Recommended tourist spots in Bloomington, a college town in Indiana

Bloomington is located in the state of Indiana, USA, about an hour's drive from the state capital, Indianapolis. The town is home to Indiana University's Bloomington campus and the Jacobs School of Music, one of the leading music schools in the United States. The majority of the population consists of students, faculty, and other university-related individuals. The town is known for its safety and affordable cost of living, making it a popular and comfortable place to live.

The surrounding area is dotted with wineries, farms, and cornfields, offering expansive American landscapes. With plenty of greenery, lakes, and nature parks, spending weekends camping or hiking outside of town is highly recommended. In this article, we'll introduce some of Bloomington's tourist attractions.

1. WonderLab Science Museum

WonderLab Science Museum is a hands-on science museum designed for children. It offers many interactive exhibits where kids can have fun while deepening their knowledge of science. There are puzzles for young children, a bubble lab, and exhibits featuring reptiles like lizards, as well as spiders, bees, and aquatic creatures. These animals are kept in environments that are as close to nature as possible, making it popular among kids. There are also family-friendly events held at times, and tourists are welcome to participate.

2. Indiana University

Indiana University is a prestigious school founded in 1820. It has nine campuses throughout Indiana, with Bloomington being the main campus. It's one of the oldest public universities in the United States, and its graduates are active in various fields. The Bloomington campus is known for its beautiful limestone buildings made from locally sourced stone, surrounded by lush greenery.

Visitors are free to walk around the campus, so you can get a glimpse of student life. There are also shops where you can buy campus merchandise like T-shirts with the university logo—great as souvenirs!

3. Kirkwood Observatory

Kirkwood Observatory is an observatory located within Indiana University, named after Professor Kirkwood of Indiana University. Professor Kirkwood was a renowned astronomer who discovered the "Kirkwood gaps" in the asteroid belt.

The observatory was built in 1900 and renovated in 2002. Although it is no longer used for astronomical research, it has been preserved as a tourist attraction. From March to November, it is open to the public on Wednesday nights, allowing visitors to observe the night sky through a telescope! It's a great opportunity for tourists to gaze at the American night sky alongside Bloomington locals.

4. McCormick's Creek State Park

McCormick's Creek State Park is a popular tourist destination near Bloomington. At the center of the park lies the McCormick's Creek Canyon, offering beautiful scenery. The highlight of the park is McCormick's Creek Falls. While not very tall, it's considered a rare sight in the otherwise flat state of Indiana, attracting many visitors. The park also has well-maintained trails, making it a great spot for hiking.

5. Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Griffy Lake is a beautiful reservoir located in the suburbs of Bloomington. The park covers an area of ​​about 4.8 square kilometers, with Griffy Lake itself covering about 0.4 square kilometers and reaching a depth of about 1 meter at its deepest point. It once supplied drinking water to the city of Bloomington but is now a popular destination for outdoor activities. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and boats to enjoy the lake. There are also hiking trails of various difficulty levels around the lake, making it a recommended spot for Hiking.

6. Monroe Lake

Monroe Lake is located about 10 km south of downtown Bloomington and is one of the largest lakes in Indiana. Around the lake, you can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Boating, kayaking, and canoeing are also popular activities on the lake, making it a favorite spot where many people from Bloomington visit on weekends and holidays. In addition to camping, there are cottages and other accommodations also, so you can spend the night by the lakeside.

7. Eskenazi Museum of Art

The Eskenazi Museum of Art is located on the campus of Indiana University. The collection is so impressive that it's hard to believe it's a university museum. The building has three floors: the first floor features Western art and special exhibitions, the second floor displays art from Asia and the Middle East, and the third floor showcases works from Africa and the Americas. It's a recommended tourist spot for art lovers. The museum has an open atrium up to the third floor, creating a bright and welcoming space. You can also find rare exhibits such as German Expressionist painters and Japanese art, which are not often seen in the United States. If you visit Bloomington, be sure to stop by. Please note that the museum is currently closed for renovations but is scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2019.

8. Bloomington Community Farmers Market

The Farmers Market is held every Saturday from April to November at the plaza next to City Hall. It concludes with a lively Holiday Market on Thanksgiving weekend in late November. During winter, it moves to Harmony School in Bloomington. Additionally, from June to September, it's also held every Tuesday evening. It's a fun market where you can find locally grown vegetables and handmade crafts, so it's definitely worth a visit. You'll also find great Bloomington souvenirs here!

◎ Summary

We've introduced Bloomington, Indiana, USA—what did you think? The town leaves an impression of being bright yet calm and peaceful. Surrounded by nature, many people spend their weekends hiking, picnicking, or camping. There are also plenty of attractions on the university campus, such as museums and an observatory. Be sure to visit and explore when you have the chance!