Below are some of frequently asked questions about Bloomington and the area. Have a question and need an answer fast? Please contact The Chamber at 812-336-6381 (Monday – Thursday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; and Friday; 8:00 am – 4 pm).
1. How far is Bloomington from other major cities?
| City |
Time Away |
| Indianapolis, IN |
1 hour |
| Chicago, IL |
4 hours |
| St. Louis, IL |
4 hours |
| Cincinnati, OH |
2 hours 40 minutes |
| Cleveland, OH |
6 hours |
| Louisville, KY |
2 hours 30 minutes |
| Nashville, TN |
4 hours |
2. What are some cultural attractions or traditions in Bloomington?
There’s always something happening in Bloomington! Bloomington is well-known for its variety of cultural events and traditions, including music, art, and theater productions. Summertime is especially busy with multiple festivals, such as the annual visit by the Dalai Lama, Lotus World Music and Art Festival, the Fourth Street Arts and Craft Festival, and Taste of Bloomington, where restaurants throughout the city exhibit their food and beverages. Throughout the year, thousands of people visit venues such as the IU Auditorium and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater to see concerts, plays, and world-famous speakers.
3. Where are the best places to eat?
Bloomington boasts many diverse and award-winning restaurants that are ideal for both children and adults. Fourth Street is especially renowned for their variety of restaurants with international cuisine, including Thai, Mediterranean, Indian, Italian and more. Downtown Bloomington offers more upscale restaurants such as Janko’s Little Zagrab, Grazie! Italian Eatery, Uptown Cafe, Malibu Grill, Scholars Inn, as well as the health-conscious restaurants BloomingtonFoods, Roots and FARM Bloomington. For more traditional dining, Kirkwood Avenue offers several pubs like the Irish Lion, Crazy Horse and Nick’s, where many residents and students relax while watching IU games.
4. What types of parks and other recreational settings are available?
The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department oversees 31 park sites and many facilities that are open to the public, including the Cascades golf course, Twin Lakes Athletic Center, Winslow Sports Complex, Franklin Southern Ice Arena, and Bryan Park, which includes a public swimming pool.
Take a walk on the beautiful B-Line Trail, which extends a total of 3.1 miles through the downtown and beyond. This connects to the Bloomington Rail Trail, a two mile gavel surface trail.
Golfers can chose from 10 different courses in and around Monroe County, including a challenging indoor golf option.
Just a short drive away is Lake Monroe, the state’s largest inland lake. Rent a pontoon boat, jet ski or a party barge and enjoy the day on this beautiful lake. Eight different State Recreational Areas can be found along the shores of 11-acres lake so finding a place to swim, launch or boat or camp is no problem at all!
5. What are some popular visiting sites located near Bloomington?
Oliver Winery, which was listed in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top wineries to visit in the nation, and Butler Winery, are both a five-minute drive from Bloomington and offer wine tasting and tours. In addition, Oliver Winery and Chateau De Thomas have opened wine tasting rooms right downtown.
A tour of the beautiful Indiana University campus is a must-do-activity when in Bloomington along with antiquing, shopping in our quaint local shops and dining at our many award winning restaurants.
6. What is the Bloomington school system like?
The presence of Indiana University and Ivy Tech Community College sets the tone for the area’s commitment to educational excellence. Monroe County operates two school districts. Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) includes several different high schools, middle and elementary schools in Bloomington. Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation (RBBCSC) provides public school opportunities for northwestern Monroe County.
7. How can residents or visitors participate in IU events or programs?
Indiana University is the site of hundreds of different events and activities every year, whether it is concerts, exhibits, plays, or athletic events. Participation in university events is what makes Bloomington one of the most celebrated "college towns" in the Midwest. We encourage you to go to www.iub.edu to view all the arts, entertainment and athletic opportunities available for your enjoyment.