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Things to Do in Bloomington

Whether you’re new to Bloomington or a longtime resident looking for something different, this guide covers hundreds of activities, attractions, and hidden gems across Monroe County. Most are free or low-cost.

Last updated: February 2026

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🎨 Arts & Crafts

Classes & Workshops

  • Smithville Crafters – Second Monday every month at Smithville Community Center on Strain Ridge Rd. $5 per night, all skill levels welcome. Mostly older crowd but occasional teens join.
  • Gather :handmade shoppe & co: – Regular artsy activities and workshops. Shop represents regional artists and modern crafts.
  • Bloomington Fine Arts Supply – Hosts various art activities and supplies for all mediums.

DIY & At-Home Crafts

  • Paper Crafts – One of the least expensive hobbies. Start with watercolor sets, glue, glitter, and scissors. YouTube tutorials provide free instruction.
  • Adult Coloring Books – Available at local bookstores and craft stores. Pair with colored pencils or alcohol markers.
  • Basket Weaving – Many materials can be foraged locally. Learn to identify plants while developing a traditional skill.
  • Diamond Painting – Affordable supplies available at Dollar Tree. Mini diamond paintings make great starter projects.

Community Art Spaces

  • Hoosier Artist Gallery – Local artist community that showcases work in progress and finished pieces.

🥾 Outdoor Activities & Trails

Tip: Download the AllTrails app for detailed trail maps, difficulty ratings, and recent user reviews.

Nature Preserves & Parks

  • Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve – Wetlands with frogs, birds, and accessible boardwalk trails. Great for bird watching.
  • Leonard Springs Nature Park – Hidden caves and steep hiking trails. More challenging terrain.
  • Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve – Towering limestone cliffs with spectacular spring wildflowers.
  • Amy Weingartner Branigin Peninsula Preserve – Ridge trail extending into Monroe Lake. Excellent bird sanctuary.
  • Lower Cascades Park – Sheltered picnic area with creek access and playground. Family-friendly.
  • Bryan Park – Neighborhood park with pool (seasonal), tennis courts, and popular with dog walkers.
  • Karst Farm Park – County park featuring visible sinkholes and event space.

State Parks & Forests

  • McCormick’s Creek State Park – Indiana’s first state park. Multiple trail options and seasonal activities.
  • Hoosier National Forest / Charles C. Deam Wilderness – Massive wilderness area for serious hiking and backcountry camping.

Paved Trails (Accessible)

  • The B-Line Trail – Bike and pedestrian trail running through downtown Bloomington.
  • Clear Creek Trail – Quiet, paved path through woods and open fields.
  • Limestone Greenway – Follows former railroad corridor, connects to Clear Creek Trail.
  • Heritage Trail (Ellettsville) – Walking path with open skies and prairie views.

Lakes & Water Activities

  • Monroe Lake – Boating, fishing, swimming beaches. Spectacular sunsets. Multiple access points.
  • Lake Griffy – Woodsy trails, canoeing, fishing. Popular for eagle watching in winter.
  • Lake Lemon – Peaceful setting with relaxing morning views. Good for loons in migration season.
  • Fairfax Beach – Year-round destination on Lake Monroe.

Special Outdoor Experiences

  • Sculpture Trails – Outdoor art installation combining nature walks with contemporary sculpture. Learn more
  • Caving – Multiple cave systems in the area. Some require permits; others are accessible with guides.
  • Geocaching – Treasure hunting with GPS. Active community in Bloomington area.
  • Bird Watching – Lake Lemon (loons), Lake Griffy (eagles), Beanblossom Bottoms (wetland species).
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides – Scenic flights over Southern Indiana’s rolling hills.

IU Campus Green Spaces

  • Dunn Woods – Shady, peaceful walking paths at the heart of IU campus.
  • The Arboretum – Tranquil botanical haven with seasonal blooms and themed gardens.
  • IU Biology Greenhouse – Indoor rainforest, desert, and carnivorous plant collections under glass.
  • Jordan River – Small stream winding through campus. Popular study and picnic spot.

💪 Physical Activities & Sports

The Warehouse (Downtown by Switchyard)

FREE admission – One of Bloomington’s best-kept secrets for indoor activities.

  • Basketball courts
  • Air hockey tables
  • Soccer area
  • Skateboarding space
  • Volleyball courts
  • Rock climbing walls
  • Pickleball Open Play – Monday through Friday, 3-7pm. FREE

Pickleball Equipment: The Bloomington Pickleball Club is Selkirk-sponsored and has paddles available to borrow. Contact Will Bain or Matthew Slatkin. Bloomington Pickleball Club | The Warehouse Pickleball

Other Physical Activities

  • Roller Skating – Affordable monthly pass available. Three adult open skate sessions weekly, plus “Boogie & Burn” workout session. Saturday all-ages lessons available.
  • Kokoro Karate – $60/month. Visit website
  • Tennis – Public courts at Bryan Park and other city parks.
  • Frank Southern Ice Arena – Ice skating and hockey.
  • Fitness Centers – Multiple gyms available starting at $20/month.
  • Rock Climbing – Indoor facilities available year-round.

🖼️ Museums & Galleries

Art Museums

  • Eskenazi Museum of Art – Modernist building designed by I.M. Pei. World-class collection spanning ancient to contemporary art. Free admission.
  • Grunwald Gallery of Art – Contemporary exhibitions at IU. Free admission.
  • University Collections at McCalla School – Rotating exhibitions of IU’s extensive art holdings.

Science & Natural History

  • WonderLab Science Museum – Interactive science and technology exhibits for all ages. Hands-on learning experiences.
  • Glenn Black Laboratory of Archaeology – Working research lab with geology and archaeology displays. See real scientists at work.
  • Indiana Geological Survey – Research facility focused on Indiana’s unique geology and limestone industry heritage.

Cultural & Historical Museums

  • Mathers Museum of World Cultures – Global artifacts with hands-on exhibits. Excellent for families.
  • Monroe County History Center – Local history housed in the historic Carnegie Library building.
  • Lilly Library – Rare books collection including a Gutenberg Bible, first-edition Shakespeare folios, and more. Free admission.
  • Wylie House Museum – Historic home with heirloom gardens. Period furnishings and local history.
  • IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology – Collections from around the world with rotating exhibits.

Specialized Collections

  • Kinsey Institute – Research archives for sex, gender, and reproduction studies. Gallery exhibitions open to public.
  • IU Office of University Archives – Preserves IU’s extensive history. Research facilities available.

Money-Saving Tip: Many museums offer free admission days. Check individual websites or ask at the Monroe County Public Library for the current schedule.

🎭 Performance & Theater

Community Theater

  • Monroe County Civic Theater – Community theater with volunteer opportunities. Free Shakespeare in the Park every summer.
  • Constellation Stage & Screen – Professional productions. Ticket prices vary.
  • Buskirk-Chumley Theater – Historic downtown venue hosting arts performances, films, and special events.

IU Performances

  • Musical Arts Center – Student-performed ballets and operas. Professional-quality productions at student prices.
  • Jacobs School of Music Events – Year-round concerts, recitals, and performances. Many free or low-cost.
  • IU Theatre and Drama Department – Multiple productions throughout academic year. Affordable tickets.
  • IU Auditorium – Major touring productions and artists. Higher-priced tickets but world-class performances.

Music Venues

  • Bloomington Farm Stop Collective – Open mic and music evenings. No cover charge.
  • The Bluebird – (See Food & Dining section) – Live music venue
  • Landlocked Music & Tracks Music – Record stores that host occasional in-store performances.

Volunteer Opportunity: Usher at Buskirk-Chumley or other theaters to see shows free while supporting the arts.

📚 Libraries & Books

Monroe County Public Library

Free programs for adults including cooking classes, crafting, board games, gardening workshops, book clubs, movie screenings, and game nights.

Independent Bookstores

  • Morgenstern Books – Free book clubs, crafting events, and live music regularly. Cozy atmosphere. Events calendar
  • Book Corner – Bestsellers and popular favorites. Local independent bookstore.
  • Caveat Emptor Used Books – Used and rare books since 1971. Treasure hunting for bibliophiles.

Specialty Libraries

  • Lilly Library (IU) – Rare books including Gutenberg Bible. Free admission to view exhibitions.
  • IU Libraries – Main library and subject-specific branches. Some areas open to public.

🎲 Gaming & Hobbies

Tabletop Gaming

  • Common Room – Role-playing games including Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, and Warhammer. Buy a few dice and play for decades. Welcoming community for new players.
  • Board Game Nights – Check Monroe County Public Library calendar for free board game events.

Comics & Collectibles

  • Vintage Phoenix Comic Books – Comics, graphic novels, and action figures. Active gaming community.
  • Hobby Card Shops – Multiple locations for trading card games. Browse for free.

At-Home Activities

  • Jigsaw Puzzles – Available at local stores or check out from library. Recommend 300-500 piece puzzles for manageable challenge.
  • Video Games – Solo or cooperative play.
  • Lock Picking – Inexpensive hobby that develops problem-solving skills. Has come in handy for locked-out residents!

🍽️ Food & Dining

For complete restaurant listings, visit our Bloomington Food & Drink page.

Breakfast & Cafés

  • The Runcible Spoon – Quirky, cozy breakfast café. Local favorite.
  • The Uptown Cafe – Historic Bloomington landmark known for hearty breakfasts.
  • Hopscotch Coffee – Great for working or meeting friends. Strong coffee culture.
  • Hive – Bright, community café on the east side.
  • Rainbow Bakery – Vegan-friendly with vintage charm.

Pizza

  • Mother Bear’s Pizza – Campus favorite, famous for deep-dish.
  • Pizza X – Local delivery favorite since 1982.
  • Lennie’s – Gourmet pizza and craft beer pioneer.

International Cuisine

  • Siam House – Award-winning authentic Thai restaurant.
  • Little Tibet – Tibetan, Indian, and Thai cuisine. Cultural education hub.
  • Samira Restaurant & Turkuaz Café – Authentic Afghan cuisine, family-owned.
  • The Trojan Horse Restaurant and Tavern – Historic Greek restaurant, famous gyros and falafels.
  • Osteria Rago – Authentic Italian in an 1880s carriage house.
  • La Bonita Restaurant and Market – Authentic Mexican cuisine with cultural market.

Local Favorites

  • Nick’s English Hut – Historic IU bar and campus hangout since 1927.
  • FARMbloomington – Celebrates local Indiana ingredients with global flavors.
  • Janko’s Little Zagreb – Renowned steakhouse and local dining tradition.
  • Dagwood’s Deli Sub Shop – “Most popular sandwich shop” since 1989.
  • The Owlery Restaurant – Vegan-friendly with local and organic ingredients.
  • Malibu Grill – Downtown seafood and steak for special occasions.
  • Jiffy Treat (Ellettsville) – Very affordable classic diner. Under $15 for two people.

Breweries & Wineries

  • Upland Brewing Company – Original Bloomington craft brewery with pub food.
  • Oliver Winery – Picnic-ready vineyard north of town. Tastings and events.
  • The Tap – Community hub with extensive craft beer selection.

Farmers Market & Co-ops

  • Bloomington Farmers Market – Saturday mornings downtown. Local produce, prepared foods, crafts.
  • Bloomington Farm Stop Collective – Farmer co-op with local produce, meat, dairy, crafts, and café.
  • Bloomingfoods Co-op – Local grocery with bulk bins, organic produce, and prepared foods.

🛒 Markets & Shopping

International Markets

  • World Foods Market – Global food products from dozens of countries.
  • 4th Street International Market – Hidden gem: international grocery, restaurant, and kitchen supplies.
  • B-Town International Market – Focus on Asian products and ingredients.
  • Rong Cheng Supermarket – Chinese and Asian grocery staples.
  • Little Italy Market – Authentic Italian and specialty international foods.
  • La Bodega Latin Market – Mexican market and taqueria with fresh tortillas made daily.
  • Apna Bazaar International Market – Family-owned authentic Indian groceries.

Specialty Food Shops

  • The Butcher’s Block – Locally-owned custom butcher, seafood market, and smokehouse.
  • Goods for Cooks – Thousands of kitchen items for culinary enthusiasts.
  • The Olive Leaf – Tasting gallery for olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and gourmet specialties.
  • Btown Bodega – Local community market.

Vintage & Antiques

  • Bloomington Antique Mall – Historic downtown mall for antiques and collectibles.
  • Cherry Canary Vintage Clothing – Vintage clothing and collectibles.
  • Vintage Vogue by GW – Goodwill boutique for pre-owned clothing and art.

Gifts & Local Artisans

  • Gather :handmade shoppe & co: – Represents regional artists and modern crafts.
  • Global Gifts – Fair trade jewelry, accessories, and décor from 40 countries.
  • Greetings on Kirkwood – Quirky and Hoosier-proud gift and apparel shop.

Books, Music & Comics

  • Landlocked Music & Tracks Music – Bloomington’s premiere record stores since 1988.
  • Vintage Phoenix Comic Books – Comics, graphic novels, action figures.
  • Book Corner, Caveat Emptor, Morgenstern Books – See Libraries & Books section.

IU Spirit

  • IU Bookstore & IU Varsity Shop – Official IU apparel and merchandise.

🎓 IU Campus Resources & Landmarks

Observatories & Planetariums

  • Kirkwood Observatory – Free public viewing nights after spring break, one evening per week. Historic astronomy site.
  • Morgan Observatory – Located atop Jordan Hall of Science. Public viewing nights available.
  • Jordan Hall Planetarium – Shows and educational programs.

Outdoor Recreation

  • IU Outdoor Adventures – Events, facilities, and gear rental. Non-students can participate in many programs.

Iconic Campus Landmarks

  • Sample Gates – Iconic IU entrance on Kirkwood Avenue. Popular photo spot.
  • Showalter Fountain – Elegant landmark and student gathering place.
  • Rose Well House – Romantic limestone gazebo with good-luck kissing tradition.
  • Memorial Stadium – Home of IU football.
  • Assembly Hall – Legendary Hoosier basketball arena.
  • Ballantine Hall Stairs – Infamous “Stairs of Death” test student endurance.
  • Indiana Memorial Union – Grand student union with hotel, restaurants, and bowling alley.

Academic Buildings Open to Public

  • Jordan Hall of Science – State-of-the-art facility with public spaces.
  • Lilly Library – See Museums section.
  • Various IU Museums – See Museums section.

📅 Community Events & Calendars

Event Calendars

  • WFHB Community Events Calendar – Comprehensive community events. View calendar
  • City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation – Free and low-cost events. Program Guide covers December 2025 – April 2026.
  • Monroe County Public Library Events – See Libraries section for link.
  • Morgenstern Books Events – See Libraries section for link.

Annual Events & Festivals

  • Bloomington Farmers Market – Every Saturday morning downtown, April through November.
  • Lotus Festival – September celebration of world music downtown. Multi-day festival.
  • Little 500 – Student-run bicycle race in April with big party atmosphere. IU tradition since 1951.
  • Shakespeare in the Park – Free summer theater by Monroe County Civic Theater.

Public Art & Landmarks

  • “McDoel Blooms” Street Mural – Community-designed mural celebrating neighborhood identity.
  • “OT 987” – Interactive light sculpture bridging modern tech and sculptural history.
  • Captain Janeway Statue – Sci-fi tribute to Star Trek’s Kathryn Janeway, born in Bloomington in Star Trek canon.
  • Trombone Guy – Unofficial Kirkwood Avenue soundtrack. Local busker, always smiling.

Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD)

Designated arts and culture zone in the city core. Multiple venues, galleries, and performance spaces clustered downtown.

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Environmental & Outdoor

  • Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park – Trail maintenance, events, conservation projects.
  • Sycamore Land Trust – Land stewardship and habitat restoration.
  • Community Orchards – Seasonal harvest and maintenance work.

Food Security

  • Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Garden – Growing fresh produce for food pantry clients.
  • Hoosier Hills Food Pantry Garden – Community gardening with donated harvests.
  • Farm to Family Gleaning – Harvest excess produce at local farms for donation. Active at winter farmer’s market.

Arts & Culture

  • Monroe County Civic Theater – On-stage and backstage volunteer roles.
  • Theater Ushering – Buskirk-Chumley and other venues. See shows free while supporting the arts.
  • WonderLab Museum – Education and event support.

Social Services

  • Winter Shelter – Desperately needs volunteers. Overnight and daytime shifts available.

Animal Welfare

  • Humane Society – Animal socialization, adoption events, facility support.
  • Cat’s Closet – Cat rescue and adoption center.

✨ Special Interest Groups

  • Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) – Medieval arts, sciences, and combat. $55 yearly membership optional; participation open to all. Regular meetings and events.
  • Spencer Pride Birding Group – LGBTQ+ friendly bird watching community. Regular outings.
  • Women In Nature Gaining Skills (WINGS) – Outdoor skills workshops for women. Facebook page
  • Paper Tiger Recovery – Low-cost holistic classes for those in recovery. Supportive community.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Animal Activities

Cat Cafés

Two cat cafés in Bloomington offer activities like bingo and diamond art. Activities typically start at $7 each. Interact with adoptable cats while enjoying refreshments.

Farm Experiences

  • Local Farms – Some offer U-pick, farm tours, and seasonal events. One local farmer even welcomes help with summer goat milking (free activity, both nature and physical).

Animal Encounters

  • Humane Society – Visit adoptable animals. They need attention and socialization.
  • Cat’s Closet – Hang out with rescue cats.

🛕 Spiritual & Retreat Centers

  • Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center – Quiet retreat center south of town. Connected with the Dalai Lama. Meditation sessions, walking paths, and peaceful grounds open to public.

👻 Local Lore & Legends

Film & Pop Culture

  • The Quarry – Famous limestone swimming hole from the movie “Breaking Away” (1979). Now closed to swimming but still a cultural landmark. Visible from nearby areas.

Ghost Stories & Urban Legends

  • Stepp Cemetery – Local ghost story site said to be haunted by a crying woman. Wooded cemetery off a rural road.
  • Dunn Cemetery – IU-adjacent cemetery with local lore about crying babies. Part of campus ghost tour traditions.
  • Monroe Lake’s Submerged Communities – Urban legend of lost towns and cemeteries beneath Monroe Lake waters. Lake was created by damming in 1960s.
  • Wells Library Sinking Legend – Urban myth that IU’s main library is slowly sinking due to book weight or underground cave. Not true, but beloved campus story.

Historic Landmarks

  • Sample Gates – IU’s iconic limestone entrance gates on Kirkwood Avenue.
  • Kirkwood Avenue – Historic main street connecting campus to downtown.

🏘️ Neighborhoods & Areas to Explore

  • Kirkwood Avenue – Lively street connecting IU campus to downtown. Shops, restaurants, street performers.
  • Downtown Square – Courthouse square with surrounding restaurants and shops.
  • Ellettsville – Quiet town just west of Bloomington. Small-town feel, local businesses.
  • The Bloomington Bubble – Affectionate nickname for Bloomington’s progressive, college-town vibe within more conservative Indiana.
  • Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD) – Designated cultural zone in city center.

Note: Avoid Seminary Park after dark. Known for drug activity and safety concerns.

🚗 Getting Around Bloomington

Major Routes

  • The Bypass – High-traffic loop road (State Road 45/46 Bypass) around Bloomington’s south and west sides.
  • 3rd Street – Classic east-west corridor. Expect traffic during rush hours.
  • Kirkwood Avenue – Main campus-to-downtown route. Heavy pedestrian traffic.

Trails for Biking & Walking

See Outdoor Activities section for complete trail listings including B-Line Trail, Clear Creek Trail, and Limestone Greenway.

📋 Additional Resources

Stay Connected

  • Bloomington Online – This site! Your source for local business listings, events, and community information.
  • WFHB Community Radio – Local independent radio with community event coverage.
  • City of Bloomington Official Site – Parks, recreation, and city services information.

Planning Your Visit or Move

  • Accommodation: Indiana Memorial Union Hotel (on IU campus), plus numerous hotels along North Walnut and the Bypass.
  • Best Times to Visit: Fall (September-October) for foliage and Little 500; Spring (April-May) for blooms and outdoor activities; Summer for festivals including Lotus.
  • Parking: Downtown metered parking; free parking at many trails and county parks; IU visitor parking available.

Get Involved

Know of an activity, venue, or resource we should add to this guide? Contact us or submit a suggestion.

Are you a local business offering activities or experiences? Add your business to Bloomington Online.

Last updated: February 2026. We review and update this guide regularly to ensure accuracy.