Visit Bloomington is the best guide for restaraunts, parks, museums, and all that Bloomington has to offer. We've highlighted a few of our favorites below.
We may be biased, but this is our favorite yoga studio in town!
Located in the heart of the Indiana University campus, the Eskenazi Museum of Art is a work of art itself. Designed by I.M. Pei, the architect behind the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Eskenazi Museum of Art has no 90-degree angles except where structurally-necessary.
There are over 45,000 objects available for observation in the museum, including ancient Greek pottery, Renaissance panels, Asian treasures dating back to the third millennium BC, and contemporary works from Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Claude Monet. With pieces from nearly every art-producing culture throughout history, the museum prides itself on using art as a means to shape the way visitors understand the human experience.
Admission: Free
A internationally-revered rare book and manuscript library serving as a resource for scholars throughout the world, as well as a center of cultural enrichment available to the public, the Lilly Library offers over 8.5 million manuscripts, 450,000 books, 150,000 pieces of sheet music, 30,000 mechanical puzzles, and a variety of other interesting cultural artifacts.
A few of the library's most notable items include the first printed edition of The Canterbury Tales, a New Testatment of the Gutenburg Bible, the First Folio of Shakespeare's works, George Washington's letter accepting the presidency of the United States, the Boxer Codex, Thomas Jefferson’s personal copy of the Bill of Rights, and the intimate & fascinating archives of cultural luminaries such as Orson Welles, Sylvia Plath, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
Exhibits vary throughout the year. On permanent exhibit is the Gutenberg Bible, printed before 1456, and John James Audubon's "Birds of America" prints.
Admission: Free
Dedicated to the people of Tibet, this Cultural Center, located on 90 acres just south of town, offers a relaxing and peaceful setting for meditation and reflection. The Tibetan Chortens here (2) are the only ones in the nation. The TMBCC was established by Indiana University Professor Emeritus Thubten J. Norbu in 1979 to acquaint people with the history and culture of Tibet and to support Tibetans everywhere. Throughout the year, it provides a place for workshops, teachings, seminars, initiations, retreats and ceremonies relating to the Tibetan and Mongolian cultures. Highlights include the Kumbum Chamtse Ling Temple, butter sculptures, a permanent sand mandala and many other works of art. Excellent grounds for an outdoor nature walk surrounded by the art Tibet.
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is comprised of a 109-acre lake surrounded by a 1,200-acre nature preserve. The stunning grounds are located mere minutes from Indiana University's campus, a pleasantly shocking discovery for those who have never stumbled across the serene property. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of town to ground yourself in nature at the preserve — there are several activities to choose from at Griffy Lake. Great for hiking trails of all levels, or rent a canoe or paddle board to get out on the water. Please note: swimming is prohibited.
For Kids! At WonderLab, visitors of all ages enjoy the experience of hands-on science. Discover science exhibits that encourage exploration, spark curiosity and delight the imagination. Come play with us!
Switchyard Park is a nearly 58-acre park in downtown Bloomington. The park offers an enormous playground at its south-most end that includes rock walls & hills, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, tunnels, traditional & accessible swings, various climbing apparatuses, multiple slides, bench swings, and more.
Other amenities at Switchyard Park include a splash pad, a community garden, a dog park, a skatepark, a pavilion, an amphitheater, a picnic shelter, numerous fitness stations, a shaded bosque with bistro tables & chairs, a stage & performance lawn, as well as basketball, pickleball, and bocce ball courts. One mile of the B-Line Trail also runs alongside the park.
Discover Upland Beer, where passion meets craft. Explore our exceptional brews, unique flavors, and the vibrant culture that defines us.
Erin's Favorite: Spinach Artichoke Dip
Eryn's Favorite: Thai Tofu Salad
Favorite Beers: Patio Cat, Two of Tarts, Campside, Champagne Velvet
Easygoing tavern serving local craft beers & a wide-ranging menu of eats, including gourmet pizzas.
Erin's Favorite: Bacon Turkey Melt, Spinach & Artichoke Torta
Eryn's Favorite: Bacon Turkey Melt, Caribbean Ahi Tuna Salad
Favorite Beer: Clown Convention Hazy IPA, 10-Speed Mosaic Wheat
Best bagels in bloomington, locally owned, boiled and baked.
Erin's Favorite: Pretzel bagel with Sausage, Egg, and Jalepeno Schmear OR Asiago with Sun dried Tomato Schmear
Eryn's Favorite: Jalepeno Cheddar bagel with Bacon, Egg and Cheddar OR Eleven Grain Everyseed with Artichoke Gouda Schmear and Tomato
South Indian specialties served in a bright cafe with wine; beer, plus a lunch buffet.
Erins Favorite: Saag Paneer, Butter Chicken, and Garlic Naan
Eryns Favorite: Butter Chicken, Dal Tarka, and Vegetable Samosa
Thai curries, stir-fries & other dishes in a casual space with outdoor seats & weekday lunch buffet.
Erins Favorites: Pad Thai, Spicy Thai Basil Rice, Crispy Spring Rolls
Eryns Favorites: Spicy Thai Basil Rice, Yellow Curry, Fresh Spring Rolls
A bar meant for hanging out with your friends in Bloomington, Indiana
A cocktail bar hidden away from the bustle of downtown Bloomington’s Kirkwood Avenue.
We serve great cocktails with a cool speak-easy vibe. Reservations are recommended, but not required.
At our distillery restaurant & bar, you can enjoy cocktails and food, take a distillery tour + tasting, or simply sample our spirits. Welcome!