12 Best Things To Do In Bloomington, Indiana

1. Explore art from all over the world in the Eskenazi Museum of Art

The Eskenazi Museum of Art was constructed and completed in 1982 with the noble mission of encouraging active learning through direct engagement with art. Visitors will have the chance to explore art from all over the globe in seven of its galleries. Not only are the collections worth all your time and attention, but the museum also features special exhibitions and art study rooms for a behind-the-scenes look.

The museum’s first director, Henry Radford Hope, spent a lot of his time and effort collecting museum-quality prints and drawings by the great masters from the 15th century to the present. You will like the photography collection, which includes the archives of stalwarts such as Henry Holmes Smith, Art Sinsabaugh, and Jeffrey A. Wolin.

Eskenazi Museum of Art

Address: Eskenazi Museum of Art, 1133 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States

Website: Eskenazi Museum of Art

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free

2. Marvel at modern photography in Pictura Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Pictura Gallery was created in 2008 on Bloomington Square with the vision of expanding and nurturing the local arts community. It brings together artists from all walks of life and different spheres such as photographers, poets, sculptors, illustrators, musicians, painters, and dancers.

Through exhibits, lectures, workshops, and engaging performances, Pictura Gallery presents art that is not only shared but taught as well. Though it began with photography exhibits, other mediums were included with the passage of time in a space where photography can interact with other forms of art seamlessly.

Pictura Gallery

Address: 202 S Rogers St, Bloomington, IN 47404, United States

Website: Pictura Gallery

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

3. Intrigue your senses at WonderLab Science Museum

Visitors to Bloomington should visit the amazing WonderLab Science Museum to experience its exceptional exhibits. With its numerous exhibits, families can engage with their little ones in problem-solving, educational demonstrations, and science displays. At Fitzgerald Hall of Natural Science, visitors can discover creepy-crawly creatures in replicated natural habitats. The Wonder Under the Waves exhibit features a giant saltwater aquarium with a coral reef ecosystem and diverse marine life. With so much to see and do, WonderLab Science Museum checks all the boxes for a must-see family attraction.

WonderLab Science Museum

Address: 308 W 4th Street, Bloomington, IN 47404, United States

Website: WonderLab Sciene Museum

Opening hours: Thu: 10am - 12:30pm, 1:30 - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 12:30 pm, 1:30 - 4pm (closed on Sun - Wed & Fri)

Price: 52 USD

4. Pray at Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Centre

Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Centre is nestled amongst Bloomington’s rolling hills and tranquil forest environment. All are welcome to enter the temple to join in learning the peaceful teachings of Buddha. Visitors can worship alongside fellow adherents against the backdrop of vibrant illustrations depicting Buddhist teachings. Visitors can pray at the same centre that the Dalai Lama visited in October 2007. Besides voluntary donations, there is a gift shop where visitors can purchase religious items to help maintain the centre.

Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Centre

Address: 3655 S Snoddy Road, Bloomington, IN 47401, United States

Website: Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Centre

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

5. Solve puzzles at Enigma Puzzle House, Escape Games

Come solve puzzles, murder mysteries, and escape reality at Enigma Puzzle House, Escape Games. Groups from two to fourteen can join in the problem-solving fun by entering these spacious rooms filled with intriguing puzzles and props. Players are given an hour to solve the puzzle or mystery. Each room can be exited at any time which may prove helpful for claustrophobia sufferers or those experiencing adverse reactions to the room decor. This attraction is ideal for those seeking a venue to celebrate special occasions.

Enigma Puzzle House, Escape Games

Address: 2660 E 2nd Street, Bloomington, IN 47401, United States

Website: Enigma Puzzle House, Escape Games

Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 18 - 25 USD

6. Search for waterfalls at Lower Cascades Park

While visiting Bloomington, Indiana, get some exercise by hitting the trails at Lower Cascades Park. The trail is open year-round and is ideal for hikers of all skill levels. Winding through woodland along White River, the earthen path features small waterfalls, trickling creeks, and native wildlife. There are benches and picnic shelters to catch your breath while walking, running, or hiking along the forest trail. Remember to put your pet on a leash while enjoying your excursion into nature.

Lower Cascades Park

Address: 2851 Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47404, United States

Website: Lower Cascades Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

7. Discover Bloomington's past at Monroe County History Centre

While checking out Bloomington, stop by Carnegie Library Building to visit Monroe County History Centre. Visitors can learn about Monroe County’s local history through exhibits featuring artefacts from its past. The museum contains an extensive library on local genealogy where visitors can learn about historically important local figures and citizens. Volunteers are eager to help those researching their family’s ancestry or important historical moments. To help fund the museum, wander over to the gift shop to purchase locally crafted souvenirs.

Monroe County History Center

Address: 202 E 6th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408, United States

Website: Monroe County History Center

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat - Mon)

Price: 40 USD

8. Cycle Wapehani Mountain Bike Park's nature trails

Nature enthusiasts and mountain bikers alike will enjoy cycling across Wapehani Mountain Bike Park’s nature trails. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air as they buzz along the miles of woodland trails. There are jumps, steep climbs, and descents through the forest which will provide plenty of enjoyment for riders. While riding, make sure to watch out for native wildlife sharing the trails. Wapehani Mountain Bike Park provides an escape into Bloomington’s natural wonderland to experience its beautiful scenery. With emerald forests, creeks, and a lake surrounded by wildflowers and lush grasslands, the park is worth a visit.

Wapehani Mountain Bike Park

Address: 3401 W Wapehani Road, Bloomington, IN 47403, United States

Website: Wapehani Mountain Bike Park

Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

9. Indulge in wine-tasting at Oliver Winery

Oliver Winery staff’s passion for winemaking is clearly on display throughout the property. All their wines are infused with love as well as traditional white and red grapes. Come visit Indiana’s top wine destination for a tasting of their bubbly, fruity, and full-bodied wines. Book a picnic to enjoy savoury charcuterie plates accompanied by desserts and their choicest wines in beautiful gardens. Before leaving, purchase bottles of classic, pink cherry, and blueberry Moscatos for your dazzling Fourth of July celebration.

Oliver Winery

Address: 200 E Winery Road, Bloomington, IN 47404, United States

Website: Oliver Winery

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun - Thu: 12pm - 6pm

Price: Free

10. Delve into history at Monroe County Courthouse

Monroe County Courthouse was built in 1908 in Bloomington, Indiana, to serve as the seat of government for Monroe County. Its white stone facade features ethereal columns rising from the second to the third storey. Upon entering the building, visitors looking heavenward will discover the dome’s ornate stain-glass ceiling. While in Bloomington, try to reserve a guided tour to learn about Beaux-Arts building’s history in Monroe County, Indiana.

Monroe County Courthouse

Address: 610 Monroe Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, United States

Website: Monroe County Courthouse

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

11. Dine on a sumptuous feast at Malibu Grill

Head over to Malibu Grill to dine on seafood, steak, wood-fired pizzas, and pasta dishes in a stylish bistro setting. Sit back and relax in the comfortable leather booths while waiting for your creative cocktails and craft beers to arrive. Savour your succulent shrimp cocktail before enjoying your Hawaiian ribeye with seared pineapple, wood-fired vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The tropical-themed Malibu Grill also has a children’s menu for little diners. During the summer, patio seating is available to patrons hoping to experience Bloomington’s warmer weather accompanied by crisp salads and burgers.

Malibu Grill

Address: 106 N Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN 47404, United States

Website: Malibu Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri -Sat: 12pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Price: 11-30 USD

12. Encounter Bloomington's wildlife at Leonard Springs Nature Park

Leonard Springs Trail begins at Ridgetop Road’s parking lot and extends 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometres) to the park’s restrooms. Make sure to pack along a water bottle as there is no drinkable water available in the park. Hikers and cyclists visiting can experience wetlands, caves, Shirley Springs, and steep slopes along the rugged trail interspersed with a wooden boardwalk. During a nature excursion, visitors will encounter cascading waterfalls, native wildlife, and fauna. To maintain the park’s natural state, please be sure to stay on the trail so as not to disturb the plants or animals.

Leonard Spring Nature Park

Address: 4685 S Leonard Springs Road, Bloomington, IN 47403, United States

Website: Leonard Springs Nature Park

Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

Explore University City's Midwestern gems

Visitors to Bloomington will be able to explore its Midwestern culture accompanied by international influences throughout the city. The city is full of cultural centres, art galleries, and nature trails to experience. After enjoying University City’s amazing sights and sounds, visitors will desire a return trip to experience more of the Hoosier State’s hospitality and its Midwestern gem.