Visiting Bloomington

Fall in love with Bloomington

There’s a reason Bloomington—B-town—is constantly ranked one of the nation’s best college towns. The beauty of all seasons. Countless things to do and see. Welcoming to all (Hoosier hospitality is legit!). Once you’re here, you won’t want to leave. See for yourself.

Fall

When the leaves turn brilliant shades of amber and auburn, embrace the crisp air around the fire pit at Indiana Memorial Union. Celebrate IU’s Homecoming, a weekend filled with spirit so loud you’ll be singing the Hoosier Fight Song for weeks. Get your groove on and witness world-class performances during the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival downtown Bloomington, minutes from campus.

A student walks past two trees with bright red leaves outside Franklin Hall.
Enjoy these five fall highlights

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IU men's soccer athletes interact with attendees at the game.
Cheer on IU Men's Soccer

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People are walking down a trail in a forest.
Hike Bloomington's best trails

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Winter

Bundle up, head outside, and take in Bloomington's dreamy snow-filled days. Check out Freezefest, which brings competitive ice sculptors from all over to battle it out and create interactive works of art. Test your ice skating skills with friends in Bloomington’s indoor Frank Southern Ice Arena. And if you’re not keen on the cold, Bloomington has you covered with dozens of quaint independent coffee shops perfect for cozying up. 

Side view of red velvet auditorium seats at the IU Auditorium.
See an off-broadway musical

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An IU Women's basketball payer dribbles down the court defending against the opposing team player.
Watch IU Women's basketball

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Two women are viewing a painting at an art exhibit at the Eskenazi Art Museum
Visit IU's art museum

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Spring

You won’t want to miss the biggest spectacle in collegiate bicycle racing during Little 500, which inspired the film Breaking Away and attracts alumni from all over the country. Soak in the sun and calm waters of Griffy Lake, where you can rent a paddle board, kayak, or canoe. Stroll campus when hundreds of cream and crimson tulips are in bloom.

An IU baseball player is participating in a baseball game, running away from a base.
Catch an IU baseball game

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Participants of the Little 500 even bike down the track.
Attend the Little 500

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Close up shot of blooming flowers.
See B-town in bloom

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Summer

Summers here are made for taking it easy. Grab a group of friends and rent a party boat on Lake Monroe, Indiana’s largest manmade body of water. Savor your way through Bloomington’s delectable dining scene at the Taste of Bloomington. Walk, run, ride your bike, or rollerblade the B-Line Trail, situated in the heart of downtown.

Attendees and performers at the Bloomington Pride Fest celebrate on the town streets.
Celebrate Pridefest

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Four female students are sitting on grass, conversing and having a picnic.
Plan a picnic

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An image of Lake Monroe with two boats in the water.
Hit the water

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Take in all B-town has to offer

Top view of a table of food with hands reaching over grabbing food.
Grab a bite

Go on a culinary adventure sure to satisfy every craving.

Find restaurants

Sunset view of downtown Bloomington.
Stay a while

From boutique hotels to rustic cabins, we've got you.

Find lodging

A girl outdoors is happily biting into a watermelon slice.
Play a little

There's always something fun happening.

Find things to do

A male IU student and his parents smile and pose during an IU Family Weekend event.

Don't miss Family Weekend

For one special weekend in September, we give your parents and families the cream and crimson treatment. You'll get the chance to show off your campus, cheer on the Hoosiers during an IU football game tailgate party, tour new spaces, and more. 

Learn about Family Weekend