There are so many fun ways to discover and experience Bloomington's eclectic mix of attractions, local businesses, restaurants, and activities, including by the alphabet. Whether you have kids or are a kid at heart, you're in for a load of fun with this A-through-Z B-Town adventure.
A is for Assembly Hall...
Spirit and tradition run through the veins of Indiana University, and it all starts at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. For basketball enthusiasts and sports fans, experiencing the electric energy in the arena is a bucket list activity in Bloomington.
B is for Breweries...
Voted by Thrillist as one of the Best Small Beer Cities in the country, Bloomington knows how to craft a tasty and refreshing brew. With five fantastic beer halls to choose from — some family-friendly and some 21+ — there's an old favorite to revisit and a new brew on the menu each time you're in town.
C is for Charles C. Deam Wilderness...
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Hoosier National Forest is the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, which is comprised of nearly 13,000 acres of congressionally-designated protected forestland. The wilderness offers 36 miles of trails, primitive & dispersed camping, wildlife & plant viewing, and more.
D is for Distillery...
Cardinal Spirits is Bloomington's sole distillery, offering some of the best craft cocktails in town (and in the nation, according to USA Today), all produced with their own vodkas, gins, rums, liqueurs, and canned cocktails. The distillery also serves up seasonally-inspired, gourmet dishes for brunch and dinner, making for the perfect stop for visiting foodies.
E is for Eskenazi Museum of Art...
Housing works by Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet, centuries-old Renaissance masterpieces, and historical ancient artifacts in a building designed by I.M. Pei, the architect who also designed the Louvre Pyramid, the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University is one of Bloomington's most iconic and esteemed attractions.
F is for Fourth Street...
Known as "International Restaurant Row, downtown's beloved 4th Street is home to a variety of international restaurants that serve incredible, authentic fare that's isn't found too often in the Midwest. You'll find nearly a dozen restaurants lining the street with cuisine choices including Burmese, Cajun, Greek, Indian, Korean, Thai, Tibetan, and Turkish.
G is for Griffy Lake Nature Preserve...
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is comprised of 1,200 acres, including a 109-acre lake and eight hiking trails. Located mere minutes from Indiana University, the nature preserve is a hidden gem that offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, and wildlife observation.
H is for Herman B Wells...
Herman B Wells is widely regarded as Indiana University's most esteemed and beloved president. As such, the university honors former President Wells and his legacy with his own statue, seated in his favorite area of campus with a hand extended to greet those on IU's grounds. Legend has it that shaking his hand is good luck — it's a tradition for first-year students to do so during New Student Orientation.
I is for Indiana University...
Founded just two years after the city, Indiana University is an integral part of Bloomington. Known as a top-ranking university throughout the nation — multiple schools are ranked in the top ten of their kind, making IU one of the best universities in the Midwest and greater US — B-Town's quintessential college town atmosphere was founded and fostered on the Hoosier campus.
J is for Jacobs School of Music...
Known globally for its excellence in performance and artistry, IU's Jacobs School of Music presents state-of-the-art operas, ballets, and musical performances throughout the year. Many performances take place at the Musical Arts Center, which houses the second-largest stage area in the country — second only to New York City's Metropolitan Opera. Seeing the school's rendition of The Nutcracker is another bucket list activity come the holiday season.
K is for Kirkwood Avenue...
Kirkwood Avenue is the most iconic street in Bloomington. Bold statement, we know, but considering its lineup of legendary bars & restaurants, several IU fan shops, and entrance into Indiana University's campus through the famous Sample Gates, it simply can't be denied.
L is for Little 500...
Known as "The World's Greatest College Weekend," the Little 500 is the largest collegiate bicycle race in the country. Modeled after the Indianapolis 500, the event includes a men's and women's race, as well as an annual concert, celebrity appearances, and a general air of celebration as the schoolyear winds to an end.
M is for Monroe Lake...
Monroe Lake is Indiana’s largest land-bound body of water. At nearly 11,000 surface-acres, the lake offers opportunities for boating, beaching, fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, birding, and much more.
N is for Nick's English Hut...
Originally opened in 1927, Nick’s English Hut is perhaps Bloomington’s very most iconic and beloved restaurant. Every square inch of the restaurant’s interior is dedicated to IU memorabilia, from the walls to the booths and even the ceilings. You’d be remiss to not play a round of Sink the Biz, the tavern’s legendary game, during a visit to this Cream & Crimson mainstay.
O is for Oliver Winery...
Ranked among Travel + Leisure's Top 25 vineyards in the nation in 2017, Oliver Winery is Indiana's largest winery, as well as one of the largest wineries in the United States. Guests can enjoy reserved wine tastings, self-guided flights, production & cellar tours, and picnic experiences year-round at the winery's stunning facility and grounds.
P is for Pridefest...
Receiving a perfect score on the Human Rights Commission's Municipal Equality Index for six years in a row (2015-2020), Bloomington continually strives to be a place that welcomes all walks of life. To celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, Pridefest is put on each August, featuring live music, drag performances, art exhibits, street food from local food trucks, and more at the annual gathering.
Q is for Quarry...
Do you know what Indiana University, the Lincoln Memorial, the Empire State Building, the Pentagon, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art all have in common? They're constructed from Indiana limestone, quarried right here in Monroe County. As home to a 35-mile-long, 10-mile-wide corridor of Salem Limestone, much of Bloomington's culture is rooted in the natural resource that was formed long ago by an ancient inland sea.
R is for Retro...
With nearly 20 antique and thrift stores in town, Bloomington is a vintage shopper's paradise. Find retro sneakers at SLCT Stock, kitschy collectables at the Bloomington Antique Mall, trendy clothing from every decade at Cherry Canary Vintage Clothing, mid-century modern furnishings at Jeff's Warehouse, and much more on a thrifting tour through B-Town.
S is for Sample Gates...
Indiana University's most iconic landmark, Sample Gates, acts as a gateway between the university and the city. They're the backdrop for graduation and wedding photos, a popular meeting place, a tourist's most coveted photo destination, a source of nostalgia for IU alumni, and a beacon of excitement for incoming students. In many ways, they're the heart of the community.
T is for Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center...
The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (TMBCC) is dedicated to fostering, preserving, and sharing the Tibetan & Mongolian cultures with the Bloomington community and the United States as a whole. Their grounds offer many beautiful views of cultural architecture, decor, and design, including the nation's sole Tibetan Chortens (Buddhist shrines), both dedicated by the Dalai Lama, and the Mani Korlo, a structure featuring Tibetan prayer wheels.
U is for Urban Trails...
Monroe County offers nine urban trails that wind through the community, many of which connect with one another to create a miles-long system of pathways for exercise, fresh air, and exploration — all stroller- and dog-friendly. Several pass by parks, restaurants, attractions, and more, offering an abundance of experiences to all who traverse the network of trails.
V is for Visit Bloomington...
What else could "V" be for but Visit Bloomington? It's our job to showcase Bloomington's exciting offerings, from local restaurants and attractions to seasonal events like Freezefest, Thursday Night Summer Concert Series and the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show. You can find information on all things B-Town at our Visitors Center, and while you're here, pick up some unique Bloomington souvenirs, a free visitors guide, and area maps to help you get around town.
W is for WonderLab Museum...
WonderLab Museum is an award-winning children's museum that strives to cultivate excitement and curiosity for science through interactive exhibits & programs. It's one of the top attractions for families in Bloomington, and one of the few children's museums in Southern Indiana.
X is for Pizza X...
Known for its late-night hours, fast delivery, Little 500 Breadstix Special, and iconic plastic cups, Pizza X is extremely popular among university students, nostalgic alumni, and midnight munchers. If you’re craving a slice of ‘za at 2:00 am, Pizza X is the only answer — which is far from a bad thing.
Y is for Yogi's...
Yogi's has been a Hoosier mainstay for decades. Decked out in a cool assortment of sporting fanfare with TVs mounted at every vantage point, the restaurant serves a full bar and menu of delightfully-greasy food perfect for a game day hangout or midnight meal. Their Side Bar, an area dedicated to an assortment of arcade and table games, offers opportunities for family fun or friendly competition, making the restaurant more than just a place to grab a bite.
Z is for Zagreb...
Janko's Little Zagreb is a local-favorite steakhouse, offering daily hand-cut selections grilled to perfection in a casual, IU-themed atmosphere. Aside from their incredible steaks, Janko's is also known for their famous spicy meatballs and robust wine selection, making for the perfect date night destination or place to catch up with old college friends.