Bloomington, IN

Travel Guide
Bloomington which includes a garden
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.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bloomington
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bloomington
2.5 out of 5
3380 W Runklel Way, Bloomington, IN
The price is ¥12,864 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥12,864
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
Very helpful staff.
"The staff was very helpful. I stayed there, with 2 grandchildren, specifically to use the pool. We wanted to swim before checkout, but the pool was not ready 10AM. They got it functioning about 10: 30 and let use check out late so we could go swimming. Everyone was very helpful. The hotel was clean ..."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bloomington
Graduate Bloomington
Graduate Bloomington
4 out of 5
210 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN
The price is ¥18,766 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥18,766
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,017 reviews)
"Great hotel. The front desk staff were excellent. Very friendly and helpful with any request or suggestion. The basic room was a little small but the room was clean and the bed very comfortable."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Graduate Bloomington
Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington
Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington
3 out of 5
245 North College Avenue, Bloomington, IN
The price is ¥16,157 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
¥16,157
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Very clean. Parking garage right behind the property was convenient. Great location if going to anything at IU,"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Hilton Garden Inn 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.
The Hoosier Lake Townhouse
The Hoosier Lake Townhouse
Bloomington
Stay at this vacation home in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Monroe and Paynetown Beach are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Beautiful view of lake through the forest. Birds songs off the back deck and deer on the grounds."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2023

The Hoosier Lake Townhouse
Cabin : Modern & Cozy  A-Frame Cabin, minutes away from downtown Bloomington
Cabin : Modern & Cozy A-Frame Cabin, minutes away from downtown Bloomington
Bloomington
Stay at this cabin in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a porch. Popular attractions Bloomington Speedway and Lake Monroe are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Worth Every Penny
"The property was hospitable, clean, and well worth the stay with all the necessary amenities. Local stores were not unreasonably far, however the property well far away enough from the hustle and bustle of a city environment. Plenty of space to relax and enjoy time away from home, but definitely ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Cabin : Modern & Cozy A-Frame Cabin, minutes away from downtown Bloomington
Spacious and Secluded Cabin with Outdoor Hot tub!
Spacious and Secluded Cabin with Outdoor Hot tub!
Bloomington
Stay at this cabin in Bloomington. Enjoy onsite parking, an arcade/game room, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attraction T.C. Steele State Historic Site is ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
Great family gathering place
"Key was each bedroom had its own bathroom. Decent sized living space for 7."

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2023

Spacious and Secluded Cabin with Outdoor Hot tub!
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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