The Bloomington center point is around the area of Mathers Museum and the area of Wylie House Museum.
The best time to visit Bloomington is the fall. The leaves are starting to change, and the summer heat is starting to break into cool fall breezes. Fall is also football season, which pulls IU fans from all over the state to cheer on the home team and tailgate through the weekend. Hotel rooms will get booked quickly during this time -- especially when a competitive rival is in town -- so be sure to choose your weekends and book far ahead of your visit.
During the summer, Bloomington takes on a small-town feel as many students go home for the school break, reducing the overall population. Despite this, summer is a popular time for visitors. Many families come to Bloomington to enjoy recreational activities and get away from Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Expect a different type of visitor in the summer -- one with a family who's looking to relax.
Winters can be quite brutal in Indiana, especially for visitors who aren't adjusted to the cold and snow. If you're unfamiliar with driving in the snow, we recommend traveling by taxi or public transportation. Despite the cold, many people still visit Bloomington to catch basketball games and attend medical conferences. In fact, almost 2 million people visit Bloomington each year, accounting for $326 million in revenue and providing 4,163 jobs to Monroe County.
For a college visit, try to book your hotel in the spring -- from March through April. Many prospective students tour IU around this time, and you or your child can take campus tours and meet with faculty and staff. By now, most of the snow should have melted, and you can walk around the campus and take in newly blooming flowers and budding trees.
The Days Inn Bloomington offers a 10 percent discount to AAA members, as long as they show a membership card at check-in. This offer applies to rooms with one or two queen-sized beds, and those with a king-sized bed. Each room comes with a microwave and refrigerator, which allows guests to eat in during their stay. If you do feel like trying one of the top local restaurants, ask the 24-hour front desk what's close and what the locals like. This hotel also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your stay, so you can book confidently knowing there aren't better deals out there. This hotel gets top marks for location: it's only a half-mile from Memorial Stadium.
If you're in the military or a recent veteran, consider booking the Super 8 when you visit Bloomington. This hotel offers a military discount on most rooms, as long as you can show a valid government ID at check-in. This hotel is just over a mile from BHC Meadows Hospital and offers the perfect balance of value and budget. Guests will appreciate free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, along with a spa tub and an indoor pool for swimming during the winter months. It's ideal for a short stay for a sporting event or campus tour.
If you're willing to drive 10-15 miles outside of Bloomington, there are two beautifully scenic hotels awaiting you. These are ideal for visitors who are looking to get out into the countryside and experience the beauty of Indiana, not just its universities. The Fourwinds Resort & Marina boasts excellent reviews as a weekend getaway. Guests can book rooms facing the lake, and wake up to the sunrise over the water. There are many local restaurants nearby, or you can rent a boat out of the marina for an evening cruise. This hotel is perfect for relaxation, with both an indoor and outdoor pool and tennis courts on site.
The Artists Colony Inn & Restaurant is another top choice for a unique getaway. This B&B offers free breakfast and help with booking tours or tickets to nearby attractions. The staff is known to be very friendly, and will do whatever they can to make your stay enjoyable. This hotel is located right next to Brown County State Park so that guests can go hiking, kayaking, or bird watching throughout their visit.
If you're looking to experience the culture of Southern Indiana, look no further than Bloomington. For music, visit the African American Arts Institute, located inside the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. There are three ensembles that call this center home, and if you're able to catch at least one when you're in Bloomington, consider yourself lucky.
Alternatively, the Bloomington PRIDE Film Festival runs for three days in January and February. Choose from a list of local and national indie films that highlight the LGBTQ community and its history. Even if you're not in Bloomington during the festival, it's still worth checking out the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, one of the busiest community theaters in the country. This 88-year old theater highlights work from more than 50 local organizations throughout the year.
Microbreweries are also thriving in this college town, as there are plenty of young people to sample their wares and keep the brewing economy buzzing. Stop by Bloomington Brewing Company or the Upland Brewpub for a beer. If you're into wine, relax with samples from the Butler Winery and Vineyard. If you're feeling brave, stop by Cardinal Spirits to try some local craft spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Wherever you decide to stay in Bloomington, plenty of locals will offer advice on where to eat, what to see, and who to cheer for (always the Hoosiers). However, where you stay is an easy answer. Whichever hotel you decided to book for your getaway, you're sure to be greeted with a smile and welcoming hello.
Below are reviews of the city of Bloomington, IN from an actual visitor's perspective.
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. Beautiful city. The college campus is lovely!
Samira's had great food and excellent staff.
The city had a lot of eating establishments, shopping was fun and there was a mall minutes away from the hotel.
Lots of good restaurants!
Nice place, historic town.
Longtime fans of Bloomington and Indiana University!
Food! Food! Food! The options are endless!
I like having a clean place to stay while in town on business.
Mother Bears Pizza and Penn station are wonderful places to eat!
There are many excellent restaurants in the area to try all types of food.
Clean, Comfortable, and friendly staff.
So many great places to eat and shop, beautiful place to walk around and close to Indiana University.
Very convenient town.
IU campus, downtown atmosphere and food!
Love the college town feel, all the restaurants, shops, good food!
I didn't have the chance to see much of Bloomington, but I did walk thru the Indiana university campus several times . There is a beautiful park with a running Brook with walking bridges , beautiful and serene .
The city was kept up nicely. The people we encountered at the Bluebird were extremely friendly. The manager of the Bluebird was very helpful. We would not hesitate to return for another show there even though it's a 6 hour drive for us.
Clean and easy to get around.
Great restaurant scene and walkable