home - site map - contact us  
   



where to stay
indiana university
great outdoors
arts and entertainment
going out
uniquely bloomington
check availability
calendar of events
customized travel planner

Calendar of Events
 September 2010  Next
S M T W T F S
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
View Week 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
View Week 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
View Week 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
View Week 26 27 28 29 30 1 2
visiting campus attractions/landmarks academics athletics history/legends/traditions alumni spirit

great outdoors


The abundance of natural beauty in the area make Bloomington a great place for an outdoor excursion, whether it’s a simple day at the beach or a true natural adventure. Home to the state’s largest inland lake, only National forest, and a variety of city and county parks, Bloomington’s got hiking, fishing, boating, biking, kayaking, hot air ballooning and more! Of course, if you’re looking for a little less adventure and a little more relaxation, we’ve got some great beaches and golf courses as well.

This section will help guide you to all the great parks and specialty recreation opportunities in the area, help you discover the best trails and tours around and more! There are three great lakes and wildlife viewing opportunities around every corner. Plus, all the information you need on where to go for camping out.


Jump To:  A - F | G - L | M - R | S - Z | All
Balloon and Hovercraft Safaris
3060 North Thomas Road ; Bloomington, IN 47404
812-876-2318   |  Fax: 812-876-2344

Your source for balloon and hovercraft tours in and around Monroe County. Gift certificates are available - truly a unique gift choice for any occasion. Balloon and Hovercraft Safaris boasts 34 years and over 3,000 hours ... more information >>
E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Added To Itinerary

Barn Yard Friends
7 miles east of Bloomington on Hwy 46 ; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 331-0580

Visit a live animal frontier and gallery. This cozy little barn yard of friends will brighten your day!  Petting area of rare and exotic breeds.  Museum and gifts.  Barn Yard Friends alternative livestock ... more information >>
E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary

Bloomington Bicycle Club
Formed in 1976, the BBC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting bicycling. The club hosts a varied program of cycling activities throughout the area. Peak riding season is March through October with a variety ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Bloomington Bicycle Club

Bloomington Rail Trail
Trailheads at West Country Club Road and Church Lane (between South Rogers and Old State Road 37); Bloomington, IN 47402
(812) 349-3700   |  Fax: 812-349-3705

The Bloomington Rail Trail begins at Country Club Drive on the south side of the city and extends 1.8 miles to Church Lane. The trail features a gravel surface suitable for walking, running and most bicycles. The&nb ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Bloomington Rail Trail

Clear Creek Trail
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Trailheads at W. Tapp Road; Bloomington, IN 47402
(812) 349-3700   |  Fax: 812-349-3705

Stretching 2.5 miles from Tapp Road to Church Lane, the Clear Creek Trail offers visitors a paved path for biking, walking, jogging, rollerblading or stroller walking through landscapes that vary from woods to farm field ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Clear Creek Trail

Upper Cascades Skate Park
N. Kinser Pike south of Cascades Golf Course; Bloomington, IN 47402
(812) 349-3700   |  Fax: 812-349-3705

Opened in the spring of 2004, the skate park satisfies a long-time goal of the city's Park and Recreation Department and the community to offer a public alternative sports park for skateboarders and alternative sports en ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Upper Cascades Skate Park

Cascades Golf Course
Cascades Park 3550 Kinser Pike; Bloomington, IN 47402
(812) 349-3719   |  Fax: 812-349-3705

Cascades Golf Course is a 27-hole facility that rests on 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills filled with native trees and natural topography. The course consists of three different 9-hole layouts that can be combined to ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Cascades Golf Course

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
Bloomington Parks and Recreation 3500 N. Hinkle Rd.; Bloomington, IN 47402
(812) 349-3700   |  Fax: 812-349-3705

A beautiful and unique natural area, Griffy Lake is a 1,200-acre nature preserve located just minutes from downtown Bloomington.  Originally designed as a supply for city drinking water, Griffy is now a paradise for ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Frank Southern Ice Arena
1965 South Henderson P.O. Box 848; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 349-3741   |  (812) 349-3700   |  Fax: 812-349-3705

This indoor ice skating facility is home to Bloomington Blades, the IU Ice Hockey team and the Bloomington Figure Skating Club. Public skating sessions and skate rentals are available. Ice skating is seasonal; Sept. - Ma ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Frank Southern Ice Arena

Bryan Park Pool
Bloomington Parks and Recreation located between Henderson and Woodlawn Streets in Bryan Park.; Bloomington, IN 47402
(812) 349-3741   |  Fax: 812-349-3705

The Bryan Park Pool is an Olympic-size pool that provides fun for the whole family. The pool is located in Bryan Park on the south side of Bloomington, between Henderson and Woodlawn Streets. Special features of Bryan Pa ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Bryan Park Pool

Mills Pool
1100 W. 14th Street P.O. Box 848; Bloomington, IN 47402
(812) 349-3741   |  Fax: 812-349-3705

Mills Pool is open to the public and features a 57-foot drop slide, a water basketball goal and floatable animals, lounge chairs and shade umbrellas, and a large zero-depth family activity play area. Open Memorial day th ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Mills Pool

Bloomington Speedway
5185 S. Fairfax Road ; Bloomington, IN 47401
812-824-7400

One of Indiana's best dirt oval tracks, featuring Sprint Cars, UMP Open-Wheel Modifieds and Indiana Super Stocks every Friday night from April through September. Gates open at 5:30 pm, hot laps begin at 6:30 pm and ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Bloomington Speedway

Bluespring Caverns Park
U.S. 50, 5 minutes southwest of Bedford 1459 Bluespring Caverns Road; Bedford, IN 47421
812-279-9471

Located in nearby Lawrence County, Bluespring Caverns Park lets you explore the underground world of caves. The Myst'ry River Voyage is an hour-long trip by boat into the heart of the natural underground world. Ligh ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Bluespring Caverns Park

Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve
Featuring a spectacular 75-foot high limestone bluff and gnarled red cedars clinging to cliffsides, Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve provides a stunning displa of species adaptation and survival in a harsh environment.&n ... more information >>
E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve

Student Recreational Sports Center
1601 Law Lane ; Bloomington, IN 47405
(812) 855-7772

This state-of-the-art, 204,000 square foot multi-purpose sports and fitness center features five basketball/volleyball courts, six outdoor tennis courts, three multi-purpose gyms and nine racquetball/squash courts, inclu ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Student Recreational Sports Center

The Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building
Indiana University Campus 1025 East Seventh Street; Bloomington, IN 47405
(812) 855-0482

The HPER building is home to several multi-purpose facilities for a variety of sports activities. Highlights include 10 basketball/volleyball courts, 12 racquetball/squash courts, 10 outdoor tennis courts, three multi-pu ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
The Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building

Eagle Pointe Golf Resort
2250 East Pointe Road ; Bloomington, IN 47401
877-324-7683   |  812-824-4040   |  Fax: 812-824-6860

Eagle Pointe offers accomodations to suit any group or family. Fully appointed one to four bedroom condominium units overlooking Lake Monroe and the golf course at Eagle Pointe. Available for nightly, weekly or mont ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Eagle Pointe Golf Resort

Eagle Watch Weekend
This annual weekend event held in February features three days of birding and wildlife programs.  Though the focus is on those elusive bald eagles, Eagle Watch Weekend also features programming on other bi ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Eagle Watch Weekend

Fourwinds Marina
9301 S. Fairfax Road ; Bloomington, IN 47401
800-824-2628   |  (812) 824-2628   |  Fax: (812) 824-9911

Fourwinds Marina is Indiana's complete boating center offering a wide variety of ways to enjoy Lake Monroe. Rent a brand-newboat and enjoy the surf and sun - they've got everything from kayaks to family pontoons to perso ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Fourwinds Marina

Freeman Family Farms
6220 S. Victor Pike ; Bloomington, IN 47403
8128243276

Located just south of Bloomington, Freeman Family Farms provides great family fun for all ages.  From the petting zoo to the special events, there's something for everyone.  Don't miss the corn maze and u-pick ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Freeman Family Farms

Gary's Guide Service
4850 Moores Creek Rd. ; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 336-1957

Looking for someone to guide your fishing trip to Lake Monroe?  Look no further!  Gary Van Pelt is a Bloomington local who lives near the lake and knows all the best fishing spots.  He'll be glad to take y ... more information >>
E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary

Harley-Davidson of Bloomington
522 W. Gourley Pike ; Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 333-8300

The gateway to a rider's paradise - pick up a free scenic ride map of southern Indiana. Stop in for a wide range of unique merchandise, a great selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles and genuine Harley Davidson motor ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Harley-Davidson of Bloomington

Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour
PO Box 55405 ; Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 767-7765

The Annual Hilly Hundred Weekend, sponsored by the Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA), is a classic bicycle event designed for the touring bicyclist. If you like a bicycling challenge that includes en ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour

Hoosier Heights Indoor Climbing Facility
5100 S. Rogers Street ; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 824-6414

The Hoosier Heights Indoor climbing facility offers over 8,000 sq.ft. of indoor climbing terrain suitable for all climbers - from the first timer to the “5.13” lead climber.  The Staff at Hoosier Heights consists of ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Hoosier Heights Indoor Climbing Facility

Charles C. Deam Wilderness
Blackwell Horse Camp Hoosier National Forest; Bloomington, IN 47401
812-275-5987

The Blackwell Horse Camp has long been a popular overnight camping area for equestrians. Other campers are also welcome although the facilities are geared specifically to provide for horses. The camp is along Tower ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Charles C. Deam Wilderness

Hickory Ridge Horse Camp
Hoosier National Forest ; Bloomington, IN 47401
8122755987

This shaded, primitive campground is located in the Hickory Ridge Trail System in the Hoosier National Forest.  It is specifically designed for horse camping, but any National Forest visitor is welcome to ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Hickory Ridge Horse Camp

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
Hoosier National Forest Off St. Rd. 446; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 837-9453

 Located in the Hoosier National Forest and accessible from State Road 446 to Chapel Hill Road, this area, located on Lake Monroe, is operated by the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association, Inc. unde ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

Hoosier National Forest
Just off Highway 446 on east side of road. ; Bloomington, IN 47401
8122755987

This 200,000-acre National Forest encompasses nine counties in South-Central Indiana. There are over 230 miles of hiking, horseback and mountain biking trails in the Forest. Hunting, nature study, camping picnicking and ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Hoosier National Forest

IU Golf Course
S.R. 46 Bypass between Fee Lane & 10th Street 1001 East 17th Street; Bloomington, IN 47408-1590
866-487-7678   |  (812) 855-7543   |  Fax: 812-856-5155

The IU Golf Course features a beautiful and challenging 18-hole championship course, a nine hole executive course and a lighted driving range.  Located on Highway 45/46 Bypass between 10th and 17th streets, the golf ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
IU Golf Course

IU Outdoor Adventures
Indiana Memorial Union East 7th Street; Bloomington, IN 47405
(812) 855-2231

Discover, learn, explore with IU Outdoor Adventures!  Offering a wide variety of outdoor experiences such as backpacking, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, skydiving and caving. There's something for everyone; from ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
IU Outdoor Adventures

IU Outdoor Pool
17th Street & Fee Lane ; Bloomington, IN 47405
(812) 855-9584

The IU Outdoor Pool is open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Special features include an instructional pool for small children, a 10-lane, 50-meter lap pool and complete diving facility. Lear ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
IU Outdoor Pool

IU Tennis Center
1833 North Fee Lane ; Bloomington, IN 47408
(812) 855-5750

The IU Tennis Center offers eight indoor tennis courts, lessons and clinics for all ages and skill levels, fitness equipment, racquet stringing and pro shop merchandise.  Free parking is located on site an ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
IU Tennis Center

J & R Fishing & Hunting
Lake Monroe ; Bloomington, IN 47401
812-275-6145   |  812-797-9904

Enjoy hunting or fishing in the Lake Monroe area with an experienced, knowledgeable guide. Rusty will show you all the best hot spots on a half or full-day excursion for up to 6 people.  Fish one of Indiana's best ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary

Kirkwood Observatory
Kirkwood Avenue & Indiana Avenue ; Bloomington, IN 47405-7105
(812) 855-6911   |  Fax: 812-855-8725

Built in 1900, the observatory was named after Daniel Kirkwood, an astronomer and IU professor of math.  The facility contains a 12-inch refractor telescope and other astronomical equipment. Viewing is available eve ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Kirkwood Observatory

Riddle Point Park
7599 N. Tunnel Road 10 miles east of Bloomington on St. Rd. 45; Unionville, IN 47468
(812) 334-0233

This 1,650 acre lake and its surrounding area is characterized by the splendor of ridge and ravine topography. Located 10 miles northeast of Bloomington just off State Road 45 at the end of Tunnel Road, Lake Lemon has ov ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Riddle Point Park

Lake Lemon Marina
on the North Shore of Lake Lemon 9554 E. Northshore Drive; Unionville, IN 47468
812-988-9400   |  Fax: 812-988-9200

The Lake Lemon Marina offers daylight boat launching, wet and dry slips available seasonally, 24 hour fuel sales and an onsite convenience store with beer and wine sales, watersports equipment and laundry facilities. ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Lake Lemon Marina

Lake Monroe
Approx. 10 miles southeast of Bloomington Accessible from Highway 446 and Highway 37.; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 837-9546   |  (812) 837-9967

Lake Monroe is the state's largest inland lake. Built in 1965, there are 10,750 acres of water surface surrounded by several thousand acres of state and federally owned forest lands. Boating, fishing, water-skiing, and s ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Lake Monroe

Paynetown State Recreation Area
Monroe Reservoir Off Highway 446; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 837-9546   |  (812) 837-9967

Paynetown State Recreation Area offers electric and non-electric campsites.  Beach area, boat rental facility with slip rental and a camp store are all located within the recreation area.  Check out the hi ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Paynetown State Recreation Area

Fairfax State Recreation Area
On Fairfax Road, accessible from Highway 37.; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 837-9546   |  (812) 837-9967

Fairfax State Recreation Area is operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is located on the west side of Lake Monroe.  The recreation area features a swimming beach, boat ramp, and picnic areas.Fa ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Fairfax State Recreation Area

Lake Monroe Boat Rental
Inside Paynetown State Recreation Area 6 miles south of East 3rd Street; Bloomington, IN 47401
812-837-9909   |  Fax: 812-837-9534

Lake Monroe Boat Rental offers a wide variety of boats for rent, including: Double-Decker Party Boats, Pontoon Boats, Yamaha WaveRunners, Ski Boats, Fishing Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, Paddleboat, and Water Sport Accessories. ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Lake Monroe Boat Rental

Lake Monroe Village
8107 South Fairfax Road ; Bloomington, IN 47401
812-824-2267   |  Fax: 812-824-2147

With over 100 acres of serene beauty, this resort offers something for everyone.  Several rental units are available in addition to the camping area.  The camping area has overnight to full-time accommodat ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Lake Monroe Village

Lazerlite Family Entertainment Center
4505 E. Third Street ; Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 337-0456

This locally-owned and operated family entertainment center provides great family fun! Laser Tag is a high tech, live action laser game played in a themed arena where special effects, fog, laser beams, pulse-pumping ... more information >>
E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary

Karst Farm Park & Soccer Complex
Located southwest of Bloomington off of St. Rd. 45, on the corner of Airport Road & Endwright Road.; Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 349-2800

Karst Farm Park is a beautiful 120-acre park with several outdoor amenities for your convenience including a fully equipped, climate-controlled kitchen shelter, six open air shelters, playgrounds, basketball courts, ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Karst Farm Park & Soccer Complex

Flatwoods Park
West of Ellettsville on Flatwoods Road (turn left off of Highway 46); Ellettsville, IN 47404
(812) 349-2800

Flatwoods Park is a recently constructed, peaceful 198-acre park lcoated near Ellettsville and Edgewood High School.  The park offers several outdoor amenities including a group shelter with fire pit, two open ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary

Musgrave's Orchard
8820 N. Old S.R. 37 ; Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 339-5006

This orchard, cider mill and country market features "Indiana's first-place Cider," fresh apples, local honey, persimmon pulp, pumpkins, crafts from local vendors and lots of seasonal decorations as well as weekend wagon ... more information >>
E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Musgrave's Orchard

Owl Creek Programs
PO Box 7351 ; Bloomington47407, IN 47468
(812) 361-3471

Owl Creek Programs is a small school run by Kevin Glenn and a few apprentice instructors. They passionately practice the skills they teach and want to share unique outdoor experiences and skills with others.&nb ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Owl Creek Programs

Starlite Drive-in Theatre
7640 Old SR 37 ; Bloomington, IN 47403
(812) 824-8036

Experience a blast-from-the-past with the nostalgia of a drive-in theater, or share the fun with a whole new generation of movie-goers!  Starlite Drive-in is an affordable, fun and relaxing evening for peo ... more information >>
E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Starlite Drive-in Theatre

Stone Creek Ranch
5401 West Duvall Road ; Bloomington, IN 47403
812-824-6645

You will enjoy riding on more than 15 miles of self-guided trails. Stone Creek Ranch offers horse boarding and leasing, plus indoor and outdoor riding arenas, hay rides, and the Little Buckaroo Day Camp. This ranch& ... more information >>
E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Stone Creek Ranch

Taylors' Par 3
4975 North SR 37 Business ; Bloomington, IN 47404
812-330-8611

This nine-hole course is perfect for beginners, those looking for a relaxed family atmosphere or seasoned golfers wanting to practice their short game. Night play offered seasonally. Unlimited golf is available for a sin ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Taylors' Par 3

Twin Lakes Recreation Center
1700 W. Bloomfield Road ; Bloomington, IN 47403
812-349-3720   |  8123493610weather   |  Fax: 812-349-3707

For fun and fitness, Twin Lakes has it all. Twin Lakes Recreation Center features five hardwood-maple basketball courts; a synthetic grass indoor soccer field; a giant weightroom with cardio and strength m ... more information >>

  |   E-Mail  |   Book Now  |   Add To Itinerary
Twin Lakes Recreation Center

Jump To:   A - F | G - L | M - R | S - Z | All

  1.866.333.0088  -  Webmaster         powered by simpleview Disclaimer  -  Privacy Policy