As a photographer, I’ve spent quite a bit of time snapping pictures around Bloomington. I’ve found more locations than I know what to do with, but not everyone has the luxury of spending four years scoping out spots. If you’re just here for a weekend, here are a few of my favorites.
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
Bloomington in the fall is breathtaking, especially at a nature preserve like Griffy Lake, which features hiking trails around the lake and through its surrounding wooded areas. The preserve is about six minutes north of Memorial Stadium by car or 11 minutes by bike.
The trees make for a lovely backdrop no matter the season, and large pathways around the lake are perfect for taking group photos with lots of sky, water and greenery in the background. The variations in landscape make this location a great choice for family photos or senior portraits.
Indiana University’s Old Crescent
The area just inside IU’s Sample Gates is known as the Old Crescent because it’s home to some of the first buildings constructed on IU’s current Bloomington campus. You’d have a hard time finding a part of campus that’s not photo-ready, but the old crescent feels especially collegiate. Pair the Indiana limestone buildings with elaborate flowerbeds and red brick roads for a photo that just feels like IU pride. This spot is popular for senior pictures, which means it gets crowded in the spring. But the wait is worth it, and you won’t regret taking the time to get a turn in front of Sample Gates or inside the Rose Well House.
Courthouse Square
Home to several fan-favorite restaurants and local shops, the square is also a great place to find a variety of visual points of interest. At the center lies the courthouse, which boasts beautiful architecture both inside and out (plus a fish, if you look hard enough). Though your gaze may be directed toward the courthouse, I encourage everyone to wander around the square to find some less-frequented stops.
Find the pink wall with windowsill planters on the side of Fountain Square Mall, or venture into Caveat Emptor, a used bookstore, for the perfect library-eque backdrop for avid readers. With such a variety of shops and outdoor decor, the square is a great place to wander in search of inspiration or leading lines.
Cox Arboretum
The arboretum, while much newer than the Old Crescent, showcases more of IU’s history and current landscape. Walk through the former football stadium and Little 500 track and find inspiration in the hilly landscape, serene ponds and commanding bell tower.
Facing 10th Street, you’ll find the former ticket booth for the original football stadium. It’s a cool piece of history, and a great place to show subtle IU pride in your photos with the university’s trident logo carved along all sides of the structure.
Monroe Lake
Yes, there are two lakes on this list. Yes, I think they’re both worth checking out. Monroe Lake is huge, which means there’s no shortage of photo opportunities. I especially like looking for sailboats on the water in the warmer months. You can often find a few clumped together with their sails out, which makes for a beautiful photo. There are also several high points around the lake that make for a great aerial view if you’re not opposed to a bit of hiking.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's spring 2026 Source Campus Visitor's Guide.
