek State Park can be found just twenty-five minutes drive northwest of downtown. Amidst its scenic confines, visitors can hike and horseback ride about with some fabulous fishing and camping also being on offer.

The oldest state park in Indiana, it was established back in 1916 to protect all its craggy limestone landscapes and pristine woods. Centered around the quiet creek and canyon of the same name, it has some fantastic waterfalls for you to hike to with other trails taking you by hidden caves or alongside the rambling river.

There is also an old quarry to stop by and a swimming pool, tennis courts and a recreation centre for guests to make use of. Much of its infrastructure was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the thirties with campgrounds and the cosy Canyon Inn providing outdoor lovers with accommodation should they want to spend longer in the park.

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