Budget Travel | Discover USA: Bloomington, Indiana

Join Budget Travel as we continue our new series Discover USA. Discover USA explores states, counties, cities, and everything in between. Each week we will explore a new US destination to help you find things to do, itinerary ideas, and plan where to go next.

This week, we invite you to Discover what Bloomington, Indiana has to offer. Bloomington a well-known college town, home to the prestigious Indiana University, and a mecca for great restaurants. However, this charming Midwestern city has a whole lot more to offer.

Bloomington is a mecca for global cuisine. Turkish, Tibetan, Venezuelan, Burmese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, French, Japanese—if you can find it on a globe, you can find it in Bloomington. Bloomington boasts 350+ restaurants where diners can find everything from gourmet hotdogs in an underground dive bar filled with pinball machines and traditional mo-mo’s at the Midwest’s best Tibetan restaurant to ethically sourced coffee shops and all-vegan bakeries.

Family-owned & operated by a Tibetan refugee and former monk, Anyetsang’s Little Tibet is one of 4^th Street’s most popular restaurants — the Dalai Lama himself once dined there during a visit to Bloomington. Prayer flags adorn the restaurant’s patio and interior, along with many photos, artwork, and other mementos celebrating Tibetan culture.

Originally designed as an inn and pub in 1882, The Irish Lion is one of the oldest buildings in Bloomington — several architectural features, including the double doors and surrounding woodwork at the entrance, are original to the building. Its 1800s-style mahogany bar, ornate copper ceiling, and welcoming tavern ambiance offer what feels like an authentic Irish pub experience right here in B-Town.

Upland Brewing Company is an accumulation of all the best things about Bloomington: progressive ideas, community, imagination, innovation, and bold flavors, all of which are evident in their beer, food, and brewery atmosphere. One of B-Town’s O.G. brewpubs, Upland is now a nationally-revered beer brand and beloved food destination at its many locations across the state.

Here are some more of Bloomington’s most iconic restaurants.

Bloomington’s culture is comprised of a wonderfully eclectic mix of Midwestern values, international influences, intellectual pursuits, and spiritual exploration. Those elements are represented across the city and campus at places like the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, Lilly Library, Monroe County History Center, 4th Street, and more.

Perhaps because of the unique, blended culture, or in conjunction with it, Bloomington has also developed into an artistic haven. There’s a high concentration of artists and an even higher concentration of people who appreciate & support the arts. That’s why you’ll find live music nearly every night of the year, public art painting the streets in vibrant colors, world-class theater & dance performances at some of the nation’s leading venues, and galleries filled with work by local & national artists.

Explore the country’s only Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center with self-guided walking tours, meditation classes, stay in an on-sight Yurt (no TVs, electronics). Then enjoy the only restaurant in the U.S. dedicated to Tibetan food in the U.S. (Founded by Dalai Lama’s brother in 1970s, Dali Lama has private apartment there).

Little 500, a big event. Indiana University’s Little 500 is the largest collegiate bike race in the United States, widely known as “The World’s Greatest College Weekend” — more than 25,000 people travel to Bloomington each year to watch the race and participate in the week’s festivities. In the past, Lance Armstrong, former Bachelor & IU alum Ben Higgins, and former President Barack Obama have attended the race. The Little 500 has even gotten recognition on the silver screen: Breaking Away (1979) is an Academy Award-winning film about the race. It’s a truly iconic event. This year’s event takes place April 22 & 23.

Cream & Crimson – spend a day at the famous Indiana University, one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country full of experiences that are open (and many free) to guests such as the Lilly Library which holds millions of cultural & literary artifacts that document some of humanity’s highest achievements including a New Testament of the Gutenberg Bible, the First Folio of Shakespeare’s works, over 30,000 comics donated by Batman producer, Michael Uslan, the first printed edition of The Canterbury Tales, George Washington’s letter accepting the presidency of the United States, typescripts from many of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, four of John Ford’s Oscars, Thomas Jefferson’s personal copy of the Bill of Rights, 94 of Sylvia Plath’s poems, and so much more.

Reach more about Bloomington’s Arts & Culture scene here.

Nature preserves, lakes, trails, caves, and more. While there’s an abundance of adventure to be had in the city, Bloomington’s nature offerings provide a different sort of wanderlust fulfillment that’s just as worthy of your attention.

Become a water bug for the day at Monroe Lake — Indiana’s largest land-bound body of water and offers camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and beaching. Rent a pontoon and laze under the sun, paddle around the perimeter of the lake in a kayak, or dip your toes in at the beach. Cast your fishing line from the shores of Griffy Lake, or see what you can catch as you float along in a canoe.

Lace up your hiking boots and venture the rolling hills & abundance of trails at Morgan-Monroe State Forest and Yellowwood State Forest. If mountain biking is more your speed, head out to Wapehani Mountain Bike Park to tear up some dirt on two wheels. For a more challenging & thrilling ride, try some of the rugged trails at the Hoosier National Forest.

Take the family to any of our fantastic outdoor parks for a day full of fun. Bryan Park is a favorite during the summer months due to its outdoor pool & waterslides, and the fully-accessible playground at Lower Cascades Park is a must for every child. Regardless of the outdoor adventure you choose, Bloomington’s natural beauty is sure to impress and leave you coming back for more.

Just 30 minutes from downtown Bloomington and the Indiana University campus resides Indiana’s only national forest. Comprised of over 200,000 acres, tens-of-thousands of which are found in Monroe County, and Indiana’s only wilderness area, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, the Hoosier National Forest offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of life, as well as a slew of nature activities to enjoy during any season.

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