100 Important Things To Know About Bloomington

This article gives just a small selection of the noteworthy things about Bloomington.

General Overview

• Indiana University is a major R1 class public research university.
• It’s known as the Gateway to Scenic Southern Indiana, with beautiful landscapes and natural areas.
• Bloomington has been ranked as one of the Best places to live in the U.S. for its high quality of life.

History

• Founded in 1818, Bloomington has a rich history tied to Limestone quarrying and education.
• The region supplied limestone for iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and The Pentagon.
• Showers Brothers Furniture, headquartered in Bloomington, was at one point one of the world's largest furniture manufacturers.
• RCA owned a television manufacturing plant in Bloomington on Rogers Street that produced the first commercial color TV.

Nature and Outdoors

• Lake Monroe, Indiana’s largest lake, is just minutes away.
• Hoosier National Forest offers hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
• Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is a local favorite for kayaking and hiking.
• Bloomington has dozens of, including Switchyard Park, a hub for community events.

Arts and Culture

• The Buskirk-Chumley Theater hosts concerts, films, and performances year-round.
• The Lotus World Music and Arts Festival attracts global performers every fall.
• IU's Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art features works by Picasso, Monet, and more.

Food and Drink

• Bloomington is home to ethnic cuisine from over 18 countries, including Tibetan, Thai, and Ethiopian.
• Local breweries like Upland Brewing Company and Switchyard Brewing are popular.
• The Bloomington Community Farmers' Market is a popular attraction during warmer months.
• Bloomington has several top ranked pizzerias including Mother Bear's Pizza and Aver's Pizza

Indiana University

• IU's campus is one of the most beautiful in the country, with stunning Limestone buildings.
• The IU Jacobs School of Music is internationally renowned.
• Assembly Hall is a mecca for basketball fans.
• The Indiana University Cinema screens indie, classic, and international films.
• People love the Sample Gates, an iconic entrance to the campus.

Sports

• IU's basketball team, the IU Men's Basketball, has won five NCAA championships.
• The Little 500 is the largest collegiate bike race in the U.S. and a major spring event.
• Bloomington has an active running and cycling community, with events year-round.

Festivals and Events

• The Bloomington Craft Beer Festival celebrates regional breweries.
• Taste of Bloomington showcases local food and music.
• The Fourth Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts is an annual tradition.
• Bloomington’s LGBTQ+ Pridefest is vibrant and welcoming.

Economy

• Bloomington is a hub for tech startups, with companies like Cook Medical headquartered here.
• The city’s economy is driven by IU, Healthcare, Technology, and Tourism.
• Co-working spaces like The Mill foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Transportation

• Bloomington Transit offers affordable bus services.
• The B-Line Trail is a pedestrian and bike-friendly pathway through downtown.
• IU students ride Bloomington Transit for free with their ID.
• Parking can be tricky downtown; look for public parking garages or metered spaces. Parking for street spaces is usually free on Sundays.

Weather

• Bloomington experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters.
• The fall in the area is particularly beautiful, with vibrant foliage across campus, the city, and nearby forests.
• Spring can bring severe thunderstorms; be prepared for occasional tornado warnings.

Local Landmarks

• The Monroe County Courthouse is a historic centerpiece downtown and was the mean center of the total US population in 1910.
• The Kirkwood Observatory offers public stargazing nights.
• Brown County State Park, known as the "Little Smokies," is a short drive away.

Education and Research

• The IU School of Medicine has a campus in Bloomington.
• The Kelley School of Business is one of the top-ranked business schools in the nation.
• The IU Geological Sciences Department frequently collaborates with the limestone industry.

Entertainment

• The Comedy Attic has hosted comedians like Amy Schumer and Marc Maron.
• Cardinal Stage offers professional theater productions.
• Rhino’s Youth Center is a venue for all-ages music shows.

Shopping

• Kirkwood Avenue is lined with boutique shops and restaurants.
• College Mall features major retailers and local stores.
• Fountain Square Mall has a variety of shops on its first floor.

Health and Wellness

• Bloomington has numerous yoga studios and gyms, such as the two YMCA locations.
• IU Health Bloomington Hospital is a leading regional healthcare provider.
• Trails and [[:Category:Parks|parks offer countless opportunities for fitness and nature enthusiasts.

Community

• Bloomington has a strong volunteer culture, with nonprofits like the Community Kitchen of Monroe County.
• The Bloomington Playwrights Project supports emerging playwrights.
• Neighborhoods like Elm Heights and Bryan Park are full of charm.

Diversity

• Bloomington has a large international student population including students from as many as 130 countries.
• There are many festivals and events throughout the year celebrating the diversity of the population.
• The Tibetan Cultural Center is a serene retreat that was founded by the Dalai Lama's brother, Thubten Norbu

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

• Bloomington is considered one of Indiana’s most progressive cities.
• The city has many LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and support organizations.
• The Kinsey Institute at IU conducts research on sex, gender, and relationships.

Nightlife

• Downtown Bloomington has a lively bar scene, from pubs to cocktail lounges.
• Kilroy’s on Kirkwood is a favorite among students.
• The Bluebird regularly features live music and national acts.

Day Trips

• Indianapolis, just an hour away and offers many urban attractions.
• Nashville, Indiana, is a quaint artist colony nearby.
• French Lick Resort, with its historic hotel and casino, is just over an hour trip south of Bloomington.

Sustainability

• Bloomington has a commitment to Sustainability, with bike lanes and green initiatives.
• Bloomington Bagel Company and many other local business participate in composting programs.
• The IU Energy Challenge encourages eco-friendly practices on campus.

For Students

• IU offers free access to public events like concerts and Lectures.
• There are hundreds of Student organizations at IU.
• The IU Wells Library has an impressive collection of books, films, and music as well as study areas.
• The Indiana Memorial Union is a social hub for students.

Unique Local Spots

• Oliver Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Indiana, is nearby.
• Hinkle-Garton Farmstead is a living history museum and farm house restored by Bloomington Restorations.
• Nick's English Hut is an iconic sports bar with a rich history of nearly 100 years.

Quirky Facts

• Bloomington is often referred to by the nickname "B-town".
• The IU Marching Hundred has performed at presidential inaugurations.
• The movie Breaking Away was filmed in Bloomington and portrays The Little 500 bicycle race.
• Bill Monroe, the "Father of Bluegrass," is celebrated annually at a local festival.

Safety

• IU has a campus safety app and emergency blue-light phones around campus.

Trivia

• Bloomington has appeared on lists of Best college towns in America.
• The city has strong literary connections, with several noted [[:Category:Writers|writers, several libraries, and multiple independent bookstores.
• Bloomington’s limestone legacy is celebrated through public art and architecture.

Seasonal Activities

• In winter on snowy days, locals enjoy Sledding at various parks, such as Bryan Park.
• Spring brings festivals and blooming flowers at Wylie House museum.
• Fall is ideal for Pumpkin patches and Haunted houses.

Religious and Spiritual Life

• Bloomington is home to diverse Religious communities, including temples, mosques, and churches.
• Many churches in Bloomington have inclusive congregations, including the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Miscellaneous

• John Mellencamp, the rock musician, has strong ties to Bloomington and even a statue in his honor
• The Mathers Museum of World Cultures has fascinating exhibits.
• IU hosts a First Thursdays Festival, celebrating arts and culture.
• Bloomington offers high-quality public schools, like Bloomington High School North.
• Bloomington’s residents are known for being friendly and welcoming.
• .Bloomington is home to the fictional Captain Janeway of Star Trek Voyager and has a statue on the B-line Trail in her honor.
• If you drive, be mindful of all the one-way streets.
• Monroe County has many Famous Residents born, raised, or who have lived in the area.