Bloomington For (F)ALL
For an unforgettable autumn getaway, there’s no better place than Bloomington, Indiana. This bohemian college town serves as a gateway to the scenic beauty and rolling hills found in the southern part of our state, and has something to offer just about everyone.
For the Scholar…
Whether or not you are an alum of Indiana University, it’s hard to deny the beauty of its campus. Start your tour at the picturesque Sample Gates and plaza, and be sure to stop at Indiana Memorial Union, the heart and hub of the university for more than 100 years and home to its three-story bookstore. Before you go, visit Cox Arboretum—an 11-acre landscaped oasis within campus—and the iconic I.M. Pei-designed Eskenazi Museum of Art, with five galleries and a collection that includes work by Claude Monet and Jackson Pollack.
Whether or not you are an alum of Indiana University, it’s hard to deny the beauty of its campus. Start your tour at the picturesque Sample Gates and plaza, and be sure to stop at Indiana Memorial Union, the heart and hub of the university for more than 100 years and home to its three-story bookstore. Before you go, visit Cox Arboretum—an 11-acre landscaped oasis within campus—and the iconic I.M. Pei-designed Eskenazi Museum of Art, with five galleries and a collection that includes work by Claude Monet and Jackson Pollack.
For the Foodie…
Fall flavors abound in Bloomington, from the beloved farmer’s markets to Fourth Street, known as International Restaurant Row. “A lot of our restaurants lean into those seasonal dishes utilizing fresh ingredients,” says Erin White, director of leisure marketing and media at Visit Bloomington. Even cozy coffee counters and local ice cream shops get in on the seasonal action, serving up a taste of fall with unique drinks and dishes. Visit Cardinal Spirits, one of the town’s newest distilleries, for fall-flavored cocktails, or celebrate the season with a glass of apple pie wine at the nearby Oliver Winery.
Fall flavors abound in Bloomington, from the beloved farmer’s markets to Fourth Street, known as International Restaurant Row. “A lot of our restaurants lean into those seasonal dishes utilizing fresh ingredients,” says Erin White, director of leisure marketing and media at Visit Bloomington. Even cozy coffee counters and local ice cream shops get in on the seasonal action, serving up a taste of fall with unique drinks and dishes. Visit Cardinal Spirits, one of the town’s newest distilleries, for fall-flavored cocktails, or celebrate the season with a glass of apple pie wine at the nearby Oliver Winery.
For the Sports Fan…
Fall wouldn’t be the same without football, and experiencing IU and Memorial Stadium on gameday doesn’t disappoint. “It is a fun way to introduce kids into the spirits and traditions that exists within IU athletics,” says White, who suggests making a day of it by tailgating.
Fall wouldn’t be the same without football, and experiencing IU and Memorial Stadium on gameday doesn’t disappoint. “It is a fun way to introduce kids into the spirits and traditions that exists within IU athletics,” says White, who suggests making a day of it by tailgating.
For the Nature Lover…
Bloomington is a natural place to immerse yourself in the changing seasons, and here vibrant fall colors flourish. Stroll through the woodlands around Griffy Lake, and soak in the vistas on Monroe Lake, where luxurious accommodations and boat rentals are available at Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina. For a more thrilling adventure, take a ride through the woods at Wapehani Mountain Bike Park, or for the ultimate view, see it all from the sky on a hot air balloon tour.
Bloomington is a natural place to immerse yourself in the changing seasons, and here vibrant fall colors flourish. Stroll through the woodlands around Griffy Lake, and soak in the vistas on Monroe Lake, where luxurious accommodations and boat rentals are available at Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina. For a more thrilling adventure, take a ride through the woods at Wapehani Mountain Bike Park, or for the ultimate view, see it all from the sky on a hot air balloon tour.
For the Family…
All ages can delight in the excitement of science at WonderLab Museum, found on the B-Line Trail in the heart of the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District, and featuring the favorite Bubble Flow exhibit and the new, immersive Hidden Life of Deserts display. Fall festivals are also a fun attraction, ranging from the Hot Air Balloon festival in early September to the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, where more than 1000 handmade blown-glass pumpkins will adorn the lawn of the Monroe County Courthouse on October 15. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for the Bloomington Handmade Market in mid-November.
All ages can delight in the excitement of science at WonderLab Museum, found on the B-Line Trail in the heart of the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District, and featuring the favorite Bubble Flow exhibit and the new, immersive Hidden Life of Deserts display. Fall festivals are also a fun attraction, ranging from the Hot Air Balloon festival in early September to the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, where more than 1000 handmade blown-glass pumpkins will adorn the lawn of the Monroe County Courthouse on October 15. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for the Bloomington Handmade Market in mid-November.
The diverse culture of Bloomington beckons everyone, and the fall season is best enjoyed by staying a night or two. The Grant Street Inn offers one-of-a-kind rooms in a range of styles throughout five historic buildings, and Graduate Bloomington offers a sophisticated stay just steps from campus. You might also consider one of the many vacation rentals, from downtown lofts to cozy cottages to lush forest cabins—and remember, weekday respites often allow for more solitude and less crowds than weekend stays.