Without classes, clubs and the usual busyness of the fall and spring semesters, Bloomington can feel less lively in the summer. But when you know where to look, you can easily enjoy your Bloomington summer.
Here are some of the best summer activities for those staying in Bloomington:
Check out Bloomington’s indoor entertainment
Whether you’re looking to escape the rain or summer heat, there are plenty of indoor entertainment options in town as well.
The Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Kirkwood Avenue will continue to host events ranging from concerts to movie showings over the summer. The theater has many different showing options, each offering different price ranges. There are a few films coming up at the theater like “A Love Letter To Handsome John” and “Linda Perry – Let It Die Here.” Their website has all the upcoming shows and you can also purchase tickets there in advance.
You can also visit Bloomington’s various museums, like the Eskenazi Museum of Art and the WonderLab Science Museum.
The art museum, which is free to everyone, on campus is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and features many different exhibits to browse such as their ancient Greek art collection and other historical collections. Their current featured exhibit is “Mulyana: Vital Ecosystems” which showcases art inspired by Indonesia’s coral reefs and will run until June 28.
While the WonderLab Science Museum on Fourth Street is mainly geared toward children, it can also be a fun rainy-day experience for adults. They have many hands-on exhibits including their new beehive builder exhibit and are open Tuesday to Sunday with differing hours each day. Their website also includes information about hours and ticket prices.
For students who want to get active indoors, the Student Recreational Center on Law Lane is a good option and is free to IU students. It is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. As many students have returned home, the Recreational Center is significantly less crowded than it is during the school year. When students crowd the gym, starting your fitness journey can be increasingly intimidating but the summer is the perfect opportunity to get more comfortable.
Explore nature in Bloomington
Summer is the time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and warm sun. With Lake Monroe, the Hoosier National Forest and Griffy Lake nearby, there are plenty of outdoor activities.
The Hoosier National Forest near Bloomington has many different hikes to choose from, such as the Sycamore Loop Trail and the Hickory Ridge trail, which both begin at the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower. As a bonus, you can climb the fire tower before or after your hike and enjoy the view of the forest below.
Lake Monroe is another great place to check out during the warmer months. The lake’s three different beaches, Fairfax, Paynetown and Hardin Ridge, offer a place to tan, swim and enjoy the sun. Currently the beaches are closed due to recent heavy rainfall, but will open again when the water recedes.
If you don’t want to venture as far as the Hoosier National Forest or Lake Monroe, both of which are about 30 minutes outside of town, there is always Griffy Lake. There are 10 trails located within the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve which you can find listed on the city of Bloomington website. You can also fish, picnic and use non-motorized boats, which you can rent from the boathouse, at the lake. After a hectic day, Griffy Lake is a great place to wind down in nature.
Other outdoor options
While it’s important to have indoor alternatives to escape the weather, summer is ultimately the best time for outside fun. If you aren’t a big hiker or nature enthusiast, there are still options for you.
Swimming in the pool or at a beach is a summer must. The IU Outdoor Pool, located on Fee Lane, is now open, including amenities such as lap swimming, open swim and diving boards. In addition, the Bryan Park Pool is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and has three water slides and a diving board. Both pools offer different passes or memberships depending on how often you want to go for differing prices, which can be found on their website.
For a more chill outdoor summer activity, the city of Bloomington hosts movies in the park each month at different parks like Bryan Park or Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park. June’s movie is “Dial M for Murder” and will take place on the 27th. The city also hosts other events such as concerts and theatrical performances, which are listed on the City of Bloomington website.
While it may seem like a ghost town when the students leave, a Bloomington summer has something for everyone whether you like to be indoors or outdoors.
