Although many students have left town for the summer, you can still find many fun things to do in Bloomington. Personally, I think Bloomington is better in the summertime, because there are fewer students around.
Last year was my first summer in Bloomington. I’d assumed more people would stay, but only a few of my friends were here; the same happened this summer.
Outside of completing internships or working elsewhere, I have never understood why people want to leave Bloomington during the summer. Summertime is my favorite time to be in Bloomington. A few of my friends are still in town and, because we don’t have to worry about school, we can hang out later than we do during the school year.
With the campus being emptier, it has been easier to go work out. There aren’t as many people to fight for a workout machine, or a lane in the pool. My friends and I are excited to be able to swim in a less-crowded pool, once IU opens their outdoor pool on Memorial Day.
If you don’t want to pay to work out, you can always go on runs or walk around campus. Biking is another fun and healthy option – I love going on bike rides around Bloomington and down the B-line trail to stay in shape.
Also on campus is Dunn Meadow, which is often overlooked. It is the perfect place to read or just relax in the sun. If you're looking for a spot to have a picnic or play frisbee with friends, this is the perfect place to go.
Another great location in Bloomington that some people have not been to is Lake Monroe. The summer is the best time to go, and the lake is a great spot for a picnic with a few friends. While I was there last summer, my friends and I swam, laid out on the beach and enjoyed the food we brought with us. I definitely plan on doing that again this summer.
Lake Monroe also has hiking spots, fishing spots and boat rentals for people to enjoy all summer. My personal favorite spot is the cutouts, which is a cute area that a lot of people go to watch the sunrise. Since school is not in session right now, it would be the perfect opportunity to go.
There are also a lot of ways to enjoy your free time in Bloomington without leaving the house. My friends and I have been staying in and having a lot of movie nights recently. This is a personal favorite, and I recommend doing it if you would rather have a night in.
Bloomington is such a fun place during the summer. It’s less crowded, and you have more time to try new restaurants or find new places to hang out. If you are in town this summer, make sure to take advantage of the lack of people. It is a blessing in disguise.
Olivia Franklin (she/her) is a junior studying journalism with a minor in political science. She is a member of the swim club at IU and the Women in Media organization.
