28 Things You Need To Know About Bloomington Before You Move There

1. Home Of The REAL Amazing Race

That’s right, Bloomington is home to Little 500, the largest collegiate bike race in America, or as some rowdy students refer to it, “The World’s Greatest College Weekend”. At least once, take the opportunity to witness what famous cyclist Lance Armstrong referred to as “the coolest event I ever attended.”

2. We’re Brainiacs, BRAINIACS On The Floor

C’s might get degrees, but you’re more likely to find brainy IU Honors students in this town. According to Lumosity, Bloomington is ranked as the 7th smartest city in America.

3. We Wrote The Book On Sex, Literally

When you hear the word “research” does the word “sexy” come to mind? No? Well it should if you live here. The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction has been one of the leading sex research institutions in the nation for more than 60 years. You could say we know our stuff when it comes to this department.

4. One Of The Most Popular Bars In The U.S.

A definite student hot spot, Kilroy’s Sports Bar is one of the highest grossing bars in the nation, according to celebritynetworth.com. It’s the only bar in Indiana to make their top 100 list. Stay thirsty, my friends.

5. We’ve Got International Music Festivals

Every fall, Bloomington’s art community gets international with the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. This multicultural artistic celebration is something you definitely don’t want to miss!

6. Sink The Biz, Anyone?

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a night drinking with friends, Nick’s English Hut is calling your name. Order a pitcher of beer and tell the bartender you came to play “Sink the Biz”. We won’t disclose the rules of the game, but we assure you that you’ll be coming back to play again. Don’t forget to order a delicious bucket of fries.

7. This Place Is B-E-A-UTIFUL!

Bloomington is known as the “Gateway to the Scenic Southern Indiana”, and it’s absolutely accurate. If you love the outdoors, Bloomington’s 23 square miles of forested hills are as picturesque as it gets. Designated a “Tree City” by the National Arbor Day Foundation, it’s assured that Bloomington will maintain its natural beauty for the foreseeable future.

8. We’re Artsy, Too

Created to inject some culture into a state that can be sometimes lacking in art appreciation, the Indiana University Art Museum is now home to a wide range of artistic paintings, jewelry, and other works. You’ll find pieces from Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, and more. Don’t forget to check out the works by Pablo Picasso & Jackson Pollock.

9. Hoosier Hysteria!

Indiana is renowned for loving its basketball — IU basketball, especially. Catch the fever and experience a (men’s or women’s) Hoosier game at Assembly Hall!

10. Pizza Just Like Mother Bear Makes

Mother Bear’s Pizza. It’s notorious — great Atmosphere, friendly staff, life-changing pizza. Open late. Don’t forget the breadsticks with cheese. Any questions?

11. We Have The Best Of Every Season

That’s right. All four seasons are clearly observed in Bloomington. You can jump in a pool (or Lake Monroe) during the hot summer season and six months later build snowmen in winter. Seasonal variety is what keeps things interesting — anything else is boring!

12. Bikers Allowed—No, ENCOURAGED!

Whether you’re commuting on the B-line Trail or mountain-biking in the hills of Brown County State Park, this city has a supportive and ever-growing cycling community. Just Google “biking in Bloomington” and you’ll find a mass of resources, maps and online communities.

13. Take The Plunge Or Get Out Of The Way

For the adrenaline junkies, Lake Monroe has a host of coves and cliffs of all heights to accommodate any cliff jumpers’ needs. If you get in good with a local, they might direct you to one of Southern Indiana’s most secret cliff jumping hot spots—an abandoned limestone quarry. We can’t even name it, it’s that secret!

14. Your “In” To Indie Music

The Bluebird is not just THE watering hole, but it’s THE music venue to check out in Bloomington. Your favorite under-the-radar indie band knows about this place, so you should too. Be sure to catch their intimate performance here before they hit it big.

15. Get Baked

No, no… not in THAT way. We mean that you have to try some of the delectable cookies that Baked! Of Bloomington is heating up. It’s even got a vegan and gluten free cookie option too.

16. We Have Our Very Own Hometown Brewery

Beer lovers, you’ve come to the right city. Upland Brewing Co. has been a source of Bloomington pride since it opened in 1998. I personally recommend their Dragonfly IPA and Wheat Ale.

17. Our State Park Is The Biggest

If you’re looking to spend a weekend with nature, you’ve lucked out. At close to 16,000 acres, Brown County State Park is Indiana’s largest state park. Hiking trails, multiple campgrounds, RV sites, and some of the best mountain biking in the Midwest—Brown County has it all. In 2008 it had 1.3 million visitors!

18. We Know Our Wine

Bloomington isn’t just home to one of the state’s best breweries; it caters to those who seek to quench their more refined palette as well. Stop by Oliver Winery’s tasting room (or take a weekend tour) and treat yourself to some of the finer things in life.

19. Take A Splash In Lake Monroe

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a day of waterskiing, Lake Monroe has everything you need. Take a load off and go fishing, boating, or camping at one of Southern Indiana’s greatest lakes.

20. Naughty Dog Hot Dogs!

Hot dogs! Bratwursts! Veggie dogs! So many toppings, you won’t even know what to decorate your ‘dog with first. Don’t cheat yourself, treat yourself to a Naughty Dog. Did we mention they deliver too?

21. It’s Not Just About The Students…

Bloomington gets the spotlight because of Indiana University, but its population is pretty evenly split between students and locals. There are plenty of community groups and organizations separate from the university, so moving here doesn’t mean your family is sentenced to live out the mess and aftermath of someone’s freshman year.

22. … Although IU’s Campus Is Absolutely Gorgeous

Whether you’re a student or a local, Indiana University’s campus is something to be admired. No matter the season (remember, there are four), the architecture and school grounds are sure to impress.

23. Big City Things Packed Into One Small Town

A multicultural student population combined with the progressiveness of locals, Bloomington has been transformed into a city that can accommodate anyone’s desires. You don’t have to travel far to catch an art show, claim a hip coffee shop as your sanctuary, or eat a brand new food. Which brings us to our next point…

24. International Cuisine

When people move to a new location, they bring their identity with them. Food provides a source of cultural identity for everyone from every background—and this city has people from all over the world! Downtown Bloomington provides a plethora of multicultural dining including Mexican, Indian and Italian—especially around Fourth Street.

25. Game On At Assembly Hall

This is the home court of that crazy Hoosier Hysteria we mentioned earlier. Assembly Hall is a huge part of Indiana University’s basketball identity and history. If you live here, you have to see a game in this legendary arena, which is consistently sold out during the season. Warning: Stepping into this arena might get you so excited that you throw a chair. Just ask Bobby Knight.

26. We’ve Got Your Hangout For The Game

I can’t help but mention the Uptown Café. This local hotspot serves it up Cajun Creole style, with dishes like shrimp and grits or gumbo. Make it a lunch date or drop by during a soccer game, when you’ll likely hear the fans’ passion from outside on the street!

27. We’re On The Tech Frontier

Bloomington Certified Technology Park spans 65 acres of the downtown area and is the home to several technology companies and office spaces. Take a chance to check it out—it’s close to many downtown attractions including restaurants, popular neighborhoods and the B-line trail.

28. Our Music Scene Is Killer

Bloomington’s music scene is filled to the brim with talent and diversity. You can head to the Jacobs School of Music for a performance or drop by a club to check out the newest local folk-punk band. The city has its share of hometown record labels and an all around supportive music community in general. Plus, it’s the home of John Mellencamp—what music is more All-American than that?