Trip Idea: IU Campus

Indiana University- Visiting the IU campus is not just for potential students or alums - anyone can appreciate the beauty of this sprawling campus. It's so beautiful, it was named one of the country's five most beautiful campuses in Thomas A. Gaines' The Campus as a Work of Art. But beauty isn't just on the outside - what's inside matters too, so step inside some of IU's most interesting facilities.

Fine Arts Plaza

Right in the heart of campus is a square plaza of buildings that showcase some of the campus' most beautiful art. The IU Art Museum and Grunwald Gallery display visual art from nationally known artists and student artists alike. The IU Auditorium showcases not only performance art but also the impressive murals "Century of Progress" by Thomas Hart Benton. The Lilly Library completes the plaza, providing guests a chance to view amazing books and artifacts, including the Gutenberg Bible and an Oscar from the Academy Awards.

The Old Crescent

IU was originally built as a seminary school further south, but the first buildings erected on the current campus are in the area known as the Old Crescent. Starting at the Sample Gates, visitors walk east to view the historic limestone structures that have stood since the late 1800's. The Rose Well House is also located in the Crescent and legend has it that a female freshman is not a true coed until she is kissed under its dome.

Arboretum

One of the most picturesque spots on campus is the Arboretum. This sweeping park was formerly the site of the original Memorial Stadium and Little 500 bicycle race. Now it's an example of IU's commitment to maintaining green space and amplifying the campus' natural beauty.

Eating Out

On campus dining may not sound terribly appealing to most, but the Tudor Room at the Indiana Memorial Union is the exception. This gorgeous dining room has given many students an opportunity to master their etiquette and dining skills, and given visitors a fantastic meal. Off campus, there's one place that every student, alum and visitor has and must visit- Nick's English Hut. It's an IU tradition almost as important as basketball.

Sleep Tight

You don't have to sleep in a cramped dorm room to stay on campus. The Indiana Memorial Union contains a large hotel in addition to its numerous other amenities, and it's right in the heart of campus.

To make your trip planning even easier, here's your go-to checklist for everything mentioned in the trip idea above.

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