Visitors Guide
thumbnail:2496,leftThere's plenty to do in Bloomington, whether it is your first time here or your fiftieth. The City of Bloomington offers resources including local street and parking maps, public art maps and Indiana University maps to help you find your way around.
Looking for a great place to eat or a special event to see? Then learn more about downtown Bloomington, including the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD). Visitors can also find helpful information on technology, transportation and parking, diversity and inclusion, business and commerce, and arts, culture and recreation.
Getting Around
Bus Services
Bloomington Transit operates an extensive bus system, which includes BT Access, a transportation service for persons with disabilities.
Indiana University (IU) Campus Bus System provides free service to students on the IU campus.
Rural Transit provides service for surrounding areas in Bloomington and Monroe County.
Alternative Transportation
As part of its transportation planning initiatives and sustainable city initiatives, the City of Bloomington provides many alternative transportation options such as bike paths and bike lanes, trails, sidewalks and sidepaths.
Maps
Find your way around town using our Map Gallery.
Parking
The Parking Map Gallery provides information on neighborhood parking zones as well as dowtown parking locations.
Arts, Entertainment & Culture
thumbnail:2495,rightBloomington boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Galleries and museums are located throughout the downtown, nestled amongst a rich blend of shops, eateries and other attractions. The sheer number of high-quality and affordable arts events and entertainment opportunities has made Bloomington an increasingly popular tourist destination for those who appreciate the energy of a thriving, artistic community. Read more about the Bloomington's arts, entertainment and culture.
Dining
thumbnail:2497,rightEnjoy world-class cuisine originating from Asia, Middle East, Europe and Latin America. Our quaint city plays host to restaurants, cafes and eateries that satisfy even the most exotic palates. Take a stroll down Fourth Street to experience Restaurant Row, part of the up and coming Bloomington Entertainment & Arts District (BEAD). Read more about Restaurant Row.
Historic Bloomington
Whether you want to learn more about the city's limestone architecture, are curious about local history or are looking for a fun-filled walk, Bloomington's Historic Districts are waiting for you. The City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development Department has structured self-paced walking tours that highlight the architecture and local history of Bloomington. Read more about the City's Historic Walking Tours.
Outdoor Recreation
Bloomington is an outdoor recreation haven in the Midwest, possessing rolling foothills, lakes, forests, caves, parks and golf courses. The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, winner of the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, operates the City's many parks, trails and recreational activities. Outside city limits, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating and camping on Indiana's largest lake, Lake Monroe. Find your next adventure in the heart of Bloomington and Monroe County.
Accommodations
Whether you're looking to stay in a downtown hotspot or a lakeside retreat, Bloomington offers numerous places to lay your head. For detailed information about places to stay in Bloomington and Monroe County, visit the Bloomington-Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau web site at www.visitbloomington.com.
Festivals and Celebrations
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- Lotus World Music and Arts Festival
- 4th Street Festival of the Arts and Fine Crafts
- Arts Fair on the Square
- Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
- A Fair of the Arts
- Bloomington Early Music Festival
- PRIDE Film Festival
- IU ArtsWeek
- Ryder Film Series
- GalleryWalk
- IU Sing
- Indiana Heritage Quilt Show
- Chocolate Fest
- Bloomington Multiculturla Festival
- Soul Food Festival
- BubbleFest
Additional Resources
About Bloomington
- 3D Model of Bloomington
- About Bloomington
- Accessible Bloomington
- Apply for the Citizens' Academy
- City Acronyms
- City Recognizes Neighborhoods at Awards Ceremony at the Farmers’ Market
- Donate to Homeward Bound
- Learn about Downtown Parking
- Explore Historic Bloomington
- Fire Department Statistics
- Download GIS Data
- Homeward Bound 5K Walk
- Map Gallery
- myBloomington Search Tips
- New Hope Family Shelter
- News Releases
- Participate in the Homeward Bound 5K Walk
- Learn about Recycling
- Quitting Tobacco
- State of the City Address 2008
- Street Directions and Address Grid
- Subscribe to City News and Newsletters
Arts, Culture & Recreation
- Adopt a Trail
- BEAD hosts February workshops on social media networking
- BEAD to Exhibit the Boys and Girls Clubs' "Cardboard City" Installation
- BEAD to exhibit the work of Kendall Reeves in conjunction with United Way
- BEAD’s November Exhibit to Feature Bloomington Watercolor Society
- Bloomington Convention Center
- Bloomington Selected to Host National Softball Tournament in 2011
- Cascades Golf Course Outings
- Celebrate Fiesta del Otoño/Fall Fiesta 2007 This Saturday
- City of Bloomington to Display Artwork of Wyatt LeGrand in City Hall Atrium
- Arrange a Wedding Ceremony
- Explore the Evans-Porter Memorial Library
- Explore Historic Bloomington
- Ferguson Dog Park
- Learn about Hola Bloomington Radio Program
- Inclusive Recreation
- Set up an Information Table at the Farmers' Market
- Apply for a Parade Permit
- Apply for Parks and Recreation Jobs
- Parks and Recreation Rentals & Registration Information
- Sherwood Oaks Park
- Take Swimming Lessons
- Switchyard Park Property
- Tickets for 2010 MLK Celebration Available at Buskirk-Chumley Box Office Next Week
Business & Commerce
- Accessible Bloomington
- Request Address for New House
- BEAD hosts February workshops on social media networking
- Bloomington Census Data
- Buffa Louie's
- Do Business in Bloomington
- Apply for A Business License
- City Acronyms
- Receive your Legally-Required Wage
- Review City RFPs
- Community Development Block Grants
- Request Criminal History Checks
- Arrange to have a signature or document certified
- Downtown CREED
- Downtown Land Use Study
- Downtown Vision & Infill Strategy Plan
- Download engineering permits and forms
- FOG Grease Interceptors and Traps
- Get Info on Utility Guidelines and Applications for Contractors
- Green Building Costs
- Set up an Information Table at the Farmers' Market
- Kruzan announces plans to create a certified technology park
- Download Open Source Software
- Request GIS Map and Digital Data
- Planning Maps
- Get Planning Permits
- Redefining Prosperity: Energy Descent & Community Resilience
- Rental and New Construction Financing
- Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
City Government
- 2010 City of Bloomington Planning Department Annual Report
- 2013 Council Meeting Schedule
- About Bloomington
- Accessible Bloomington
- Archived Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes and Packets
- Archived Plat Committee Meeting Minutes and Packets
- Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes: September 20, 2012
- Boards and Commissions
- Citizen Assistance Online Form
- Class to learn about City of Bloomington
- Apply for the Citizens' Academy
- City Acronyms
- City Council Meeting Procedures
- City Facilities Report
- View City of Bloomington Directory
- City of Bloomington Graffiti Eradication Program
- City Recognizes Neighborhoods at Awards Ceremony at the Farmers’ Market
- Review City RFPs
- Find the City on Social Media
- Watch Civic Webcasts
- Arrange a Wedding Ceremony
- Commonly Mistaken City Services
- Give the City a compliment
- Contact the City Council
- Contact the Webmaster
- Contact the City
- Probe the Data Center
- Arrange to have a signature or document certified
- Downtown Land Use Study
- Track City Electricity Usage
- Find an Ordinance
- Find My Council Representative
- Learn about Fire Prevention Inspections
- FOG Grease Interceptors and Traps
- Growth Policies Plan
- Detailing HAWK Signal Project at 19th & Dunn
- Hearing Officer Agenda: May 15, 2013
- Hearing Officer Agenda: October 17, 2012
- Hearing Officer Agenda: September 19, 2012
- Hearing Officer Agenda: May 1, 2013
- ImagineBloomington Draft Planning Goals Public Workshop Summaries
- Arrange for a speaker from the Clerk's Office to come to your class or group
- Mandatory water restrictions to be lifted Sept. 12
- Map Gallery
- Mayor's Biography for Kids
- Mobile Initiatives
- Municipal Code
- myBloomington Address Tool
- myBloomington Search Tips
- New Hope Family Shelter
- News Releases
- Plan Commission Archived Minutes and Packets
- Planning Documents Clearinghouse
- Planning Maps
- Make a Comment to Council at a Meeting
- Learn about Recycling
- Request Alternative Formats for Information
- Safe Routes to School
- Schedule a Fire Station Tour
- State of the City Address 2008
- Storm Drain Marking Project Photos
- Storm Drain Marking Projects
- Subscribe to City News and Newsletters
- Tickets for 2010 MLK Celebration Available at Buskirk-Chumley Box Office Next Week
- Learn More About Filing Tort Claims
- Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
- Find Voting Information
- Website Statistics
- Report a Zoning Issue
Diversity & Inclusion
- 2010 CCA Awards
- ADA Transition Plan Resources
- Americans with Disabilities Act Questions and Information
- Area Ten Agency on Aging
- Learn about how Bloomington celebrated Black History Month 2012 - Bloomington Style: Black Women in History and Culture
- Bloomington Multicultural Expo
- Bloomington United asks community members to unite and stand firm in solidarity with the Jewish community and all peoples
- The ADA: How the New Accessibility Regulations Affect YOU! - Nov. 3
- Celebrate Fiesta del Otoño/Fall Fiesta 2007 This Saturday
- City of Bloomington to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
- CSBM Outstanding Black Male Leaders of Tomorrow Awards
- Report Discrimination to the Human Rights Commission
- Make Your MLK Day "A Day On!" - Jan. 21, 2013
- Locate Handicapped Parking Locations
- Learn about Hola Bloomington Radio Program
- Home Modifications for Accessible Living
- Homeward Bound 5K Walk
- Schedule a Discussion with the Bloomington Human Rights Commission
- Inclusive Recreation
- Islamic Center of Bloomington
- Volunteer with Latino Programs and Outreach
- Arrange for a speaker from the Clerk's Office to come to your class or group
- New Hope Family Shelter
- Learn about Safe and Civil Programs
- September 2007 CCA Minutes
- Lunch and Learn Spanish
- Tickets for 2010 MLK Celebration Available at Buskirk-Chumley Box Office Next Week
Education & Learning
- Arrange Educational Animal Shelter Tours
- Applebee's
- The ADA: How the New Accessibility Regulations Affect YOU! - Nov. 3
- Childs Elementary School
- Class to learn about City of Bloomington
- City Acronyms
- Learn about Crime Prevention Tips
- Donate to Homeward Bound
- Explore the Evans-Porter Memorial Library
- Learn About Fire Prevention and Education
- Fire safety brochures
- Home Buyers Club--Receive Training on homeownership
- Learn about Home Ownership Programs
- Arrange for a speaker from the Clerk's Office to come to your class or group
- Mayor's Biography for Kids
- Monroe County Public Library - Ellettsville Branch
- New Hope Family Shelter
- Schedule a Fire Station Tour
- Lunch and Learn Spanish
- Take Swimming Lessons
- Templeton Elementary School
- Learn about Home Repair
Family Living
- 2009 Homeward Bound Walk Kick-off Event
- Area Ten Agency on Aging
- Bloomington & Monroe County Child Care & Referral Guide
- Bloomington Housing Authority
- Bloomington Multicultural Expo
- City Recognizes Neighborhoods at Awards Ceremony at the Farmers’ Market
- Arrange a Wedding Ceremony
- Commission on the Status of Children and Youth Releases Community Survey
- Community Development Block Grant Applications Available Starting September 6
- Donate to Homeward Bound
- Learn About Fire Prevention and Education
- Fire safety brochures
- Pet Loss Due to Fire
- Become an Animal Shelter Foster Guardian
- Health Care Coverage Plans in Indiana
- Explore the Healthy Indiana Plan
- Learn about Hola Bloomington Radio Program
- Homeward Bound 5K Walk
- Homeward Bound 5K Walk Benefiting Agencies
- Learn about Home Ownership Programs
- Report a Lost or Found Pet
- New Hope Family Shelter
- Open Burning Policy
- Participate in the Homeward Bound 5K Walk
- Parks and Recreation Rentals & Registration Information
- Learn about Home Repair
Housing & Neighborhoods
- 2009 Annual Action Plan
- 2009 Homeward Bound Walk Kick-off Event
- 2013 Blooming Neighborhoods
- 3D Model of Bloomington
- Request Address for New House
- Adopt a Trail
- Applebee's
- Bloomington Housing Authority
- Apply for CDBG Funding
- Class to learn about City of Bloomington
- City Announces Neighborhood Leadership Series
- City of Bloomington Graffiti Eradication Program
- City Recognizes Neighborhoods at Awards Ceremony at the Farmers’ Market
- City Reminds Residents to Keep Sidewalks, Ramps Clear of Snow This Winter
- Community Development Block Grant Applications Available Starting September 6
- Seek counseling assistance with delinquent mortgage payments
- Director's Message
- Downtown Vision & Infill Strategy Plan
- Arrange for a neighborhood newsletter to be duplicated
- Apply for Emergency Home Repair Funding
- Explore Historic Bloomington
- Green Building Costs
- HAND News for Neighborhoods
- Home Buyers Club--Receive Training on homeownership
- Home Modifications for Accessible Living
- Homeward Bound 5K Walk
- Homeward Bound 5K Walk Benefiting Agencies
- Seek counseling assistance for housing financial problems
- Learn about Home Ownership Programs
- Interactive Map
- Land Acquisition Program
- Learn about Leaf Collection
- Report a Lost or Found Pet
- myBloomington Address Tool
- myBloomington Search Tips
- Apply for the Neighborhood Clean-up Grant Program
- Apply for a Neighborhood Improvement Grant
- Neighborhood Parking Permits
- Neighborhood Planning
- Neighborhood Watch Program
- Notify the City about neighborhood Issues
- New Hope Family Shelter
- Open Burning Policy
- Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program
- Participate in the Homeward Bound 5K Walk
- Past Neighborhood Improvement Grant Projects
- Pedestrian & Alternative Transportation Projects (Engineering)
- Learn About Pick it Up Litter Control Program
- Apply for funding to purchase a home
- Recycle Bins
- Learn about Recycling
- Register a complaint regarding a rental unit
- Rental and New Construction Financing
- Receive rental occupancy permits and inspections
- Rental Rehab Loan Program
- Request Extra Police Patrol in your Neighborhood
- View a list of Licenses, Grants and Permits
- Receive Counseling on Reverse Equity Mortgages
- Road Construction Projects
- Sanitation
- Learn about Home Repair
- Report a Zoning Issue
Technology
- 3D Model of Bloomington
- Learn about the City Website
- Accessible Bloomington
- Apply for Computer Equipment
- Test early releases of new technologies
- City Acronyms
- City of Bloomington Releases Open Source GeoReporter and uReport tools for Open311
- Find the City on Social Media
- Watch Civic Webcasts
- Contact the Webmaster
- Probe the Data Center
- Track City Electricity Usage
- Download GIS Data
- Interactive Map
- Map Gallery
- Mobile Initiatives
- myBloomington Search Tips
- Download Open Source Software
- Request GIS Map and Digital Data
- Request Alternative Formats for Information
- Website Privacy Statement
- Website Statistics
- Fill-out the Website Usability Feedback Form
- Find WiFi Hotspots
Transportation & Parking
- ADA Transition Plan Resources
- Accessible Transportation Coalitions Initiative
- BMCMPO Documents Clearinghouse
- Bus Services
- City Unveils New Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Learn about Downtown Parking
- Locate Handicapped Parking Locations
- IN-Motion: 2012 Indiana MPO Conference
- Mobile Initiatives
- Neighborhood Parking Permit FAQs
- Neighborhood Parking Permits
- Pay a Parking Ticket
- Planning Maps
- Platinum Biking Task Force
- Safe Routes to School
- Report Sidewalk Damage
- Special Event Parking Permits
- Report a Pothole
- The Bloomington Platinum Biking Task Force Meeting Calendar
- Information on Timed Parking Zones
- Website detailing the City's traffic counting program
- Transportation Acronym Dictionary
- Transportation Projects and Plans
- Learn about Vehicle Identification Checks
- Report a Zoning Issue