IDS Spring-Summer 2026 Source Visitors Guide

How to spend 48 hours in Bloomington

By Jonathan Frey jonafrey@iu.edu | @byjonathanfrey

Welcome to Bloomington! You might be here visiting a friend, touring campus as a prospective student or returning after years away. But whoever you are, Bloomington can offer you all kinds of unique Hoosier experiences!

Take a look below to see a senior’s top recommendations for can’t-miss moments in B-town while you’re here:

Nature

If you’re in town while the weather is still warm, a stroll through campus greenspaces is enough to brighten anyone’s day.

Dunn’s Woods covers 20 acres between the historic Sample Gates and Swain Hall on Third Street. Any campus tour would be incomplete without a

stroll through the beech-maple trees beautifying the dullest of lecture halls.

The Cox Arboretum on the north end of campus is the perfect spot for a picnic. The everpresent coniferous trees and the creek weaving between them feel like they shouldn’t be part of a college campus, but rather a state park.

If you have a car, it’s only 30 minutes down to the beaches at Lake Monroe, Indiana’s biggest body of water not named Lake Michigan. Many are open 24 hours for the stargazers among us.

Drive just east and you’ll enter Brown County. It’s 300 square miles of forest, much of it classified as a state park.

Food and shopping

You won’t be here long before you hear about Kirkwood Avenue, the city’s main shop-

ping, eating and partying street. Don’t get me wrong, Kirkwood has its gems. Fountain Square houses more shops than you could ever hope to visit in two days, many of them small local businesses.

But move a little off the beaten path and you’ll find what really makes this town charming. Walnut and College Avenues are spattered with local holes-inthe-wall like Walkover Sounds and Stones or Rockit’s Famous Pizza.

Fourth Street is the local hub for international cuisine. Some Hoosiers make it a challenge to eat at every restaurant on Fourth before they graduate; in 48 hours, one or two should be plenty.

There are luxury options around, but you won’t find the real Bloomington without abandoning expensive tastes. The city is best when you’re not afraid to

get a little adventurous.

Arts and entertainment

No matter when you show up, there’s always some kind of performance happening in town.

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Kirkwood Avenue and IU’s Musical Arts Center host music performances regularly year-round and usually at affordable prices. The MAC often hosts IU’s renowned Jacobs School of Music.

The Eskenazi Museum of Art on campus is a free year round option for paintings and sculptures.

Across the street, IU Cinema puts on an eclectic selection of movies usually relevant to the season.

Switchyard Park often hosts plays to craft markets and public performances on the weekends, often for free.

COLUMN: Best spots on an IU campus tour

By Will Tallackson wdtallac@iu.edu

When I stepped onto IU’s campus for my first and only college tour in October 2024 as a high school senior, I was immediately pulled in by the landmarks, traditions and atmosphere that define Hoosier pride. Now, as a college freshman, the places I’ve continued to discover have transformed IU from an impressive campus into a place that genuinely feels like home.

From limestone buildings that anchor the university’s history to statues, fountains and gathering spaces alive with student energy, the following campus tour stops offer a window into what makes IU more than just a collection of classrooms.

Sample Gates

Rising at the intersection of East Kirkwood Avenue and Indiana Avenue, Sample Gates serves as the ceremonial front door to campus. The twin Indiana limestone arches do more than mark an entrance — they create a first impression. Built in 1987, the Gothic-inspired design reflects the university’s signature limestone architecture found throughout the Old Crescent, an area between Indiana Avenue and Third Street that features some of the oldest buildings on campus including Franklin Hall and Owen Hall.

It remains one of the most photographed spots on campus — a backdrop for move-in days, game day traditions and graduation portraits. Walking beneath the arches feels intentional, like stepping into a community shaped by history and sustained by tradition.

Herman B Wells statue

Just steps from Owen and

Wylie Halls stands the bronze statue of Herman B Wells sitting on a campus bench, honoring one of the most influential leaders in IU history. Wells served as university president from 1938 to 1962 and then chancellor until his death in 2000, overseeing decades of academic expansion and elevating the university’s national reputation by pushing for civil rights, supporting groundbreaking research and preserving green spaces.

Today, the statue is woven into a campus ritual. Students touch Wells’ outstretched thumb for good luck before exams, and the bronze there shines brighter than the rest, polished by years of hopeful hands. The statue offers more than a photo opportunity — it represents the leadership and vision that helped shape modern IU, and the traditions students continue to carry forward.

Showalter Fountain

At the center of the Fine Arts Plaza, surrounded by the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design, the IU Audito-

rium and the Lilly Library, sits Showalter Fountain. Dedicated in 1961, the limestone sculpture “The Birth of Venus” was designed by Fine Arts professor Robert Laurent. The 15-foot figure reclines in a clamshell and is surrounded by sculpted fish.

The sculpture provides a strong visual focal point, giving visitors a moment to glimpse the artistic core of campus. The fountain showcases IU’s deep connection to the arts while serving as a gathering place where creativity and student life naturally intersect.

Cox Arboretum

In one of the most scenic areas on campus, just north of the Radio-Television Building, lies the Jesse H. and Beulah Chanley Cox Arboretum. The 11-acre landscape includes a variety of plant life and trees from North America and across the world. The arboretum includes a pond, a gazebo and the 91-foot Metz Carillon Tower, which was refurbished and relocated to the space in 2020.

Winding walking paths cre-

ate a shift from the bustle of nearby academic buildings. The arboretum invites students and visitors to slow down, whether to study on the open grass, walk between classes or simply pause for quiet.

Indiana Memorial Union

Located along Seventh Street, the Indiana Memorial Union traces its origins to 1909, when student John Whittenberger founded the Indiana Union to promote unity on campus during a period of student unrest. The current building was constructed from 1931-32 and dedicated to members of the IU community who served in the nation’s wars.

Today, the IMU spans more than 500,000 square feet of space and houses dining options, study lounges, meeting and event rooms, the IU Bookstore, a bowling alley, pool tables and the Biddle Hotel for visiting families and alumni. The IMU offers a clear snapshot of life beyond the classroom, where academics, community and tradition converge.

5 dog-friendly restaurants in Bloomington

By Mia Hilkowitz mhilkowi@iu.edu

Bloomington, overall, is very dog friendly. It has two dedicated dog parks — the Ferguson Dog Park and the Switchyard Park dog park. ere are plenty of hotels that allow your furry friends to stay the night. Your dog will be sure to get pets from friendly college students as you walk down Kirkwood.

However, if you’re out in town and have your pet with you, your restaurant choices are much more limited. In Indiana, animals are generally not allowed inside retail food establishments.

Still, some restaurants will allow you to sit with your dog on the patio or in outdoor seating.

FARMbloomington

FARMbloomington is located at 108 E. Kirkwood Ave. It serves American food and usually opens its patio during the spring

and summer months. Last summer, FARMbloomington hosted “VIP (Very Important Pups)” Wednesdays and would o er free dog-friendly meals if customers purchased an entree.

FARMbloomington is closed Monday, open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through ursday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Heartwork Brewing

Heartwork Brewing, a brewpub located at 1703 N. College Ave., encourages customers to bring dogs to its outdoor patio. On its website, it says dogs must be leashed at all times, and that managers may ask “Any dogs or humans that show aggression or disturb other patrons” to leave. is brewery also serves Neapolitan-style pizza and is planning to expand its kitchen this spring, according to its website. It’s open from 4-9 p.m. Monday, from 3-10 p.m. Tuesday

to ursday, 2-11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Lennie’s Brewpub

Lennie’s is a prime location on Kirkwood. Located a quick walk away from Sample Gates, this is a great spot if you’re planning to spend time on Indiana University’s campus. Lennie’s has a pet-friendly patio where you can keep your dog leashed during your meal.

Lennie’s opened in 1989 and had the rst commercial brewery to open in Monroe County in 1994. It is well known for its pizza, soups and beers. You can visit Lennie’s from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through ursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Cardinal Spirits

Like the three other options on this list, Cardinal Spirits allows customers to have dogs on its outdoor patio. Cardinal Spir-

its is a craft distillery located at 922 S. Morton St. In addition to serving its house-made spirits, it has a tasting room, cocktail bar and restaurant. e Cardinal Spirits patio overlooks the B-Line Trail.

Cardinal Spirits is closed Monday and Tuesday. It’s open from 4-10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Hopscotch Co ee

If you’re looking for breakfast, Hopscotch Co ee, located at 235 W. Dodds St., might be your best bet. You can bring your dog on the patio while you drink your co ee. In addition to its drink menu, you can also order breakfast food and lunch, though it can be a bit on the pricier side.

Hopscotch Co ee is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Traveling with pets? Make your pup at home in these rentals

By Alayna Wilkening awilkeni@iu.edu | @alaynawilkening

Bloomington is a great town to bring a pet — especially if they like attention. With tons of sights to see (and smell), your pet won’t be bored in B-Town.

While Bloomington itself is pet friendly, not every hotel will be. Luckily, there are plenty of options that can cater to your furry friend. Here are a few of the most popular places to stay for visitors with four-legged friends.

Graduate by Hilton Bloomington

Located on Kirkwood Avenue just a few blocks from Sample Gates, the Graduate is a popular destination for Indiana University sports fans. Rooms are decorated with vintage IU memorabilia, and the ground oor has room to study, work and catch a bite to eat or drink at Poindexter.

e Graduate allows guests to bring up to two pets weighing 75 pounds or under for a fee of $75.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Bloomington

feel most comfortable at Candlewood Suites. e extended-stay suites include a kitchen, living room and work desk, making it perfect for a longer visit or for guests who prefer to cook their own meals.

Pets are allowed, but up-todate vaccination records are required at check in. Guests staying for up to six nights must pay a pet fee of $75, and guests staying from seven to 14 nights must pay $150. A maximum of two pets under 80 pounds are allowed per room.

Century Suites Hotel

Century Suites is a secluded option located o State Road 46 on Bloomington’s east side. e property features a garden and picnic area and has a good amount of outdoor space for your pet to burn o some energy. Guests can choose to stay in an apartment or townhome-style room, and extended stays up to 28 nights at a time are welcome. Pets are allowed for a fee of $50 per pet.

Airbnb and VRBO

If you’re looking to hear the roar of Memorial Stadium from your room, Home2 Suites may be the right place for you. e hotel is just over a 10-minute walk from the stadium and allows up to two dogs or cats weighing a combined 75 pounds or less for a fee of $56.

bined 75 pounds or less

e hotel offers free parking, free breakfast, a tness center and pool.

Candlewood Suites by IHG

Guests staying in Bloomington for more than a few nights may

staying

When vacationing with dogs that need space to run, Airbnb and VRBO rentals are often smart options. Bloomington has an abundance of pet-friendly spaces available for short and long-term stays. ese rentals are scattered all over the city, so guests can choose whether they want to be set in the heart of downtown Bloomington or hidden in the trees along the edge of Monroe Lake. Each rental will have its own set of rules regarding pets, so be sure to read carefully before booking.

Best places (bar none) to get a drink

By Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer, Andrew Miller and Alayna Wilkening news@idsnews.com

There’s almost nothing more magical than turning 21 in Bloomington. It unlocks a whole new world for you, if you partake in drinking. While we students might have little experience in the fine art of Bloomington’s bars, we still have convictions. And here they are:

For a cocktail

ANDREW MILLER: My first ever drink at a bar was the Maliboobie at The Back Door. While the rum-grapefruit-cranberry concoction is great itself, the repertoire there is staggering. I can sip a Kitty Girl or a Thirst Trap and dance to Fergie there. That’s a beautiful thing.

MATEO FUENTES-ROHWER: I’ve never been much of a cocktail fan, especially when I venture outside of my home. However, as a fan of “The Big Lebowski,” The Root Cellar supplies canned White Russians that I’ve yet to try but I’m sure to like.

ALAYNA WILKENING: I recently discovered The Dunnkirk Library, which is an upscale bar inside The Upstairs Pub. While the drinks are pricier than I usually like to spend, they’re well worth it. I had the Eye Candy, which had gin, elderflower, ginger, lime and mint, and the Verbena, which included a flower that changed the taste of the drink when eaten. It’s definitely not a place I can afford to go more than a few times, but I’m already looking forward to my next visit. The bar requires reservations and fills up fast, so be sure to plan ahead.

For a beer

ANDREW: Now this is a shocker because it’s not a bar. But myself and Mia Hilkowitz — my co-editor-in-chief at the Indiana Daily Student — have a tradition of going to The Runcible Spoon on Fridays. And they have a surprising selection of beer. I’m not ashamed; I have on multiple occasions this year drank a Dragonfly IPA alongside some biscuits and gravy.

MATEO: Both Upland Brewing Co. and Big Woods provide excellent beer options that extend beyond the traditional domestic choices. If you’re at Upland, try a Bad Elmer’s, and if you’re at Big Woods, you might want a Busted Knuckle. My piece of advice — grab some food from both places as well. It pairs well with beer.

ALAYNA: Lennie’s Brewpub has a great selection of local beers and ciders, and there’s just something magical about eating outside on Kirkwood Avenue in the summer. I’ll admit I’m not the biggest fan of most beers, but I really enjoy the Kirkwood Cream Ale from Bloomington Brewing Co. and the Blood Or-

ange Blonde from Four Day Ray Brewing.

Old reliable

ANDREW: It’s the Video Saloon for me. It has solid drinks; it’s right by mi amor Rockit’s Famous Pizza. Good location, close to my house. You’ll also always see someone you know there.

MATEO: I may not have had an answer for this a couple of weeks ago. But after multiple visits to Brothers Bar & Grill, it’s a great spot with plenty of beer options and solid Long Island Iced Teas, too.

ALAYNA: The Root Cellar was the first bar I went to when I turned 21, so I feel a certain loyalty to it. The drinks are good, there’s usually someone belting Adele for karaoke and it’s never too crowded. It’s not always my first choice when I’m going out, but It’s always there for a solid end to the night.

Overall pick

ANDREW: It’s always a good night when I can go to The Root Cellar. I love almost everything about it — looking past the

space constraints. The karaoke, the atmosphere, the drinks: all beautiful. Nowhere else in the world have I seen a man dressed up as a wizard DJing, much less one spinning Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” to a dancing crowd. But the best thing about The Root Cellar is the people. Those are my people. I see the cool people from my classes there.

MATEO: This is a challenging pick, but at the end of the day, it has to be The Upstairs Pub. It was the first bar I ventured into once I turned 21, and it’s been my favorite ever since. Whether it’s $2 Tuesday, $3 Thursday or just a weekend, Upstairs is my go-to place to visit at some point throughout the night. Sure, it can be crowded many nights, but with multiple bars, tons of television screens and wonderful outdoor seating for the warm nights, it’s my favorite bar in Bloomington.

ALAYNA: I have to agree with The Upstairs Pub. I truly am at my happiest at the patio on a $2 Tuesday with an AMF and free popcorn in hand. It’s a Bloomington staple for a reason.

Your guide to Fourth Street restaurants

Fourth Street brings a variety of international cuisine to Bloomington

By Conor Banks conbanks@iu.edu | @Conorbanks06

For Indiana University stu dents and Bloomington resi dents, Fourth Street provides affordable, international dining within walking distance of cam pus.

For a quick lunch between classes or a dinner with friends, Fourth Street offers a variety of options for every palate.

Burmese

Kimu Asian Restaurant, lo cated at 413 E. Fourth St., serves traditional Burmese cuisine, along with other Asian dishes. Traditional Burmese menu items include tauk tauk kyaw, which combines minced chicken or pork with a mix of vegetables. The restaurant also offers a variety of noodle plates, rice dishes and soups.

Cajun

and falafel with dips like hummus and baba ghanoush, which customers can order by the pound.

At 408 E. Fourth St., Dat’s Cajun Creole Cafe centers its menu in Cajun and Creole tradition, featuring staples like gumbo, jambalaya and red beans and rice. The restaurant also serves various versions of étouffée, including crawfish, vegetarian spinach-artichoke and Thai peanut chicken.

The menu also includes a mix of Cajun-inspired sandwiches and chicken dishes, like voodoo chicken and bourbon chicken stew for an affordable price. Each entree is under $10.

Greek

Located inside the same building and counter as Dat’s Cajun Creole Cafe, Btown Gyros offers Mediterranean staples such as gyros, shawarma

Customers can choose from a selection of sandwiches or plates served with tzatziki sauce and pita. The restaurant also features salads, baklava and numerous snacks.

Indian

Fourth Street is home to two of the most popular Indian cuisine destinations in Bloomington.

From chicken, lamb and seafood specials to burgers, India Garden Restaurant provides customers with an extensive menu full of authentic Indian dishes. Located at 420 E. Fourth St., India Garden Restaurant has 100 items on its menu, including numerous vegetarian and vegan options.

Taste of India, found at 316 E. Fourth St., offers its customers a range of traditional Indian cuisine. Like India Garden Res-

taurant, Taste of India provides a large menu, consisting of various chicken, lamb, goat and seafood dishes. The restaurant also serves a diverse selection of naan, vegetable specials and desserts.

Korean

Fourth Street offers two restaurants primarily serving Korean food — Do Korean Restaurant and Korea Restaurant.

At 404 E. Fourth St., Do Korean Restaurant primarily serves Korean staples, such as beef bulgogi and bibimbap but utilizes elements of other Asian cuisines into its dishes. For example, the restaurant prepares a diverse selection of curry rice meals, inspired by Japanese cuisine.

On the other hand, Korea Restaurant, located at 409 E. Fourth St., focuses on traditional Korean fare. Menu items include Korean sushi rolls (kimbap), a variety of rice and noodle entrees and grilled meats.

Thai

Thai cuisine is the most common offering on Fourth Street, with three restaurants serving these traditional dishes.

One of these dining options is My Thai Downtown, situated at 402 E. Fourth St. Its menu includes pad thai, a wide variety of soups, Thai curries and different fried rice dishes. My Thai also has a gluten-free menu on its website, allowing people with dietary restrictions to enjoy Thai

At 405 E. Fourth St., Blooming Thai serves many similar dishes to My Thai. But it stands out with a selection of Thai drinks. For many, Blooming Thai is the go-to spot for Thai-inspired milk teas and boba in Bloomington.

Siam House rounds out the Thai food options at 430 E. Fourth St. Like My Thai and Blooming Thai, Siam House serves traditional foods. However, Siam House offers an array of seafood-focused meals, such as the panang seafood dish, a mix of fish cooked in a curry sauce and mixed vegetables, served with hot pot.

Tibetan

Fourth Street is home to the only Tibetan restaurant in Bloomington — Anyetsang’s Little Tibet Restaurant, located at 415 E. Fourth St. It offers a selection of Tibetan specialties, such as kham amdo thukpa, a stew made with noodles and vegetables. Its menu also includes Tibetan dumplings.

In addition to traditional Tibetan foods, Anyetsang’s Little Tibet Restaurant incorporates aspects of Indian and Thai cuisine and a range of vegan options.

COLUMN: Meet the statues on Bloomington’s campus

By Mateo Fuentes-Rohwer matfuent@iu.edu | @mateo_frohwer

I’ve lived in Bloomington my whole life, but rarely did I stroll around the Indiana University campus. That obviously changed when I became a freshman at IU in fall 2023, yet my lack of experience on campus led to little knowledge about the people who stand — or sit — for eternity.

As a townie, it’s disheartening. But I’m here to impart the knowledge I wish I had when I became a Hoosier, so you don’t have to be embarrassed.

Herman B Wells

Sitting on a park bench with a golden hand outstretched for a handshake, Herman B Wells has welcomed Hoosiers since the statue’s creation in 2000. He’s situated next to the Rose Well House in the Old Crescent part of campus, and his hand has developed rust since legend says shaking it brings good luck.

Wells held the office of the presidency at IU from 1938-1962 and became the university’s first chancellor — a position created for him — from 1962 until his death in 2000. As president, Wells oversaw IU’s increased student body from 11,000 in 1938 to

31,000 in 1962, and he’s often credited with transforming the university into a world-class institution.

George Taliaferro

Indiana football’s first conference title came in 1945 — George Taliaferro’s first season on the team. He forever remains running in George Taliaferro Plaza outside Memorial Stadium, where he’s been since 2019.

Taliaferro was a three-time All-American with IU, and in 1949, he became the first African American player to be drafted in the NFL. His success transitioned to the pros, where he made the Pro Bowl three times from 1951-53.

Hoagy Carmichael

A Bloomington native, Hoagy Carmichael has played his piano in the northeast corner of the IU Auditorium since 2008. Carmichael is an IU alumnus best known for composing “Stardust,” “Heart and Soul” and “Georgia on My Mind.” He won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1951 for his song, “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening.”

John Mellencamp

Adjacent to Carmichael and his piano is John Mellencamp, whose statue joined the

Bloomington campus in 2024. Mellencamp is a Seymour, Indiana, native and IU honorary alumnus. The 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s best-known songs include “Jack and Diane,” “Small Town” and “Hurts So Good.”

Elinor Ostrom

Residing on a park bench just like Wells, Elinor Ostrom welcomes people to join her for a seat behind Woodburn Hall. The statue was commemorated in 2020 for Ostrom, who cemented herself in history for becoming the first woman to win the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economic Sciences in 2009.

Ostrom was a faculty member at IU for 47 years, and her statue stands — or sits — alone as the only one dedicated to a woman on IU’s campus.

Ernie Pyle

Just outside Franklin Hall and the Media School sits Ernie Pyle, writing at a makeshift desk wearing clothes fit for the front lines. Pyle never graduated from IU as he dropped out during his junior year to pursue a career in reporting, but he was a summer editor-in-chief of the Indiana Daily Student, and his desk remains in the newsroom inside Franklin Hall.

His work as a war correspondent brought him to the

European and the Pacific Theater during World War II, and he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1944. Pyle was killed by enemy fire in 1945 at the age of 44.

Alfred Kinsey

In 2022, IU installed an Alfred Kinsey statue to honor the 75th anniversary of the institute bearing the same name. Kinsey is known for his work studying human sexuality, including two books that are known as the “Kinsey Reports.”

A white seat is situated next to Kinsey, welcoming a visitor to sit and talk with him. At night, Kinsey’s chair and code sheet light up, as if Kinsey himself is still studying the person opposite him.

COLUMN: 5 places to satisfy your sweet tooth

Grab a sweet treat from these delicious spots in Bloomington

By Lily Saylor saylorl@iu.edu | @lilysaylor06

If you’re anything like me, you need a daily sweet treat to keep morale up. Fortunately, Bloomington is a dessert ha-

ven — whether you’re craving a gooey, melty cookie or a refreshing Italian ice, there is a place for you on every street.

These are five sweet treat spots in Bloomington that you can’t pass up.

Hartzell’s Ice Cream

Hartzell’s at 107 N. Dunn

St. sells small batch, local frozen desserts, from ice cream to malts. While the shop has all the core ice cream flavors like vanilla and cookie dough,

Hartzell’s also offers rotating seasonal flavors like ceylon cinnamon and chocolate sweet Italian basil.

As a self-proclaimed s’mores addict, I recommend trying the campfire spinner,

a rich soft-serve dessert with graham crackers, marshmallow fluff and chocolate cone dip. However, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Sugar & Spice Bakery

Located inside the Indiana Memorial Union, Sugar & Spice is a go-to sweet treat spot on campus. The bakery offers bagels, pastries and various beverages including coffee, smoothies and tea.

The coffee can be pretty hit or miss — sometimes the lattes are great, and other times they are 95% milk, but the baked goods are consistent and reliable. The brown butter pecan cookie is a great option if you’re craving something decadent.

Sugar & Spice is also one of the more reasonably priced sweet treat spots in Bloomington, with most of the pastries costing around $3. Affordable and conveniently located, I frequent the bakery between classes for a pick-me-up.

La Dulce Chocolate

La Dulce Chocolate, which opened in August 2025, is one of Bloomington’s newer dessert locations. The locallyowned business is located at 530 E. Kirkwood Ave. and sells a variety of Dubai chocolate treats, including strawberry cups and crepes. In addition to Dubai chocolate, the sweet shop sells waffles, churros and

cheesecakes, all in decadent flavors.

While the shop is delicious, it’s not cheap. A 12-ounce Dubai strawberry cup costs $14; a Dubai or cookie butter chocolate bar costs $15.50.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

I can’t think of a better summer treat than Rita’s Ice. Located at 430 E. Kirkwood Ave., the menu features dozens of Italian ice and custard flavors to choose from. Options range from refreshing fruit options like key lime and clementine to rich flavors such as caramel macchiato and chocolate cake.

My all-time favorite Rita’s order is the gelati, a cup of Italian ice topped with its creamy custard. While the flavors do rotate daily, I recommend trying a mango gelati with cheesecake custard.

The Peach Cobbler Factory

Located at 115 N. College Ave., The Peach Cobbler Factory is a must-try. The expansive menu has cobblers, banana pudding, churros and more. The mango peach cobbler, a warm and flaky pie crust with candied mangos and vanilla ice cream, is phenomenal. I recommend visiting The Peach Cobbler Factory in the fall; the warm, crumbly cobblers and cookies are the perfect dessert to pair with a cozy autumn day.

The history of Hoosier the Bison

Everything you need to know about IU’s bison mascot

By Stella Klaus ssklaus@iu.edu

If you’ve been to an Indiana University sporting event this year, you may have noticed the appearance of a certain bison sporting candy striped pants.

After an almost 60-year hiatus, the bison returned as IU’s mascot last semester at the season opener football game against Old Dominion University. The mascot has appeared at many football games and sporting events since, spreading school spirit to many IU fans.

But why a bison? While you won’t catch the animal roaming in Bloomington today, there was once an abundance of them in Indiana. The Buffalo Trace Trail was a migratory path created by bison traveling between the land that is now Kentucky and Illinois. Much of the path ran through Indiana, just south of Bloomington. Imagery of the bison is also included on the Indiana state seal, representing the state’s natural heritage and history.

Although the bison hasn’t been IU’s mascot for long, it has a long history on campus and in Bloomington.

Attempts to have a bison mascot first started in 1946. But the attempt was brief, and nothing ever came of it because most students wanted a real live bison on the field, which posed several complications.

The bison mascot was officially adopted at IU 19 years later Oct. 14, 1965, when the IU Student Athletic Board recommended it to the IU Student Senate, which confirmed it. After this adoption of the mascot, there were many students who

Hoosier the Bison looks to the crowd during the national championship celebration Jan. 24, 2026, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. After an almost 60-year hiatus, the bison returned as IU’s mascot last semester at the season opener football game against Old Dominion University.

still advocated for the school to purchase a live bison they could bring to campus for gamedays. However, these attempts once again failed out due to state and university officials’ concerns regarding safety.

Students eventually settled on having a student in a bison costume and were able to get a costume together for the football season’s last home game, IU vs. Purdue, on Nov. 20, 1965.

The costume was upgraded the following year for the 1966 football season to a more realistic one that cost $1,400, according to IU archives. This costume, however, brought many mobility and visibility challenges for those who wore it. With it being hard for the costume wearer to see out of the bison’s nostrils, they often had to be led around the field on a leash by a cheerleader.

After qualifying for its first Rose Bowl in 1967, IU decided to create a new bison head that provided more visibility for the person inside while maintaining some realism. It debuted at the Rose Bowl against USC on Jan. 1, 1968, and returned for the 1968 and 1969 regular seasons. Appearances dwindled after that with decreasing fan support.

Although the official mascot disappeared from sporting events in the following years, the bison imagery has lasted in Bloomington since then. One of the oldest restaurants in Bloomington and a popular sports bar, Nick’s English Hut, adopted a version of the logo in the ‘60s and has kept it since.

IU’s Army ROTC, which is one of the oldest college ROTC units in the country, has also used the bison as a symbol for decades. Other instances of the

bison on campus include during the 1980s and ‘90s under football head coach Bill Mallory, when the football team had bison stickers on their helmets.

The bison didn’t just reappear officially on campus overnight though; it started with one professor. In 2020 Paul Gutjahr, an IU humanities professor, started up his “bring back the bison” campaign after seeing an opportunity to promote community among students with the mascot. He acquired two bison mascots and made shirts and other merch with the bison to give out to students.

A bison mascot also appeared again during the 2024 and 2025 Little 500 races. This mascot was one of Gutjahr’s costumes he lent to the IU Student Foundation. After some discussion, Ryder, the Little 500 bison mascot, was born.

COLUMN: Check out 3 new running spots in Bloomington

The number of marathon runners across the U.S. has increased each year since 2020

By Mia Hilkowitz mhilkowi@iu.edu

Running has seen a boom in popularity over the past several years. According to the State of U.S. Marathons 2025 report, the number of people running has increased each year since 2020, with over 432,000 people across the U.S. participating in marathons last year. Younger people, those under 25, in particular, have seen the highest spike in total participation for running, the report found.

I’ve been no stranger to the running hype. Two years ago, I was living in Bloomington for the summer. With no classes and a lot more time on my hands, I decided, on a whim, to start training for a half marathon. It was fun to explore new places for each run, and I often visited trails or parks I wouldn’t have sought out during the school year. Since then, I’ve kept running regularly and have solidified my list of the best running spots around town.

Sare Road

Sare Road, located on the east side of Bloomington, is a great spot to run any time of the year. No matter how many miles you need to log, it’s an easy place to plan your route. I usually park my car at Verona Coffee House, located at 3105 Sare Road near East Rodgers Road. Then, I warm up by running through the Meadow Creek Apartments complex, which has a short paved trail and small park located just behind Verona and Half Bottle Bistro. Then, I make my way back to the main road and head north toward East Rogers Road. Running on Sare Road from Verona to Rogers Road is about 1.2 miles. However, you

don’t need to just stick to the main road and can find other ways to build mileage.

Though Sare Road is overall pretty flat, there are a couple other neighborhoods offshoots that have steeper hills if you want to incorporate them into your workout. Closer toward Rogers Road, you can find the start of the trailhead for the 1.5mile Jackson Creek Trail. This is a hilly, beautiful trail that starts right behind Jackson Creek Middle School. If you take this trail to the end, it spits you out right next to the end of Sare Road, so you don’t risk getting lost.

When I reach Rogers Road, I usually turn around and run straight back to Verona, using Sare Road’s tree- covered sidewalks to stay in the shade. After you finish your run, you can even grab a coffee or sweet treat at the coffee shop.

Bryan Park

Whenever I need to do a speed run, I usually opt for the Bryan Park fitness loop. It’s 0.8 miles and paved, and it takes you all through Bryan Park, located

Henderson Street. Though it’s a short loop, it always keeps me engaged with a mix of small hills when I want to push myself and flat stretches for recovery. There are several covered shelters, where I usually store my water bottle or take breaks during workouts.

Bryan Park is also right next to the Elm Heights neighborhood, which connects three greenways. If you’re getting bored with the park’s fitness loop, you can jog over to the Allen-Covenanter or Highland-Hawthorne greenways, which take you past beautiful homes and trees (an especially fun run during the spring while everything is in bloom). Bryan Park is also located close to Indiana University’s campus, perfect for students living on campus.

Bloomington Rail Trail

My absolute favorite place to run in the city is the Bloomington Rail Trail. The nature trail is two miles long and connects directly to the B-Line Trail. The Rail Trail is covered by trees

the whole two miles, making it the perfect running spot in the heat. When I was training for my half marathon over the summer, temperatures would get up to the mid-to-high 90s, so the Rail Trail was the best place to get workouts in without getting overheated or sunburnt.

The trail runs parallel to an abandoned railway. According to the City of Bloomington, the trail is an “early successionalgreenspace,” meaning that the area’s natural ecosystem slowly takes over the trail. The area is a bird species hotspot, and when I’ve run there, I’ve often seen bluebirds and woodpeckers. Though it’s technically a gravel trail, be prepared for muddy shoes if you choose this spot, especially if there’s been any rain recently.

If you’re looking for other trails and greenways in Bloomington beyond these three options, Visit Bloomington has a guide to hiking trails, many of which are still easy to run on, and a guide to urban trails. The City of Bloomington also has a list of trails on its website.

By Odessa Lyon oolyon@iu.edu

Indiana University researchers and alumni have been at the frontlines of innovation since the early 20th century, with Nobel laureates like geneticist James Watson and physicist J. Hans Jensen among their ranks. Flashing forward to the 21st century, the passion and ingenuity of IU academics endure. For example, in just the past 15 years, the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office has issued 1,340 patents, affirming IU’s historical commitment to discovery and invention.

One of the earliest strides the university made in medicine was facilitated by American biochemist Rolla Harger, who invented the “drunkometer,” a precursor to the breathalyzer.

Harger’s 1931 invention — developed during his time as a faculty member at the IU School of Medicine — measured a suspect’s blood alcohol content by way of balloon. Yes, really. The mechanism worked similarly to a pH test strip. The suspected alcohol consumer would breathe into a balloon containing a chemical solution that changed color based on presence of alcohol, darkening as concentration increased.

By 1936, Harger had patented his drunkometer, perfectly timed to curb rising drunk driving at the tail end of Prohibition. In 1948, he taught breath alcohol testing at IU with Robert Borken-

stein, the eventual 1954 inventor of the modern breathalyzer.

IU researchers have contributed to other public health advances, too. Faculty members Harry Day, Josephy Muhler and William Nebergall invented fluoride toothpaste in the 1950s. Muhler found stannous fluoride was the best compound for remineralization, or the reinforcement of weakened tooth enamel. Once refined and tested with his team, Muhler patented the invention, which Proctor & Gamble then bought. In 1955, the world was introduced to its first fluoride toothpaste: Crest.

I’m not chomping at the bit to sport a set of dentures made of ivory, metal or stolen human teeth dentures like George Washington. Others must feel similarly, because IU commemorated fluoride toothpaste with a historical marker in 2020 and the American Chemical Society presented a permanent plaque — but not the dental kind — through its National Historic Chemical Landmark program in 2024.

The accolades don’t stop there, though. Around the same time Muhler developed his invention, American geneticist James Dewey Watson completed a doctorate in virus research at IU. He subsequently toiled away at the question of DNA structure with Francis Crick, leading to their 1953 discovery that the building blocks of DNA — four organic bases, adenine and thymine, guanine and cytosine —

were linked in definite pairs. This discovery enabled Watson and Crick to determine the model for DNA we’re so familiar with today: the double helix, a twisting ladder structure with two sugarphosphate chains for rails and the base pairs for rungs. By using X-ray diffraction to visualize the crystalline structure, as did Rosalind Franklin, they solved the white whale of genetics’ central questions, explained how DNA is replicated and won the 1962 Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine in one fell swoop.

IU is no stranger to scientific discoveries of this scale. German physicist J. Hans D. Jensen, a former visiting professor, shared the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1963 with contemporary Maria Goeppert Mayer for their independent proposals of the shell nuclear model and Eugene P. Wigner for previous work. All together, the three determined the structure of atoms. Physicists had been

searching for these answers since the 1930s, when researchers first suggested the possibility of protons and neutrons orbiting the atom’s nucleus. Jensen’s shell nuclear model provided this long-sought answer, proposing that pairs of protons and pairs of neutrons spun on their own axes in shells orbiting the nucleus. Seeing as atoms are the building blocks of the universe, Jensen essentially helped distill the structure of…. everything.

Contributions from professors, faculty and researchers at IU have had many profound impacts on science, and the discoveries and inventions are only continuing. At IU, life on the (cutting) edge is about “translating research to impact countless lives,” as IU President Pamela Whitten said at the National Historic Chemical Landmark’s unveiling; or, “higher, further, faster, baby,” as Captain Marvel famously said.

COLUMN: 4 visual art spaces you don’t want to miss Discoveries and inventions of alumni

By Jade Jungmin Ha hajun@iu.edu

Before coming to Bloomington for an art administration degree program at IU, I lived near New York City and loved spending time at museums. So, when I moved to Bloomington, I began searching for new art spaces to explore.

Many things here are less

visible, less loud. They weren’t hidden intentionally, but I found the best experiences often came from trusting a poster that speaks to you or simply letting people lead the way. From a

newcomer’s perspective, a little discovery mindset goes a long way. Here are a few free spaces I found during my search that I think any Bloomington art lover will enjoy.

If you want to feel a trace of a big city “Gallery Night” in the Midwest, head to FAR Center for Contemporary Arts

“Comparison is the thief of joy,” as they say.

But when I first visited the FAR Center during Gallery Walk Bloomington, I couldn’t help feeling faint nostalgia for a New York gallery night. Maybe it was that night, the art market taking over its wide event space or people spilling in with wine and conversation, but the space held quiet ease to it, shaped by people wandering through without urgency.

Don’t miss Pictura Gallery, the heartbeat of the FAR. Its contemporary fine art photography stands out for its international perspective and educational programming. The gallery’s exhibitions are typically featured for about two months and introduce local or international photographers’ works.

The FAR is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and is located on 202 S. Rogers St.

To rediscover the charm of Midwestern galleries, visit the Juniper Art Gallery

Describing itself as “a collec-

tor’s destination for the finest regional Midwestern artwork,” Juniper Art Gallery is a great place to visit. It brings together works and prints by more than 30 local artists in a salon style, alongside a sweet lineup of handmade gifts and crafts.

Juniper Art Gallery also offers events like writing circles, live music and more. The full list is available on its website. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. It is located on 615 W. Kirkwood Ave.

If you want to see curated local visual art within a compact footprint inside Constellation Stage & Screen, visit The Waldron Arts Center

Known as the home of Constellation Stage & Screen, the Waldron Arts Center’s exhibition with strong local artists and themes never disappoints. There are three gallery spaces spread across multiple levels and shows tend to run for less than a month.

The Waldron Arts Center is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and noon to 8 p.m. Friday, and is located on 122 S. Walnut St.

One of the best spaces for contemporary art that is easy to miss on campus is the Grunwald Gallery of Art

On campus, the Eskenazi Museum of Art stands out with its global collection and contemporary art exhibitions, and the Light Totem and Indiana Arc in front of the museum make its presence hard to miss.

The Grunwald Gallery of Art asks for a bit more curiosity and attention, hidden behind a frosted door on the Fine Art building’s second floor. But if you take that first step inside, it leads you to the university’s most engaging works alongside international contemporary art.

Grunwald Gallery of Art is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, located in

Fine Arts Building, 1201 E. Seventh St.

For those new to Bloomington’s art scene, here are a few tips

Bloomington’s local arts scene often revolves around IU, so look for signs on bulletin boards and posters around campus libraries.

Follow the Eskenazi School’s Instagram page to learn about its extensive art event lineup. The Eskenazi School is composed of 14 areas of study and often invites the best art scholars and artists for talks and workshops.

Don’t miss Gallery Walk Bloomington, held on the first Friday evening of each month. Fourteen galleries open their doors late for a lively night downtown.

Success of IU at the Olympics

By Sean McAvoy semcavoy@iu.edu

Many kids dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist. For 261 Indiana University athletes, their dream of participating in the Olympics became a reality.

Indiana did not have any athletes compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, but 20 Hoosiers took part in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Out of those 20, three took home medals: Blake Pieroni, Anna Peplowski and Lilly King.

Pieroni secured a silver medal for Team USA in the men’s 4x200-meter freestyle relay. He graduated from Indiana in 2018 after four seasons on the men’s swimming and diving team. Pieroni has won gold medals in the 4x100-meter freestyle at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, plus the 4x100meter medley relay in 2020.

Peplowski won a silver medal for Team USA in the women’s edition of the 4x200-meter freestyle relay. She qualified for her first Olympics after her junior season at Indiana, carrying the momentum into a decorated senior season.

2024 marked King’s third time participating in the Olympics. King graduated from Indiana in 2019 but competed

at the 2016 Summer Olympics with Team USA. She won gold in the 100-meter breaststroke and 4x100-meter medley relay. King also qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics, where she earned silver medals in the 200-meter breaststroke and 4x100-meter medley relay, plus bronze in the 100-meter breaststroke. In 2024, King won gold in the 4x100-meter medley relay.

The 2024 Summer Olympics were historic for Indiana. The Hoosiers sent their secondmost athletes to the Olympics ever, tying the 1976 Summer Olympians. The total was three short of the Indiana record set at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

Of the 20 Indiana athletes in the 2024 Summer Olympics, 10 competed for Team USA, while the other half participated with other nations, such as Egypt, Israel, Canada and Germany.

Indiana head diving coach Drew Johansen was also head coach for the U.S. Olympic Team for his fourth consecutive Olympics.

Before 2024, Indiana had a storied history in the games. Out of the 127 total medals Hoosiers have won, 62 have been gold, 27 silver and 38 bronze.

The first Hoosiers to compete in the Olympics came at the 1904 summer games in St. Louis. Leroy Samse took silver for Team USA in pole vault, and

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

U.S. swimmer Lilly King competes in the semifinals of the 200m Breaststroke at the Aug. 10, 2016, at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. King was also one of 11 current or former Hoosiers who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Thad Shideler was a silver medalist in the 110-meter hurdles for Team USA men’s track and field.

The first Indiana athlete to win a gold medal was Ivan Fuqua in the 1600-meter relay for Team USA men’s track and field at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo were the first games in which Indiana athletes competed for international teams. Kevin Berry and Bob Windle were both members of the Australian Olympic Team. Tom Dinsley competed for Canada, Bob Loh for Hong Kong, Luis Nino de Rivera for Mexico and Ingeborg Pertmayr for Austria.

Along with historically dominant men’s and women’s swimming and diving in the Olympics, six former Indiana men’s basketball players have

played at the games.

Those players were Walt Bellamy in 1960; Scott May and Quinn Buckner — one of only eight players to win an NCAA Championship, an NBA Championship and an Olympic gold medal — in 1976; Isiah Thomas in 1980; Steve Alford in 1984; and Uwe Blab for Germany in 1984 and 1992.

Former Indiana men’s basketball head coach Bob Knight coached Team USA at the 1984 Summer Olympics, while former Indiana women’s basketball player Tara VanDerveer coached Team USA in 1996. Linda Cunningham played for Canada at the 1984 games.

With the 2028 Summer Olympics taking place in Los Angeles, many current, past and maybe future Indiana athletes will look to increase the Hoosiers’ medal total in two years.

Underrated IU athletes

By Jack Davis jjd5@iu.edu

Indiana University athletics has produced world-class

athletes for decades. From NBA champion Isiah Thomas to NFL running back Anthony Thompson and more recently quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Hoosiers have never lacked star power.

But while those names show up in the record books and highlight reels, plenty of Hoosiers have delivered remarkable careers at Indiana without the same recognition on campus or nationally. Here’s a look at some of the

most underrated Hoosier athletes — the competitors whose impact deserves a second look.

Will Sheehey

Will Sheehey is the definition of a glue guy. Sheehey played basketball at Indiana from 2010–14 during Indiana basketball’s resurgence under former head coach Tom Crean.

Center Cody Zeller and guard Victor Oladipo rightfully commanded much of the attention of those teams, but Sheehey’s value went beyond the box score. He brought energy off the bench early in his career, embraced the dirty work and developed into a dependable senior leader. Whether guarding the opponent’s best wing, slashing toward the rim or delivering timely scoring, Sheehey consistently did what the team needed.

Those teams couldn’t win Big Ten championships or climb to No. 1 in the national rankings without a player like Sheehey. During his time playing with the Hoosiers, he helped them to the Sweet Sixteen twice. While he never reached the professional success of some of his counterparts, he played overseas in Portugal and is now assistant coaching for a Danish professional basketball club.

Antwaan Randle El

Long before Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, Indiana football had another electrifying quarterback in Antwaan Randle El.

From 1998-2001, Randle El did things that simply weren’t normal for a college quarterback of the time. He finished his career as the only player in NCAA history at the time to pass for 6,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards. In an era before dual-threat quarterbacks

became normal, he was redefining what the position could look like, turning broken plays into highlights and forcing defenses to account for every inch of the field.

The only thing stopping Randle El from being mentioned with the legends is the lack of sustained team success around him. The Hoosiers never made a bowl game with Randle El at quarterback, finishing with records like 4-7 twice and 3-8.

Lilly King

Hear me out on this one. In the world of Olympic swimming, Lilly King is anything but underrated. She’s an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most dominant swimmers of this generation.

But in the broader landscape of college athletics where football and basketball are king, even a multi-time Olympic champion can feel underrated. King dominated at Indiana, won NCAA titles and set multiple world records, yet swimmers rarely receive the same everyday attention.

Her impact on Indiana swimming and diving is massive. She raised expectations for what Hoosier swimming could look like on the world stage. If we measure “underrated” by how often someone’s name comes up in casual sports debates compared to their accomplishments, King fits the definition.

“Underrated” is a tricky word. It doesn’t mean unaccomplished. It means the recognition did not always match the impact. Players like Sheehey did the work that held great teams together, Randle El redefined what his position could be, and King brought world class dominance to Bloomington. Underrated does not mean lesser. It means the spotlight did not always shine quite bright enough.

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Spooky stories from IU’s campus

By Stella Klaus ssklaus@iu.edu

With over 200 years of history, the IU Bloomington campus has had plenty of folktales and legends. Many of them are lighthearted, like how shaking Herman B Wells’ hand will give you good luck or kissing your significant other at the Rose Well House at midnight on Valentine’s Day means you will be together forever. Some of them, however, tell tales of ghosts and other spooky happenings on campus.

Dunn Cemetery

Dunn Cemetery is located next to the Indiana Memorial Union and is pretty scary on its own, without the scary story attached to it. The cemetery houses the Dunn family, a prominent family in Bloomington in the early-to-mid-1800s that owned a lot of the land that campus now sits on.

In 1883, IU trustees purchased 20 acres of land to construct a new campus. Samuel Dunn eventually made an agreement with IU so it could expand as much as it needed as long as the cemetery remained.

A 200-year-old cemetery is bound to have at least one spooky story to go along with it, and Dunn Cemetery is no exception.

A lady in black is said to be seen in the cemetery occasionally. She is believed to be Agnes Dunn, a member of the family who tended to soldiers during the Civil War.

IMU

Just next to Dunn Cemetery is the IMU. With a building that big, there are sure to be some ghosts roaming the hallways. Some people believe there are at least a few ghosts in the Student Involvement Tower, which used to be a part of the Biddle Hotel. Because of the many different people who stayed at the hotel, there are a few differing stories of possible happenings in the tower. Ghosts are said to haunt the IMU, and maintenance workers tend to notice. One apparently said they saw a ghost while shutting down the north end of the building, according to a ghost walk attendee.

IU Auditorium

Built between 1938 and 1941, the IU Auditorium is another building that houses a spooky story. One legend about the auditorium says that when it was being built, a worker lost his footing on some scaffolding and fell to his death. A large pool of blood formed around the body, staining the floor.

The floorboards were supposedly changed a few times, but the

stains kept reappearing. It is also said that during especially emotional or tragic moments that happen during performances at the auditorium, the blood will seep back to the surface of the floor to remind people that real tragedy has happened there.

Owen Hall

Owen Hall was one of the first buildings on the Bloomington campus and is part of the Old Crescent, which houses campus’s oldest buildings. The third floor of the building housed cadavers and to get them up there, people would use a dumbwaiter. Occasionally limbs would get severed from the cadavers, in the machinery, according to a ghost walk attendee.

As one story goes, one night a

group of boys decided to take one of these severed arms and hang it from the light in the room of a girl they knew while she was away. They awaited her arrival, but after some time had passed and they still hadn’t heard screams, they went back to her room. Instead of seeing a scared girl, they saw her sitting in the corner of the room eating the arm.

These are just a few of the tales that are told about campus; however, there are many more. Each October, the Folklore and Ethnomusicology Student Association hosts a ghost walk where it shares these and many more stories from campus. The walk usually costs around $3 to attend, and you can find out about it closer to the event on the department’s website.

COLUMN: 5 best photo spots in Bloomington

By Alayna Wilkening awilkeni@iu.edu | @alaynawilkening

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 photoready, 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.

Your guide to live music joints in Bloomington

Bloomington is a thriving music city with no shortage of venues for local, regional and international talents alike. IU’s world-renowned Jacobs School of Music feeds directly into the pool of local musicians itching to show their stuff.

So while you’re here, check out a show or two! Dive into the community by checking out these spots:

The Bluebird (21+ only)

For any visitor over the age of 21, The Bluebird will likely be your best bet for live music. It hosts shows almost daily no matter the time of year.

Located near the intersection of Seventh Street and Walnut Avenue, The Bluebird has been a hallmark venue for local upand-comers for decades. If you get a show there, you’ve made it.

Bloomington success stories like indie rockers Six Foot

Hank Ruff still pop up there ev ery once in a while. Otherwise, count on The Bluebird to introduce you to the newest local stars or feature touring bands from the region.

The Bluebird’s website shows all its upcoming shows booked several months ahead.

The Orbit Room

Looking for something a little grungier and off the beaten path? Born too recently to make the 21 and older shows? Try out The Orbit Room.

With a premier spot on College Avenue just a few steps from downtown’s main street, The Orbit Room often hosts all-ages shows with acts you’ve probably never heard of. From folk to shoegaze to hardcore, you never know what you might get.

The venue also serves food, unlike The Bluebird and many other venues around town, so you can make your musical outing an all-inclusive experience.

Though not as active as it was in its heyday, The Bishop is still an active and well-respected venue for dedicated concerthoppers.

Prepare to be crammed together like sardines at one of its 18 and older shows, but also prepare for a great selection of beverages and a welcoming environment. The Bishop has served as a less mainstream alternative to The Bluebird since its inception in 2009.

Blockhouse Bar

Blockhouse is another 21+ venue, but with more of an edge than The Bluebird. Located on Fourth Street and Walnut Avenue in a bar hotspot between staples like Atlas Ballroom and The Back Door, Blockhouse hosts a wide range of genres.

From jazz nights every other Wednesday to Latin fusion and reggae on the weekends, count on Blockhouse for an eclectic experience.

house often hosts open mic nights Tuesdays and karaoke Saturdays.

Campus venues

If you want to see professionally trained and highly skilled musicians at an affordable price, just walk toward the east side of campus and put your ear to the ground.

The Musical Arts Center on Eagleson Avenue is the main host of acts from Jacobs, but there are almost always recitals and auditions taking place in various performance halls across the school’s many buildings.

The Jacobs School keeps a running list of events and locations on its website under the “News and Events” tab. Most student performances are open to the public. If you’re itching for opera, jazz, ballet or just about anything else, chances are Jacobs will have a performance.

What’s coming up in Bloomington?

Here are some festivals and events to look forward to this spring and summer

By Ursula Stickelmaier ustickel@iu.edu | @urose_18

As the warm weather makes its way back into Bloomington for the spring and summer, lo cals and tourists alike can look forward to these Bloomington festivals and events.

Revolution & Reflection: Campus Experiences in Art, History, and Ideas

Currently running until July 31, “Revolution & Reflection: Campus Experiences in Art, History, and Ideas” is part of IU’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Composed of three parts located in and around the Fine Arts Plaza, this is a free, self-guided tour that examines the United States and its founding principles.

summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 6 at the courthouse square. The free event boasts over 100 local indie artists from around the Midwest and will also feature food for purchase and live

The Monroe County Fair

The Monroe County Fair will take place this year from June 27 to July 5 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. The fair has been a beloved tradition since October 1855 when the Monroe County Agricultural Society hosted the first annual Monroe County Fair. This year’s fair will have all the traditional activities that attendees look forward to, including a rodeo, demolition derby, carnival rides, food and 4-H projects and competitions.

“The Declaration of Independence: The Motives, The Moment” at the Lilly Library examines the Declaration of Independence through books, letters, newspapers and other documents from the library’s archives.

At the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, attendees will find George Washington’s portrait, painted by American portraitist Gilbert Stuart around 1796.

Finally, the IU Auditorium is displaying “The Social History of Indiana,” a collection of murals by Thomas Hart Benton. While every location has separate operating hours, all three should be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday.

In Light Human Rights

Documentary Film Festival

The In Light Human Rights

Documentary Film Festival will be held from April 9-11. The film festival will hold a series of screenings that discuss a broad range of human rights concerns, typically followed by a Q&A and roundtable discussion.

Every screening is free to attend, but tickets should be reserved online ahead of time. The location and time will vary depending on the time and day, but further information can be found on their website, as well as its Instagram or Facebook page.

Earth Day 2026

The City of Bloomington will hold its fourth annual Earth Day celebration from noon to 3:30 p.m. April 18 at Switchyard Park. This event is free for anyone looking to celebrate Earth Day with live music, local vendors, food, drinks and more. The event will also feature art-

work by Bloomington students and residents as part of the EcoHeroes Art Contest, and the winners of the contest will be announced at the event.

Granfalloon: A Kurt Vonnegut Convergence

Presented by the IU Arts and Humanities Council, Granfalloon: A Kurt Vonnegut Convergence is a festival inspired by the life and work of Indiana native author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. that will run from early April to September. Like past years, this summer’s festival will include a concert series and plenty of activities for attendees to enjoy. More information about the festival schedule and tickets will be announced on its website and Instagram soon.

The Bloomington Handmade Market

The Bloomington Handmade Market will be coming back this

Ticket prices will vary depending on what you are looking to attend, whether that’s a grandstand or fair event. But a specific breakdown of prices, along with an official schedule, can be found on their website.

The Taste of Bloomington

If you are looking for good food, Bloomington residents and visitors can look forward to the Taste of Bloomington on Aug. 1. The free festival will span across Kirkwood Avenue with all food costing $5 or less.

Like past years, the event will feature plenty of live music, with the Buskirk-Chumley Theater joining in this year as an indoor stage, alongside the festival’s usual outdoor stages. More updates are still to come surrounding the festival and its participating restaurants, but those interested can look to its website or Facebook page for this information.

IU through the years

For decades, the IU Bloomington campus has offered a vibrant atmosphere for students and visitors alike. Here is a quick look at college life in Bloomington over time.

Jan.

Much

Find family fun at these 5 spots

By Abby Whited abwhited@iu.edu

Despite its reputation as a college town, Bloomington is also home to plenty of familyfriendly destinations. Here are five options to consider when planning your next day of fun, affordable family time.

The Pottery House Studio

Located at 223 S. Pete Ellis Drive, The Pottery House Studio is a great option for families looking to enjoy a creative activity together. The studio offers a variety of activities including pottery painting, wheel throwing sessions and pottery classes, making it a viable option for different skill levels and ages. Unless your family happens to be full of professional potters, I would recommend heading to the studio to paint pre-made pottery pieces. This can be a great way to exercise creativity while spending relaxed, quiet time with family. A variety of bowls, figurines, plates, vases and more are available to paint with prices starting under $10.

WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology

The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology provides a variety of interactive exhibits and activities related to science and the arts, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. Hands-on exhibits include bubble domes,

magnetic sculpture building, a heartbeat drum, a beehive builder and many more activities parents can enjoy with their children.

The museum is closed most Mondays but is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Admission is $14.50 for nonmuseum members and free for infants under the age of 1.

Bloomington Community Farmers Market

Although its hours and location change throughout the seasons, the Bloomington Community Farmers Market remains a reliable option for families to enjoy. The market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during April through September at 401 N. Morton St.; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays in October at the same location; and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays during November through March at the Switchyard Park Pavilion.

The market hosts a variety of local vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, beverages, seasonal flowers and other goods. Families can attend the market for free as a way to connect with Bloomington’s community and culture.

Lake Monroe

As Indiana’s largest lake, Lake Monroe is a great spot for

families who prefer to spend their quality time outdoors. Located 4850 S. State Road 446, the lake and its surrounding areas offer ideal space for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, picnicking, boating, camping or just enjoying nature.

Surrounding the lake are nine recreational areas including Salt Creek, Pine Grove and Crooked Creek which each have boat launch ramps. A large portion of Lake Monroe is also surrounded by Indiana’s only national forest, the Hoosier National Forest, which offers optimal space for families to enjoy outdoor activities within nature.

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is a space within the forest that offers trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and a public swimming beach.

The Monroe County History Center, located at 202 E. Sixth St., offers a wealth of information for families interested in the history of Monroe County. The center houses several permanent exhibits within its Cook Gallery, which traces the history of Monroe County back to its first European settlement. The gallery offers interactive displays such as an 1880s classroom where attendees can sit at a desk, and a sports gallery where guests can view a visual history of Monroe County sports through photographs.

The center is also home to a collection of over 50,000 historical items, as well as a research library. The history center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and memberships to the center can be purchased starting at $40 per year for an individual.

Walk through B-town’s past

By Sydney Weber syaweber@iu.edu

What does a taxidermized Kodiak bear named Monroe,

a log cabin from the 1830s and a statuette of the Radio Corporation of America mascot have in common? They’re all

housed at the Monroe County History Center, located at 202 E. Sixth St. in Bloomington. Fittingly, the History Center

building itself has a lot of, well, history. Bloomington’s Colored School sat on the Sixth Street lot until 1915, when

a library, funded partially by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, took its place. e library moved to another site in 1970, and the Monroe County Historical Society and Museum re tted the building for its own use in 1980.

e MCHC has a series of permanent and rotating exhibits that visitors can walk through during museum hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Permanent exhibits

On the second oor of the museum, visitors are met with Monroe, a stu ed Kodiak bear that operations manager Justin Robertson said was shot in Alaska in 1948 by a Bloomington business owner who later brought Monroe to Indiana. If you touch a section of pelt on the display in front of Monroe, a recorded growl lls

the air.

Also on the second oor, the Cook Gallery hosts an 1880s one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin from the 1830s and a gallery tracing the 19751976 IU men’s championship basketball season. e log cabin was built in Greene County, Indiana, by Edmund Bingham, a settler from Virginia. It was disassembled and then reassembled inside the museum in 1987.

Additional exhibits located at the history center tell the story of the Seward iron foundry, the Radio Corporation of America factory and the beginnings of Cook Incorporated, a Bloomingtonbased medical manufacturing company.

Finally, there’s an exhibit on transportation across the years in Monroe County, including farm wagons, the arrival of the

Monon railroad and the county airport. To travel there, turn right out of the entrance to the second oor.

Rotating exhibits

As visitors walk up the stairs to the museum’s main exhibit spaces, they pass the Curtis Stairwell Gallery, which currently focuses on the story of Violeta McKee, a woman who immigrated from the Philippines to the U.S. by herself, eventually ending up in Bloomington. e exhibit includes clothing, photographs and art.

On the second oor, to the left of Monroe the bear, the Rechter Gallery currently features the “Start at the Source: Showers Brother Co.” interactive exhibit, which allows visitors to emulate museum curators creating an exhibit. Visitors can choose the

information they want to learn about the Showers family and business and create their own interpretive sign, like the kind you’d nd in a museum.

Robertson said that starting March 3, a new exhibit about Revolutionary War veterans who are buried in Monroe County will be on display. ough rotating galleries typically stay up for three to four months, Robertson said the Revolutionary War exhibit will likely be up longer due to the upcoming American semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary.

e Monroe County History Center covers the stories of this area from prehistory — Robertson said the oldest artifact in the museum is a mastodon tooth — to recent events, and it’s de nitely worth a walk-through on your next visit to Bloomington.

COLUMN: 4 buildings that represent Bloomington’s

By Jade Jungmin Ha hajun@iu.edu

When I first arrived in Bloomington, I thought the city felt a little flat. There were no high-rises, no dramatic skyline. Instead of a city that constantly reflects me back to myself, there was a green landscape that seemed to hold me quietly. But as I began walking more slowly through this small college town, I realized the city had accumulated its architectural eras quietly.

Here are four buildings in Bloomington that I think best represent different architectural eras.

Buskirk-Chumley Theater— 1920s Cinema

As you walk down Kirkwood Avenue, a bright red neon sign reading “Indiana” welcomes pedestrians to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater first opened in 1922 as the Indiana Theatre, contributing to the nationwide boom of movie palaces.

Even as the film industry declined and the theater faced financial hardship, the building endured. After being renovated intoc a performing arts venue in 1999, it focused on multiple concerts and events like Lotus Festival and only plays films periodically. But still preserves the defining features of a 1920s theater with its glowing marquee and changeable letter board.

Musical Arts Center — Brutalism

The Musical Arts Center on IU’s campus, standing as a

The Eskenazi Museum of Art is pictured Feb. 18, 2026, at 1133 E. Seventh St. in Bloomington. The building opened in 1982.

mass of exposed concrete, has often made me feel unsure of whether I was in Berlin or Indiana, as this brutalist style is common in postwar European countries. Designed by Evans Woollen III and completed in 1972, it has hosted many concerts presented by the Jacobs School of Music.

Woollen is regarded as the architect who introduced modernism and brutalism to his hometown of Indianapolis. The MAC’s exposed concrete and heavy mass make its brutalist roots unmistakable.

Those who appreciate art should not overlook Peau Rouge, the sculpture in front of the MAC. Designed by artist Alexander Calder, the 40-foothigh red sheet metal sculpture forms a visual pair with the MAC, with its exposed welded seams clearly visible beneath layers of red paint.

Eskenazi Museum of Art — Late Modernism

When I first researched Bloomington before moving here, I was surprised to learn that the Eskenazi Museum of Art on IU’s campus was designed by I. M. Pei, the archi-

tect behind the Louvre Pyramid and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The knowledge that a globally recognized architect had left his imprint here made the city feel less distant.

Completed in 1982 after then-director Thomas T. Solley commissioned Pei to design a permanent home for the museum, the building reveals its strength inside. Skylights draw natural light through the glass ceiling, distributing it throughout the atrium. The effect reflects Pei’s long-standing emphasis on geometry and light and turns the museum’s café into one of the campus’s most popular study spots.

Mies van der Rohe Building — Mid-Century International Style

Near the Herman B Wells Library on campus stands a building by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, glowing with a quiet, mysterious white light. Its form projects outward, as if suspended in midair. It stands out immediately yet feels strangely familiar.

Learning that the structure

was designed by van der Rohe, widely considered to be one of the most influential modernist architects of the 20th century, made that familiarity make sense to me. His Seagram Building in New York became a prototype for the glass corporate tower, while the Farnsworth House is known for its glass structure that fully exposes its facade within a forested landscape.

The Bloomington building was originally designed as the dormitory for the IU Alpha Theta chapter of fraternity Pi Lambda Phi but was never completed. In 2013, the original drawings for the building were rediscovered by Sidney Eskenazi. A renewed design plan was announced in 2019, and the building was finally completed in 2022.

Bloomington is not a large metropolis. Yet within a short walk you encounter a 1920s theater, 1970s concrete brutalism, mid-century international modernism and late-modernist geometry. The city did not grow upward; it accumulated layers. In a city that seems calm on the surface, architecture reveals its depth.

The people behind famous IU buildings and streets

By Sydney Weber syaweber@iu.edu

Founded in 1820, IU has more than two hundred years’ worth of history, much of which is reflected in the names of campus buildings and streets. Here are the stories and people of famous IU landmarks:

Eagleson Avenue: The Eagleson Family

Eagleson Avenue runs through the heart of campus, acting as a dividing line between the mostly academic western half and the dormheavy eastern side. Formerly Jordan Avenue, the street was renamed in February 2022 to honor the Eagleson family. The family are longtime Bloomington residents since Halson Vashon Eagleson Sr., a former slave, moved to the city in the 1800s.

Halson’s son Preston was the first Black student to earn a master’s degree from IU, and Halson’s grandson Wilson married Frances Marshall Eagleson, the first Black woman to graduate from IU. Marshall Eagleson is one of the namesakes of IU’s Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, along with Marcellus Neal, the first Black graduate of IU.

Atwater Avenue: Amzi Atwater

Atwater Avenue runs along the southern edge of campus and is home to the Atwater Eye Care Center of the School of Optometry. The man behind the names was Amzi Atwater, a pastor, professor and veteran

War. Atwater taught Latin and Greek after the death of James Woodburn, head of IU’s college preparatory department. Atwater also served as the university’s vice president from 1888 to 1892.

Wylie Hall and Wylie House: Andrew Wylie

Just as Wylie Hall stands out on campus for being one of the only buildings in the Old Crescent made of red brick, Andrew Wylie stands out in campus history as the institution’s first president.

Wylie was a licensed Presbyterian minister who taught philosophy, economics and literature. During his tenure, Indiana College became Indiana University, the title the school holds today. His home, Wylie House, is operated as a museum by IU Libraries and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hamilton-Lugar School of Global and International

Richard

G. Lugar

The Board of Trustees approved the creation of the School of Global and International Studies in 2012, and in 2018 the school was named in honor of former Representative Lee Hamilton and former Senator Richard G. Lugar.

Hamilton was a 17-term Congressman representing the 9th Congressional District from 1965 to 1998. He was known for his service on committees related to foreign affairs and for securing federal funding for district infrastructure such as schools, reservoirs and sewers. Hamilton died in February 2026.

Lugar served as one of Indiana’s senators from 1977 to 2013. He is known for work on arms control treaties such as the Chemical Weapons Convention and for work on imposing economic sanctions on apartheid South Africa. Lugar was the longest-serving senator in Indiana’s history. He died in

Showalter Fountain: Grace Showalter

Showalter Fountain may best be known for the fish statues that occasionally disappear, but this campus landmark also stands as a monument to love. Grace Showalter’s donation, in honor of her late husband Ralph, funded the fountain, which features a statue of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

Ballantine Hall: Elisha Ballantine

Word on campus is that it’s nearly impossible for a student in the College of Arts and Sciences to avoid having at least one class in Ballantine during their time at IU. This inevitable building is named for Elisha Ballantine, IU professor and acting president in 1884. Ballantine was a professor of mathematics, languages and Greek remembered on a plaque as a “master teacher and inspiring friend of students.”

IU’s weirdest traditions, ranked from most to least known

By Zoe Reed reedzoe@iu.edu

When you combine thousands of young adults into nearly 2,000 acres of IU Bloomington’s campus, you are bound to hear some interesting stories. Here are some of IU’s weirdest traditions, ranked from the most well-known to the best-kept secrets.

Herman B Wells statue handshake

One of the most famous traditions on IU’s campus is shaking hands with the Herman B Wells statue located near the Rose Well House and Owen Hall. The statue depicts the 11th president and first chancellor of IU on a bench, with his hand extended out, commemorating the accomplishments Wells brought to the university.

The tradition, passed down each year to new students, goes like this: Before an exam or semester, if a student shakes Wells’ hand, they will be gifted with academic success and luck.

Whether it actually works is up for debate, but it never hurts to take your chances with a bronze handshake.

Eskenazi’s color show

Another common IU tradition involves the IU Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. Every night, students can expect the Light Totem, an art piece created by Rob Shakespeare, to display an array of color on the exterior museum wall.

Ghost Walk

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to be on campus. Alongside the changing leaves, you can catch the annual Ghost Walk. Created and hosted by the IU Folklore and Ethnomusicology Student Association, the tradition takes students on a tour across campus, telling spooky stories and legends of IU.

The tradition is relatively new, starting about 14 years ago and returning every October. Think of it as a IU history class,

During welcome week, you’ll see students lying on the ground, with their feet against the wall to watch the color show in action. It’s the only art show on campus where the concrete is the best seat in the house.

just with better lighting — or worse, depending on how you look at it.

Rose Well House kiss

When two people love each other very much, you might find them in the Rose Well House, one of the oldest remaining structures on IU’s campus. Built in 1908, it was originally made over a cistern, or an underground container made to store and supply water, but quickly became a place to hang for young couples. Legend has it that couples who share a kiss inside the house at the stroke of midnight are destined to be together for life. Love may be blind, but apparently, it’s also very punctual.

Hep’s Rock

Behind the north end zone of Memorial Stadium sits a limestone boulder known as “Hep’s Rock,” a tradition deeply rooted in IU football. The limestone rock, initially called “The Rock,” was changed to “Hep’s Rock” to commemorate former IU football coach Terry Hoeppner, who died in 2007.

The rock is believed to symbolize the team’s strengths and unity, and at each home game, IU football players and coaches touch the rock before taking the field. Fans with a Hoosier Pregame Pass can tour the stadium and see the rock up close — just don’t try to take it home as a souvenir.

No. 1, No. 2 and the rest of IU’s best bathrooms

Take a tour of IU’s best and most useful bathrooms

By Jonathan Frey jonafrey@iu.edu | @byjonathanfrey

It’s 3 p.m., better known as rush hour on campus. Students crowd the sidewalks, some heading to Kirkwood for coffee and lunch and some traversing Dunn’s Woods to shave a few seconds off their commute to class.

You are one of these people, caught in the crosswinds of classmates and travelers. But something is different about you today.

You gotta go.

Bad.

But halt, thy racing heart. Though it may feel like you’re adrift, below I’ve compiled a list of the greatest campus bathrooms — some for their efficiency and location, some for their beauty.

So salute the custodial staff that makes these lavatories lush and take a moment out of your day to try these toilets.

Franklin Hall, northeast corner bathrooms

Nestled by the exit stairwell in the northeast corner of Franklin Hall, you will find the greatest selection of single-stall bathrooms campus has to offer. Four floors with two restrooms makes eight total.

As a frequent night-dweller of The Media School, I can speak to the janitorial prowess of these bathrooms. Never have I seen so much as a stray droplet of pee in any of these clean, mean, pristine potties. Perhaps it’s an unwritten covenant among all who set foot in these sanctuaries to keep them unblemished.

It must be acknowledged that the walls and doors here are thick. If you’re in need of that extra privacy we all need sometimes after a big coffee or a bad trip to Z and C’s, these bathrooms are for you.

Student Involvement Tower, top floor

Before I laud this picturesque potty, I must congratulate all the toilets in the Student Involvement Tower for their privacy. Though not technically singlestall private bathrooms, I can almost guarantee nobody will stumble into whichever one you choose.

The Tower remains something of a mystery to me. Clubs and student organizations shelve their equipment there sometimes, and some niche offices are headquartered there, but let’s be honest — it’s a ghost

town.

But the crowning jewel of this IMU extension is the bathroom on the top floor. Scale the tower’s eight stories — by elevator, if you don’t relish a quad workout before your restroom use — and be rewarded with a bay window overlooking the most beautiful campus in the country.

East Studio Building

The past two bathrooms have been near the heart of campus, but we don’t all spend our time there.

I’m sacrificing a personal favorite spot for you, dear reader. On the cross-street of Third and Eagleson, you’ll find the East Studio Building on the northeast corner. It’s a music building, modern and recently renovated.

It is consistently populated, but with very few. Meaning, of course, that you run little risk of

being caught in the act. The bathrooms it hosts are state-of-the-art. Flushing power that takes away your breath and your waste at an astounding rate. And the stalls are massive. Kick back and relax.

Wells stacks

This may be more of an honorable mention, but these bathrooms hold a dear place in my heart. If you hadn’t noticed, I value privacy over comfort. When single stalls prove difficult to find, you have to get creative. When nature calls and I’m lost on the north end of campus, Wells Library beckons me. The bathrooms in the east tower stacks are nothing to write home about. In fact, they look like relics of the decades most of our parents were born. But if you need to escape the crowd, there’s no better place to do it.

MAR. 14

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: THE MOTIVES, THE MOMENT

Lilly Library

10 a.m.

An exhibition exploring the landmark document as apart of IU’s America 250 initiative. events.iu.edu

MAR. 14

PI DAY

WonderLab Museum

10 a.m.

Celebrate the magic of numbers with math-filled fun. wonderlab.org

MAR. 15

IU SOFTBALL VS RUTGERS

Andy Mohr Field - Softtball

2 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

MAR. 15

COLOR DRAWING AND PAINTING WORKSHOP

Eskenazi Museum of Art

2 p.m. events.iu.edu

Cardinal Spirits Noon

Win prizes while enjoying Cardinal’s seasonal brunch menu. cardinalspirits.com

MAR. 15

IU WOMEN’S TENNIS VS MINNESOTA

IU Tennis Center Noon iuhoosiers.com

MAR. 15

ABE PARTIDGE PRESENTS HIS ART AND MUSIC

Monroe County History Center 4 p.m. monroehistory.org

MAR. 15

LOCAL AUTHOR FAIR

Morgenstern Books 1 p.m.

Chat with eight Bloomingtonbased authors. morgensternbooks.co

MAR. 15

BLOOMINGTON BACH

CANTATA PROJECT

St. Thomas Lutheran Church 12:30 p.m. blemf.org

Banneker Community Center 11 a.m.

Storybooks come to life for ages 5 yrs. and younger with an adult. bloomington.in.gov

MAR. 16

MICHAEL SHANNON & JASON NARDUCY AND FRIENDS

The Bluebird 8 p.m.

The academy-award nominated actor joins long-time muscians to play R.E.M.’s Lifes Rich Pageant. thebluebird.ws

MAR. 17-19

WILD ANIMAL SPRING BREAK

WonderLab Museum 11 a.m.

Live animal abassador from WildCare Inc. presents engaging stories about animal species wonderlab.org

MAR. 17

LIVE MUSIC AT MORGENSTERN BOOKS

Morgenstern Books

3 p.m.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s day with Irish music from Supertrad. morgensternbooks.com

Pottery House Studio 7 p.m.

Enjoy a night of lively entertainment and light refreshments. potteryhousestudio.com

MAR. 2O-21

EPIC GEOGRAPHY SYMPOSIUM

Rawles Hall 9 a.m.

Presentations by more than thirty scholars hosted by IU’s Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology events.iu.edu

MAR. 20

POTS AND PRIDE

Gather: handmade shoppe & co. 6 p.m.

Queer craft night at the DIY Bar. gathershoppe.com

MAR. 20

IU MEN’S TENNIS VS OHIO STATE

IU Tennis Center 6 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

MAR. 2O

EAGLES TRIBUTE “TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT”

Buskirk Chumley Theater

7:30 PM

Tribute band, Take It To The Limit, revists timeless Eagles classics. buskirkchumley.org

MAR. 20-21

DAN DONAHUE RETURNS TO BLOOMINGTON!

The Comedy Attic Times vary. comedyattic.com

MAR. 20-29

ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD BY TOM STOPPARD

Constellation Playhouse Times vary.

The acclaimed modern dramatic masterpiece that follows two minor Shakespearean characters. seeconstellation.org

MAR. 21

IU BASEBALL VS MINNESOTA

Bart Kaufman Field

2 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

MAR. 21

WATER WONDERS HIKE

Griffy Lake

2 p.m.

Explore how water sustains life through a guided hike! bloomington.in.gov

MAR. 21

HIPPIES & COWBOYS

The Bluebird 8 p.m. thebluebird.ws

MAR. 22

IU MEN’S TENNIS VS PENN STATE

IU Tennis Center Noon iuhoosiers.com

MAR. 23

IU SOFTBALL VS OREGON

Andy Mohr Field

5 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

MAR. 24

WORKSHOP ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS WITH DR. HYE REE AHN

Asian Culture Center Noon

beinvolved.indiana.edu

MAR. 24

THE SHAPE OF WATER

IU Cinema

7 p.m. cinema.indiana.edu

MAR. 25

2026 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH LUNCHEON

Bloomington Convention Center

Noon

Recognize individual and collective accomplishments of women in the community. visitbloomington.com

MAR. 25

BISON COMMONS KICKBACK

Bison Student Commons

2 p.m.

Meet with friends of both old and new at this relaxing outdoor hangout. events.iu.edu

MAR. 25

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

IU Auditorium

8 p.m.

World-renowned orhcestra led by principal guest conductor Marin Alsop. iuauditorium.com

MAR. 26

THE AMERICAN FOUNDERS AND THEIR ROMAN NAMES

Indiana Memorial Union

6 p.m.

IU Scholars discuss Ancient Rome’s impact on modern constitutional arguments. bloomington.iu.edu

MAR. 26 - APR. 12

THE DA VINCI CODE

Constellation Playhouse Times vary.

Stage adapatation of the famous Dan Brown novel. seeconstellation.org

MAR. 26 - 27

MICHAEL LONGFELLOW

The Comedy Attic

7 p.m., 9:15 p.m.

SNL star, Michael Longfellow returns to the Comedy Attic. comedyattic.com

MAR. 26

CELEBRATING SUSANN MCDONALD

FAR Center for Contemporary Arts

7 p.m.

Honor the legacy of USA International Harp Competition’s founder, Susann McDonald. usaihc.org

MAR. 26

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

IU Auditorium

7:30 p.m.

Neil deGrasse Tyson will present his

the Movies - Part II”. iuauditorium.com

MAR. 27 - 28

BANFF FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

7 p.m.

Enjoy the festival’s award-winning films in association with IU Outdoor Adventures. buskirkchumley.org

MAR. 28

ALGORHYTHMS: A SUMMIT ON AI AND HUMANCENTERED CREATIVITY

Sweeney Hall, IU Jacobs School of Music

9 a.m. events.iu.edu

MAR. 28

IU WOMEN’S WATER POLO VS STANFORD

Counsilman-Billngsley Aquatics Center

1 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

MAR. 28

BANNEKER CARNIVAL Banneker Community Center 1 - 3 p.m.

Take part in classic carnival games, sweet snacks, and laughter-filled fun, all under one roof! bloomington.in.gov

MAR. 28

SINGING HOOSIERS SPRING CONCERT

Musical Arts Center 7:30 p.m. operaballet.indiana.edu

LITTLE 500 QUALIFICATIONS

Bill Armstrong Stadium 8 a.m. iusf.indiana.edu

MAR. 29

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLEKEVIN BOBO, DIRECTOR Auer Hall 1 p.m. events.iu.edu

MAR. 30

AN EVENING WITH MIKE DOUGHTY (SOLO)

The Bishop 8 p.m.

18+ alternative music performance presented by Spirit of ‘68. thebishopbar.com

MAR. 31

DANIEL TOSH: MY FIRST FAREWELL TOUR IU Auditorium

7 p.m.

Comedian, host, writer, and producer Daniel Tosh comes to Bloomington. iuauditorium.com

MAR. 31

2026 STATE OF THE CITY Buskirk Chumley Theater 5:30 p.m.

A free, public event inviting the community to gather for a shared look at Bloomington’s progress. buskirkchumley.org

APRIL 3 - 4

SPRING BALLET

Musical Arts Center 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. operaballet.indiana.edu

APR. 3

LADIES FIRST SPRING SHOW

Buskirk Chumley Theater

8 p.m. buskirkchumley.org

APR. 4

MAD PAWS DOGGIE EGG HUNT

Switchyard Park Dog Park

1 - 3 p.m.

Dogs follow their noses to a special treat-filled egg hunt. bloomington.in.gov

APR. 7

IU BASEBALL VS BALL STATE

Bart Kaufman Field

6 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

APR. 8

IU SOFTBALL VS BUTLER

Andy Mohr Field

6 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

APR. 9

NIGHT MARKET

Orbit Room

5 p.m.

Local vendors, free pinball, and happy hour specials. orbitbtown.com

APR. 9

THE STARS TOUR FEATURING ANNE WILSON

IU Auditorium

7 p.m.

iuauditorium.com

APR. 9

STAVROS HALKIAS: THE DREAMBOAT TOUR

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

7 - 9 p.m. buskirkchumley.org

APR. 10 - 12

BEETLEJUICE

IU Auditorium

Times Vary iuauditorium.com

APR. 10

MISS N OUT LITTLE 500 SPRING SERIES

Bill Armstrong Stadium 4 - 10 p.m.

The musical-chairs event of bike racing. events.iu.edu

APR. 10

ARE YOU GARBAGE “BACK ON THE BLOCK” TOUR

The Comedy Attic

7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

Kevin Ryan and H. Foley brings Bloomington a night of stand-up comedy. thecomedyattic.com

APR. 11

IU WOMEN’S TENNIS VS PENN STATE

IU Tennis Center Noon iuhoosiers.com

APR. 11

12TH ANNUAL SPRING FEST

Woolery Mill

2 - 6 p.m.

Drink Beer. Support Indiana Brewers. visitbloomington.com

APR. 11

A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

8 p.m.

An unforgettable night of hip-hop and entertainment. iuauditorium.com

JUNK IN THE TRUNK

Switchyard Park

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Stop by and shop at the first spring rummage sale. bloomington.in.gov

PLATO’S CLOSET PRESENTS THE TRASHION REFASHION RUNWAY SHOW

Buskirk Chumley Theater

Celebrate art, creativity, and sustainability. buskirkchumley.org

A CONVERSATION WITH CALEB HEARON

IU Auditorium

7 p.m. iuauditorium.com

APR. 17

JOHNNY SOCKO!

Bluebird Nightclub 8 p.m. thebluebird.ws

APR. 17 - 18

THE BLOOMINGTON DEBUT OF GAURI B!

The Comedy Attic 7 p.m., 9:15 p.m.

This show is for fans of stand-up that goes beyond the trivial. comedyattic.com

APR. 17 - 18, 26

OKLAHOMA!

Musical Arts Center

7:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 3 p.m. operaballet.indiana.edu

APR. 18

DANCEWALK BLOOMINGTON B-Line Trail Noon - 1 p.m.

The only rule? Keep moving and spread the joy! bloomington.in.gov

APR. 18

EARTH DAY 2026

Switchyard Park Noon - 3:30 p.m.

Features live music, food and drinks, local vendors, prize drawings, tree giveaways, etc. bloomington.in.gov

APR. 18

WE’RE CRANKIE: CRANKIE FESTIVAL

Monroe County Public Library 1 - 3 p.m. visitbloomington.com

APR. 18

AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE COMPANY SPRING CONCERT Buskirk Chumley

7:30 p.m. buskirkchumley.org

APR. 19

ABRA CADABRACELEBRATING THE MUSIC & MAGIC OF ABBA Buskirk Chumley Theater 7:30 p.m. buskirkchumley.org

APR. 21

THE ROCK ORCHESTRA BY CANDLELIGHT

IU Auditorium

8 p.m.

Witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal in this epic rock show! iuauditorium.com

APR. 22

IU SOFTBALL VS VALPARAISO

Andy Mohr Field 5 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

APR. 22

MAGDALENA BAY

IU Auditorium

7:30 p.m.

Magdalena Bay is bringing their kaleidoscopic pop universe to IU. iuauditorium.com

APR. 24

38TH RUNNING OF THE WOMEN’S LITTLE 500

Bill Armstrong Stadium 4 p.m. events.iu.edu

APR. 25

KEGS & EGGS CRAFT BEER FEST + ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT 2026

The Pavilion Center 1 - 5 p.m. event.ontaptickets.com

APR. 25

75TH RUNNING OF THE MEN’S LITTLE 500

Bill Armstrong Stadium 2 p.m. events.iu.edu

APR. 25

DOOM GONG WITH MOON GOONS

The Bishop 9 p.m.

Enjoy DOOM GONG’s home-baked genre, Denim Pysch. thebishopbar.com

APR. 27

BEAT SPRING SHOW

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

7 p.m.

Pre-professional, community show choir program. buskirkchumley.org

APR. 30

UPDATING

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

7 - 8 p.m.

Critically-acclaimed NYC-based live dating & comedy show. buskirkchumley.org

MAY 1

UNIVERSITY TWITS SKETCH COMEDY PREFORMANCE

Ballantine Hall, BH 110 5 p.m. beinvolved.indiana.edu

MAY 2

FREE RANGE ARCADE

Switchyard Park Pavilion

1 - 7 p.m.

Step into a pop-up playground for gamers, creators, and curious minds. bloomington.in.gov

MAY 2

JAZZ CELEBRATION

Musical Arts Center

7:30 p.m.

Jacobs jazz faculty and students will be joined by luminary alumni John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. operaballet.indiana.edu

MAY 3

IU SOFTBALL VS ILLINOIS

Andy Mohr Field

1 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

MAY 3

SAM GRISMAN PROJECT

Buskirk Chumley Theater

7 p.m.

Sam Grisman is a bass player, music appreciator, and bandleader. buskirkchumley.org

MAY 3

MARIS

Bluebird Nightclub

8 p.m. thebluebird.ws

MAY 5

LAVENDER CELEBRATION

IMU

5 - 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Culture Center, hear remarks from community and university leadership. beinvolved.indiana.edu

MAY 7

BENJAMIN TOD Bluebird Nightclub

8 p.m. thebluebird.ws

MAY 8

SPRING GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

3 p.m. commencement.indiana.edu

MAY 9

SPRING UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

8 p.m. commencement.indiana.edu

MAY 9-11

IU BASEBALL VS PURDUE

Bart Kaufman Field

3 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. iuhoosiers.com

MAY 9

IU SPRING GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall 6 p.m. commencement.iu.edu

MAY 10

IU SPRING UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

Indiana University Memorial Stadium 8 p.m. commencement.iu.edu

MAY 10

MONROE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS VENDOR MARKET

Monroe County Fairgrounds 9 a.m.

Third annual vendor market. monroecountyfairgrounds.in

MAY 11

FAST AND SLOW- VOCES NOVAE

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington 5 p.m.

Chamber choir. visitbloomington.com

MAY 12

BRUCE COCKBURN

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

7 p.m.

Nashville songwriter and musician. buskirkchumley.org

MAY 14-24

13TH USA INTERNATIONAL HARP COMPETITION

Jacobs School of Music

Varying times visitbloomington.com

MAY 14-17

COSMIC SONGWRITER FESTIVAL 2025

The Orbit Room, The Bluebird, Buskirk Chumley and Blockhouse Bar

7 p.m.

Four nights of musical performances. visitbloomington.com

MAY 18

BSO PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Buskirk-Chumley Theater 5 p.m.

55th anniversary concert. buskirkchumley.org

MAY 29-31

LIMESTONE COMEDY FESTIVAL

Various venues

Varying times. visitbloomington.com

JUNE 5-29

THE KING’S WIFE

Waldron Auditorium

7 p.m.

Musical performance. visitbloomington.com

JUNE 7

LEMONADE DAY

Monroe County

All day event. Teaching kids the power of entreprenuership. visitbloomington.com

JUNE 9-13

GRANFALLOON: A KURT VONNEGUT CONVERGENCE

Varying locations

Varying times

Annual festival of arts, music and scholarship. visitbloomington.com

JUNE 22

TAROT WORKSHOP WITH SCOTT KELLOGG

oak.

2 p.m.

Deep dive into symbolism and intuition. visitbloomington.com

JUNE 38

RAINBOW RINK SKATE NIGHT

Frank Southern Ice Arena

7 p.m. visitbloomington.com

JUNE 30-JULY 6

MONROE COUNTY FAIR

Monroe County Fairgrounds

Varying times. visitbloomington.com

JULY 12

MAMMA MIA! (2008) SINGALONG

Waldron Auditorium

7 p.m.

Calling all dancing queens and super troupers! visitbloomington.com

DINING

3 Amigos Taqueria

Authentic Mexican food with friendly service.

340 S. Patterson Drive 812-369-4192

601 N. College Avenue 812-822-1754

Ami

A Japanese restaurant beloved by students. 1500 E. Third St. 812-339-7868

Americano Drive-through only coffee shop unique to Monroe County. 5492 W. State Rd. 46

Amrit India Restaurant

Authentic Indian cuisine including curries, traditional dishes, and vegertarian options.

124 N. Walnut St. 812-650-3812

Anyetsang’s Little Tibet

Authentic Tibetan and international cuisine.

415 E. Fourth St. 812-331-0122

Applebee’s

Casual bar and grill chain with classic American dishes.

2800 E. Third St. 812-336-9147

Asuka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi

Authentic Japanese dishes, fried rice, and selections of sushi.

2632 E. Third St. 812-333-8325

Aver’s Gourmet Pizza

Local pizzeria founded in 1995. 317 E. Winslow Rd. 812-323-8333

1837 N. Kinser Pike 812-339-6555

Azzip Pizza

Personalized fast, casual pizzeria. 2894 E. Third St. 812-336-2755

Baked! Of Bloomington

Offering 20,000+ kinds of cookies, milk and more.

115 N. Washington St. 812-336-2253

Bangkok Thai Cuisine

A wide array of Asian cuisine with vegetarian menu options. 2920 E. Covenater Drive 812-333-7477

Bapu TeaHouse

Cozy cafe with a wide variety of bubble tea and snack options. 530 E. Kirkwood Ave. Unit 104 812-287-8139

Big Woods Bloomington

Indiana based chain serving wings, pizza, and craft beer. 116 N. Grant St. 812-625-3493

BJ’s Restuarant & Brewhouse

Family-friendly chain with an extensive list of house brews.

411 S. College Mall Rd. 812-650-0740

Blooming Thai Family recipe Asian fusion options.

405 E. Fourth St. 812-369-4229

Bloomingfoods

Market & Deli

Local. Organic. Fresh. 3220 E. Third St. 812-336-5400

316 W. Sixth St. 812-333-7312

Bloomington Bagel Co.

On-site, made-from-scratch bagel bakery. 113 N. Dunn St. 812-333-4653

913 S. College Mall Rd. 812-339-4653

238 N. Morton St. 812-349-4653

Bob Evan’s Casual American chain known for family-style meals. 3233 W. Third St. 812-334-2515

Brightside Cafe

Gluten free spot for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and sweet treats. 101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 021 812-676-3596

Brothers Bar and Grill

Modernized throwback to the old Midwestern corner tavern. 215 N. Walnut St. 812-331-1000

BRU Burger Bar

Chain serving shakes, appetizers, and classic American burgers. 229 S. Grant St. Suite 1 812-776-6060

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Fresh ice cream everyday. 4531 E. Third St. 812-331-8979

Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream

Home of the Big Ugly Burger. 480 N. Morton St. 812-331-2827

Bucceto’s Pizza and Pasta Italian dishes with personality. 115 S. State Rd. 46 812-331-1234

350 S. Liberty Drive 812-323-0123

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar Wings, fries, burgers, and more. 1350 W. Bloomfield Rd. 812-339-2900

BuffaLouie’s at the Gables Classic wings, subs and salads. 114 S. Indiana Ave. 812-333-3030

Inventive, evolving presentations of cocktails and courses. 1505 S. Piazza Drive 812-287-8027

Cabin Restaurant & Lounge

Dinner style food and a wide selection of craft beers. 4015 S. State Rd. 446 812-214-4324

Cafe Bali

Korean and Indonesian dishes, desserts and bubble tea.

210 S. Grant St. 812-414-5566

The Caffeinated Cook Relaxed cafe serving cones, sandwiches and sips. 206 N. Sale St. Ellettsville 812-345-3623

Cardinal Spirits

Craft distillery and kitchen. 922 S. Morton St. 812-202-6789

Casa Brava

Fresh authentic Mexican dishes and magraitas. 3482 W. Third St. 812-339-1453

Che Bello

A Bloomington spin on classic Italian fare. 106 W. Sixth St. 812-964-4035

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Casual dining restaurant chain serving American comfort food. 126 S. Franklin Rd. 812-822-1628

Chef’s Table

Praised for delicious hot dogs, cheesesteaks and more. 3860 W. Third St. 812-287-8016

Chili’s Grill and Bar Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare. 2811 E. Third St. 812-334-0535

China Star Buffet

Sushi, hot dishes, and buffet. 4641 W. Richland Plaza Dr. 812-876-5778

Chocolate Moose

Creamy ice cream and shakes, burgers, hot dogs and more. 405 S. Walnut St. 812-333-0475

Chow Bar Offers a wide variety of Chinese dishes for all to enjoy. 216 S. Indiana Ave. 812-336-3888

Chubbie’s Burritos

Build your own dishes with a variety of authentic ingretients. 118 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-650-3520

Cloverleaf Family Restaurant

Hearty breakfast at a family-owned restaurant. 4023 W. Third St. 812-334-1077

325 E. Winslow Rd. 812-650-1017

Coaches Bar and Grill

Great food and service with IU’s cream and crimson spirit. 245 N. College Ave. 812-339-3537

Cozy Table Restaurant

Local diner and pancake house. 3870 W. Third St. 812-322-9958

Crazy Horse

Great food in a comfortable pub atmosphere.

214 W. Kirkwood Ave. 812-336-8877

Cresent Donut Shop

A plethora of donuts to choose. 231 S. Adams St. 812-339-7771

Crumbl Cookies

Creative, decadent, constantly rotating cookie flavors. 1155 S. College Mall Rd. Suite B 812-668-7779

Crumble Coffee and Bakery Coffee and pastry shop.

532 N. College Ave. 812-287-8056

1567 S. Piazza Drive 812-334-9044

316 S. Swain Ave. 812-822-1679

Dagwood’s Deli-Sub Shop

Named the “City’s Best Sandwiches (and Biggest!).” 116 S. Indiana Ave. 812-333-3000

Dats

Classic Cajun and Creole dining.

408 E. Fourth St. 812-339-3090

Dave’s Hot Chicken

East Hollywood’s late-night hot chicken.

316 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-668-7860

DaVinci

Fresh Italian specialties, pizza and pasta.

250 S. Washington St. 812-822-1887

DeAngelo’s

New York style pizzas, calzones, salads and pastas. 2620 E. Third St. 812-961-0008

Do Restaurant

Asian-fusion specialities and lively atmosphere.

404 E. Fourth St. 812-333-7470

Domino’s Worldwide leader in pizza delivery.

908 N. Walnut St. 812-334-3030

2620 S. Walnut St. 812-335-7777

2504 E. Third St. 812-650-7033

Domo Steak & Sushi

Great sushi, flavorful hibachi, excellent service.

106 S. Franklin Rd. 812-332-7700

Dragon

Standard Chinese dishes with delivery and takeout options. 3261 W. Third St. 812-332-6610

Dragon Express

A variety of Cantonese, Hunan, Peking, and Szechuan dishes. 1400 E. Third St. 812-331-7030

El Compa Taqueria

Birra dishes, horchata and other traditional Mexican eats.

4723 State Rd. 46 812-300-1007

The Elm Homey, modern environment that caters to all reasons for dining out.

614 E. Second St. 812-407-4339

El Ranchero

Authentic Mexican cuisine and a wide variety of cocktails. 2100 Liberty Drive 812-822-2329

110 E. Winslow Rd. 812-822-1302

3615 State Rd. 46 812-876-9900

Everbowl

Acai bowls, smoothies and more. 518 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-668-2429

FARMbloomington

Delicious recipes using local foods with global flavors. 108 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-323-0002

Fat Dan’s Chicago-style deli. 221 E. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 1 812-287-7944

Feast Market & Cellar Fresh, local and seasonal menu.

407 W. Patterson Drive 812-340-8225

Feta Kitchen & Cafe

Fresh Mediterranean cuisine, coffees and baked goods.

600 E. Hillside Drive 812-336-3382

Famous burgers and fries. 1199 S. College Mall Rd. 812-558-2448

425 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-650-7379

Gables Bagels

Bona fide New York-style bagels. 421 E. Third St. Suite 10 812-325-2120

Greek’s Pizzeria

Franchise located near IU’s football and basketball stadiums known for quality pizza, breadsticks and more. 1425 N. Dunn St. 812-822-0222

Hartzell’s Ice Cream Local, homemade ice cream. 107 N. Dunn St. 812-332-3502

Hinkle’s Hamburgers Best burgers and shakes since 1933.

206 S. Adams St. 812-339-3335

Hive

Top-notch comfort food. 2608 E. Tenth St. 812-287-7405

Homey Hot Pot and Sushi

Quality ingredients for the best taste, smell and presentation. 306 N. Walnut St. 812-650-1171

Hoosier Bar & Grill

Famous for their breaded pork tenderloin and friendly service. 4645 W. Richland Plaza Drive 812-935-6333

Hoosier Hank’s Late-night comfort food, specifically pizza and macaroni. 1285 S. College Mall Rd. 812-331-5555

Hoosier Seoulmate Korean Restaurant

Both Korean specialties and experimental combinations with the Hoosier in mind. 1614 W. Third St. 812-668-2059

Locally roasted coffee. 212 N. Madison St. 812-320-3309

Hopscotch Coffee and Kitchen

Casual break and lunch dining just steps away from a cozy cafe. 235 W. Dodds St. 812-369-4500

IMU Tudor Room

Casual dining in an elegant setting.

900 E. Seventh St. 812-855-1620

InBloom Eats + Juice Juice and smoothie bar. 116 E. Third St. Suite 101 812-518-2322

India Garden Authentic Indian cuisine. 420 E. Fourth St. 812-331-8844

Inkwell Bakery & Cafe

Scratch-made baked goods, breakfast, lunch and coffee. 105 N. College Ave. 812-822-2925

401 S. Woodlawn Ave. 812-287-8354

Insomnia Cookies

A beloved cookie chain with late night hours. 430 E. Kirkwood Ave. 463-999-1817

Janko’s Little Zagreb Tender, thick steaks and a wide selection of wine and beer.

223 W. Sixth St. 812-332-0694

Jersey Mike’s Subs Melty cheesteak and chilled sandwich possibilities. 2618 E. 10th St. 812-822-1027

Jiffy Treet

Homemade ice cream at its finest.

223 S. Pete Ellis Drive Suite 3A 812-339-9981

4727 W. State Rd. 46 812-876-7770

Jimmy John’s

Subs so fast you’ll freak.

1827 E. 10th St. 812-333-2102

2636 E. Third St. 812-333-4100

430 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-332-9265

Judy’s Kitchen

Traditional Taiwanese and Catonese dishes.

2892 E. Third St. (College Mall) 812-332-8888

K-bap

Casual Korean Fusion Restaurant where dogs are welcome.

340 S. Walnut St. 812-369-4224

Kimu Asian Restaurant

Traditional Burmese specialties and other Asian eats.

413 E. Fourth St. 812-339-7334

King Gyros Restaurant Mediterranean style gyros, falafels, hummus and BBQ.

2000 S. Walnut St. 812-334-4144

Kirkwood Sweet Shop

Handmade pastries, chocolates, and ice cream, along with delicious espresso drinks.

112 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-334-8460

Korea Restaurant

Classic Korean dishes and friendly service.

409 E. Fourth St. 812-339-2735

Kung Fu Tea

Chain with a wide variety of speciality bubble teas and other beverages.

387 W. Third St. 812-822-1290

La Bonita

Authentic Mexican Food. 1709 N. College Ave. 812-668-3984

La Charreada

Authentic Mexican food and great margaritas. 1720 N. Walnut St. 812-332-2343

La Dulce Chocolate

Locally owned desert shop known for Dubai chocolate. 530 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-578-8972

La Una Cantina

Mexican restaurant with an eclectic flare.

254 N. Walnut St. 812-287-7458

Lennie’s Brew Pub / Bloomington Brewing Co.

Local brews with gourmet pizza, sandwiches and pub fare. 514 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-323-2112

Lincoln Square Pancake House

Central Indiana’s family-style breakfast. 2160 N. Walnut St. 812-668-7492

LongHorn Steakhouse

Western beef, ribs, chops and more. 721 S. College Mall Rd. 812-334-1600

Lotus Garden

Chinese Restaurant offering delivery and dine-in of speacility dishes and comfort foods. 110 S. Washington St. 812-369-4555

Malibu Grill

A casual California-style eatery. 106 N. Walnut St. 812-332-4334

MAJÉ Sushi

Fresh sushi at reasonable prices. 601 N. College Ave. Suite 5 812-332-7722

McAlister’s Deli

Hearty-sized deli fare, served with a side of Southern charm. 2510 E. Third St. 812-333-4800

Mother Bear’s Pizza

Consistently voted “Best Pizza in Bloomington”.

1428 E. Third St. 812-332-4495

2980 W. Whitehall Crossing Blvd. 812-287-7366

My Thai Cafe & Sushi Bar

Excellent variety of authentic Thai dishes including stir-fries, curries, and sushi.

3316 W. Third St. 812-333-2234

402 E. Fourth St. 812-333-3993

Mr. Hibachi Buffet

Healthy all-you-can-eat Chinese dishes with a hibachi grill. 4400 E. Third St. 812-339-6288

Mr. Hot Pot

Unqiue Chinese dining expierence. 2550 E. Third St. 812-287-8232

Mura Sushi & Korean Restaurant

Spectacular sushi and other Korean dishes located conveniently near campus. 1793 E. 10th St. 812-369-4448

Nick’s English Hut Pizza, strombolis, burgers and Sink the Biz fries. 423 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-332-4040

Noodles and Company

Fast and casual dining with pasta from around the world. 517 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-323-1400

2560 E. Third St. 812-558-0080

O’Charley’s

Southern eats including steak and brunch choices. 360 N. Jacob Drive 812-333-6687

Olive Garden

Speciality Italian dining with soups, salads, and breadsticks. 320 N. Jacob Drive 812-333-1350

Orbit Room

Speciality hot dogs, bar snacks, drinks, and live muisc. 107 N. College Ave. Suite 001 812-369-4130

Osteria Rago

Naples-inspired authentic Italian restaurant. 419 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-822-0694

Outback Steakhouse High-quality food and service with generous portions. 3201 W. Third St. 812-330-1018

Papa John’s Pizza Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. Papa John’s. 415 N. Walnut St. 812-336-7272

2486 S. Walnut St. 812-353-7272

Parlor Doughnuts

Intriguing donut offerings and wonderful coffee.

322 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-650-3641

Patti Jo’s

Carry-out comfort food and specialty coffees. 725 W. Kirkwood Ave. 812-318-2118

Peach Garden Chinese Restaurant Family-owned eatery. 536 S. College Ave. 812-332-3437

Penn Station East Coast Subs Grilled East Coast-style submarine sandwiches. 256 N. Jacob Drive 812-331-7300

Piccoli Dolci

Cafe with authentic sweet and savory Italian food. 223 Pete Ellis Dr., Suite 27 812-391-4562

Pili’s Party Tacos

Mexican stationary food truck selling tacos and other bites. 109 S. Walnut St. 812-219-0539

Pizza X Fast delivery, great pizza. 1791 E. 10th St. 812-339-7737

1610 W. Third St. 812-332-2522

2443 S. Walnut St. Pike 812-332-8500

877 S. College Mall Road 812-355-5000

4621 W. Richland Plaza Drive 812-876-4443

312 E. Third St. 812-900-4648

2361 W. Rappel Ave 812-822-1562

Poindexter Coffee

Fun offerings for breakfast, lunch and caffeine. 210 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-994-0500

PopKorn Kernels With a Twist Artisan popcorn flavors and mixtures.

122 S. College Ave. 812-318-3945

Potbelly Sandwich Shop Chicago-style toasted subs. 517 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-334-9846

Rainbow Bakery

Bloomington’s first all-vegan bakery serving sweets and locally brewed coffee.

201 S. Rogers St. 812-822-3741

Red Lobster

Fresh fish, live lobster. 2617 E. Third St. 812-332-9712

Red Restaurant

Traditional Chinese with a focus on Szechuan-style spices. 1402 N. Walnut St. 812-650-3807

Red Robin

Gourmet burgers and boozy shakes, with other American comfort fare.

2846 E. Third St. 812-727-3884

Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard

Sweet treat chain from Philadelphia area.

430 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-964-4053

Riviera Maya

An Indiana-based favorite featuring delicious Mexican dishes and drinks, as well as live music.

116 S. Franklin Rd. 812-822-3535

Rockits Famous Pizza

Late night New-York style pizza served by the slice.

222 N. Walnut St. 812-336-7625

Roly Poly Rolled Sandwhiches

Quick stop for sandwhiches, wraps, salads and more. 1616 W. Third St. 812-822-1422

Runcible Spoon Cafe and Restaurant

Quality breakfast and coffee, with vegetarian options.

412 E. Sixth St. 812-334-3997

Rush Bowls

All-natural blended fruit smoothie and acai bowls. 1421 N. Dunn St. 812-269-1670

Rush Hour Station

Asian fusion café that focuses on Vietnamese-inspired soups and sandwiches.

421 E. Third St. 812-323-7874

Sakura 15

Sushi and hibachi restaurant. 895 S. College Mall Rd. 812-339-8076

Samira

The home of Afghani cuisine.

100 W. Sixth St. 812-331-3761

Scenic View Restaurant

Fine dining and cocktails with a great view of Lake Monroe. 4600 S. State Rd. 446 812-837-9496

Serendipity Martini Bar

Upscale martini bar and small plate restaurant. 201 S. College Ave. 314-520-1285

Siam House

Speciality Thai cuisine and lunch buffets in a casual setting. 430 E. Fourth St. 812-331-1233

SmokeWorks

Memphis-Style barbecue joint with bourbon, whiskey and moonshine. 121 N. College Ave. 812-287-8190

Smokin’ Jacks Rib Shack

Specializes in down-home southern-style barbeque. 505 W. 17th St. 812-332-7427

Smoothie King

Smoothies and blended drinks. 921 S College Mall Rd 812-668-2761

Social Cantina

Modernized Mexican chain serving tacos and tequila.

125 N. College Ave. 812-287-8199

Soma Coffeehouse

Fair trade, organic coffee with no corporate aftertaste.

322 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-331-2770

1400 E. Third St. 812-333-7334

581 E. Hillside Drive Suite 104 812- 668-2086

Southern Stone

Cuisine of the South with locally sourced ingredients. 405 W. Patterson Drive 812-822-3623

Square Donuts

Family business known for its signature, uniquely shaped fresh donuts.

1280 N. College Ave. Suite 1 812-337-0100

3878 W. Third St. 812-333-2799

Sunny Poke & Tea Bowls, noodle soup, milk tea and more.

1420 E. Third St. 812-822-0777

Sushi Bar

Japanese cuisine including hot dishes and a variety of Sushi rolls. 2522 E. 10th St. 812-331-7688

Sweetgreen

Organic salads and bowls with an array of topping options.

210 E. Kirkwood Ave. 930-203-1347

The Tap Casual pub with draft beers, cocktails, quick eats, and live music.

101 N. College Ave 812-287-8579

Taste of India

Authentic Northern India cuisine.

316 E. Fourth St. 812-333-1399

Texas Roadhouse

Steaks, ribs and legendary rolls. 110 S. Franklin Rd. 812-323-1000

Trailhead Pizzeria

Made-from-scratch gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

4303 S. State Rd. 446 812-837-9101

Trojan Horse Greek specialties and American favorites since 1978. 100 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-332-1101

Truffles Fine Cuisine & 56 Degrees Bar Martini and wine bar with a fine dining menu. 1131 S. College Mall Rd. 812-330-1111

Turkuaz Café

Turkish cuisine in a cozy setting. 301 E. Third St. 800-709-7191

Uno Mas Taco Truck

Food truck offering a variety of northern Mexican dishes. 2600 S. Walnut St. 812-272-9543

Upland Brewing Company

Local brews and unique twists on traditional recipes. 350 W. 11th St. 812-364-2337

Verona Coffee House

New space for speciality drinks and pastries. 3105 S. Sare Rd. 812-676-6358

The Village Deli

A weekend breakfast tradition for Bloomington residents. 409 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-336-2303

Viva Mas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Experience Mexican food and drinks in a fun, colorful atmosphere. 2550 E. Third St. 812-287-8783

Wings Xtreme

Wings, sides, appetizers, and combo meals fit for a Hoosier. 2620 E. 10th St. 812-333-9464

Wingstop

Wings tossed in delicious fiery sauces along with fun sides. 927 S. College Mall Rd. 812-489-7277

Yatagarasu

Modern Japanese ramen bar inspired by Izakaya restaurants. 430 E. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 6 812-650-3374

Yogi’s Bar & Grill

Vibrant local bar & grill. 302 N. Walnut St. 812-822-3591

Z & C Teriyaki and Sushi

Speedy sushi and Asian cuisine. 430 E. Kirkwood Ave. Suite F 812-323-8999

Zero Degrees

Refreshing bubble tea and shaved ice.

1285 S. College Mall Rd. 812-650-1005

BARS, BREWERIES, WINERIES & CLUBS

The Alley Bar

210 W. Kirkwood Ave. 812-336-2216

Atlas Ballroom

209 S. College Ave. 812-334-4435

The Back Door

207 S. College Ave. 812-333-3123

Big Woods Bloomington 116 N. Grant St. 812-625-3493

The Bishop Bar

123 S. Walnut St. 812- 333-4700

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

411 S. College Mall Rd. 812-650-0740

Blockhouse Bar

205 S. College Ave. 317-753-2947

The Bluebird

216 N. Walnut St. 812-336-3984

Brothers Bar and Grill

215 N. Walnut St. 812-331-1000

Butler Winery

6200 E. Robinson Rd. 812-332-6660

C3 Bar

1505 S. Piazza Drive 812-287-8027

Cardinal Spirits

922 S. Morton St. 812-202-6789

The Cade

217 N. Walnut St. 812-287-7181

Coaches Sports Bar & Grill

245 N. College Ave. 812-339-3537

The Comedy Attic

123 S. Walnut St. 812-336-5233

Crazy Horse 214 W. Kirkwood Ave. 812-336-8877

Creekbend Vineyard

7508 N. Woodall Rd. 812-876-5800

The Dunkirk Library

430 E. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 18 812-606-2449

Friendly Beasts Cider Company 222 W. Second St. 812-641-5553

Heartwork Brewing 1703 N. College Ave. 812-668-2765

Hoosier Bar & Grill 4645 W. Richland Plaza 812-935-6333

Hoppy Wobbles Pub 3876 W. Third St. 812-287-7770

Kilroy’s on Kirkwood 502 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-339-3006

Kilroy’s Sports Bar 319 N. Walnut St. 812-333-6006

Lennie’s Brewpub/ Bloomington Brewing Co. 514 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-323-2112

Nick’s English Hut 423 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-332-4040

Night Moves 3160 S. Walnut St. 812-335-1850

Office Lounge 3900 E. Third St. 812-332-0911

Oliver Winery 200 E. Winery Rd. 812-876-5800

The Orbit Room 107 N. College Ave. 812-369-4130

The Root Cellar Lounge 108 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-323-0002

Serendipity Martini Bar 201 S. College Ave. 314-520-1285

Sleeper's Bar 2601 N. Walnut St. 812-822-7234

The Sinkhole Craft Beer Bar 313 E. Winslow Rd. 812-668-0934

The Tap 101 N. College Ave. 812-287-8579

Truffles Fine Cuisine & 56

Degrees Bar 1131 S. College Mall Rd. 812-330-1111

Upland Brewing Co. 350 W. 11th St. 812-364-2337

The Upstairs Pub 430 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-333-3003

Video Saloon 105 W. Seventh St. 812-333-0064

Yogi’s Bar & Grill 302 N. Walnut St. 812-822-3591

FAMILY FUN

Bryan Park Pool, baseball fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts. 1001 S. Henderson St. 812-349-3700

Classic Lanes

Bowling alley 1421 N. Willis Drive 812-332-6689

Get Out Bloomington

Escape room with immersive and interactive mystery-solving. 101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 113 812-214-1497

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Includes hiking trails, a lake for fishing, and kayak rentals. 3400 N. Headley Rd. 812-349-3732

Frank Southern Ice Arena

Daily general admission ice skating (Opens October 2025). 2100 S. Henderson St. 812-349-3740

Hoosier Escape House

Escape room with immersive and interactive mystery-solving. 933 N. Walnut St. 812-822-0639

Hoosier Heights

Indoor rock climbing facility. 1008 S. Rogers St. 812-824-6414

Karst Farm Park

Includes four playgrounds, a splash pad, a dog park, and picnic tables. 2450 S. Endwright Rd. 812-349-2800

LaserLite

Offering group events or a night out with family and friends. 4505 E. Third St. 812-337-0456

Pottery House

Great for pottery painting, clay classes, parties and events. Suite 17 & 13, 223 S Pete Ellis Dr (812) 650-2884

Switchyard Park

Includes playground, rock walls, and a splashpad in warm weather. 1601 S. Rogers St. 812-349-3400

The Starlite Drive-In Drive-in movie theater. 7640 S. Old State Rd. 37 812-824-2277

Urban Air Trampoline Park Offering weekly events and parties. 3603 IN-46 812-727-8309

Western Skateland Roller skating venue offering familyfriendly fun and private events. 930 W. 17th St. 812-327-4474

WonderLab Museum

Hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity. 308 W. Fourth St. 812-337-1337

HOTELS

The Beaumont House 9030 W. State Rd. 48 812-876-3900

Candlewood Suites 1935 S. Basswood Drive 812-330-1900

Cascades Inn 2601 N. Walnut St. 812-369-4310

Century Suites 300 State Hwy 446 812-336-7777

Comfort Inn 1700 N. Kinser Pike 812-822-3190

Courtyard by Marriott 310 S. College Ave. 812-335-8000

Economy Inn 4805 S. Old State Rd. 37 812-824-8311

Fourwinds Lakeside Inn 9301 S. Fairfax Rd. 812-824-2628

Graduate Bloomington 210 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-994-0500

Grant Street Inn 310 N. Grant St. 800-328-4350

Hampton Inn 2100 N. Walnut St. 812-334-2100

Hilton Garden Inn 245 N. College Ave. 812-331-1335

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 117 S. Franklin Rd. 812-334-8800

Holiday Inn 1710 N. Kinser Pike 812-333-7044

Home2 Suites by Hilton 1410 N. Walnut St. 812-668-5999

Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel & Conference Center

900 E. Seventh St. 812-856-6381

La Quinta Inn & Suites 3380 W. Runkle Way 812-287-6731

Quality Inn 1100 W. Rappel Ave. 812-269-1019

Showers Inn

430 N. Washington St. 812-334-9000

SpringHill Suites by Marriott 501 N. College Ave. 812-337-7772

Super 8 Motel

1751 N. Stonelake Drive 812-671-0854

Travelodge by Wyndham Bloomington 2615 E. Third St. 812-727-6959

Wampler House Bed & Breakfast 4905 S. Rogers St. 812-727-4330

ATTRACTIONS

Hinkle-Garton Farmstead Hosts exhibits and classes. 2920 E. Tenth St. 812-336-0909 bloomingtonrestorations.org

Lake Monroe

Home to camping, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming. 4850 S. State Rd. 446 812-837-9546 in.gov/dnr/parklake/2954.htm

Lilly Library

IU's principal rare books, manuscripts and special collections library. Guided tours every Friday. 1200 E. Seventh St. 812-855-2452 libraries.indiana.edu/lilly-library

Lower Cascades Park

Offers a variety of outdoor activities. 2851 N. Old State Rd. 37 812-349-3700 bloomington.in.gov/lower-cascades

Monroe County History Center

Exhibits and special programs about Bloomington’s heritage. 202 E. Sixth St. 812-332-2517 monroehistory.org

Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center

Educational and spiritual programs relating to the Tibetan and Mongolian cultures. Weekly tours. 3655 S. Snoddy Rd. 812-336-6807 tmbcc.org

Wylie House Museum

Home of Indiana University’s first president, Andrew Wylie, and his family, built in 1835.

307 E. Second St. 812-855-6224 libraries.indiana.edu/wylie-housemuseum

ART GALLERIES

Argentum Jewelry

Fine contemporary jewelry from

205 N. College Ave. Suite 100 argentum-jewelry.com

Venue space, artist studios and other creative resources. fb.com/artisanalley812

More than 100 local artisans’ pottery, woodwork and more.

101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 109 Fountain Square Mall

Art gallery, museum and studio of Jennifer Mujezinovic 120 E. Kirkwood Ave. fb.com/clashartgallery

Cook Center for Public Arts and Humanities

Displays exhibits, shows and more. 750 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-856-1169 go.iu.edu/cookcenter

Eskenazi Museum of Art A center of "cultural crossroads." 1133 E. Seventh St. 812-855-5445 artmuseum.iu.edu

Fourth and Rogers Center for Contemporary Arts Home of the Pictura Gallery of contemporary photography as well as screenings and workshops. 202 S. Rogers St. 812-336-0000 thefar.org

Gallery SCG

Be transformed by traditional to contemporary photography and other types of art.

101 W. Kirkwood Avenue, Suite 112 Bloomington, IN 47404 812-333-0536 spectrumcreativegroup.com/gallery

Grunwald Gallery of Art Home to works by professional and student artists with a variety of contemporary genres. 1201 E. Seventh St. 812-855-8490 eskenazi.indiana.edu/exhibitions/ grunwald-gallery

The I Fell Building Experience working artists’ studios, gallery exhibits, small businesses and a bakery. 415 W. Fourth St. 812-361-6719 ifellbloomington.wordpress.com

John Waldron Arts Center

Featuring a variety of local artists in several mediums.

122 S. Walnut St. 812-336-9300 seeconstellation.org/venues/waldron

Juniper Art Gallery

Finest regional midwestern artwork. 615 W. Kirkwood Ave 812-822-1663 juniperartgallery.com

Lotus Firebay

Hosts exhibits that align with the Lotus Education & Arts Foundation's passion for learning about and sharing various cultures.

105 S. Rogers St. 812-336-6599 lotusfest.org

MADE

Provides classes and events for Bloomington community. 222 W. Second St. 812-370-0278 made.artisanalley.com

Monroe Convention Center

Exceptional art collection of varied artwork by local artists.

302 S. College Ave. 812-336-3681 monroeconvention.com

Not Just Rugs Gallery of Native American Art

Featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade Native American items. 1117 N. College Ave. Suite D 812-332-6434 notjustrugs.com

Spectrum Creative Group Stunning prints, decor and more available for sale.

101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 112 812-333-0536 spectrumcreativegroup.com

The Vault at Gallery Mortgage Featuring and supporting works of only local artisits.

121 E. Sixth St. Suite 1 812-334-9700 visitbloomington.com/listing/thevault-at-gallery-mortgage/160/

The Venue Fine Art & Gifts

Featuring a variety of works including painting, jewelry, prints, pottery and more.

114 S. Grant St. 812-339-4200 thevenuebloomington.com

HOUSING

Abodes, Inc.

940 S. Clarizz Blvd. Suite 25 812-333-3333

The Arbors Apartments 1501-1533 Arbors Ln. 812-609-8151

Atlas on 17th 1439 N. Telluride St. 812-269-1728

The Avenue on College 455 N. College Ave. 812-331-8500

Brawley Property Management

608 N. Dunn St. 844-254-7368

Cedarview Management/Tenth & College

601 N. College Ave. Suite 1 812-339-8777

Chickering Rentals

214 N. Rogers St. 812-360-1975

Covenanter Hill Neighborhood District

3101 E. Covenanter Drive 812-323-8021

Deer Park Management 1501 E. Hillside Drive 812-333-9355

The Dillon 525 S. Patterson Drive 812-727-7015

Elkins Apartments

940 N. Walnut St. 812-339-2859

Evolve Bloomington 1425 N. Dunn St. 812-413-2681

The Fields 1333 S. Fenbrook Ln. 844-311-8857

Granite Student Living 401 E. Fourth St. 812-727-7000

Horn Properties

509 E. Cottage Grove Ave. 812-333-4748

Housing and Neighboorhood Development

401 N. Morton St. 812-349-3420

Hunter Bloomington Properties

1200 S. Rolling Ridge Way 812-558-0800

IU Residential Programs & Services

801 N. Eagleson Ave. 812-855-1764

Lark Bloomington at Latimer Square 351 S Kingston Drive 812-579-4253

The League Bloomington 524 N. College Ave. 571-447-6118

Mackie Properties LLC 1800 W. 17th St. 812-287-8036

The Monroe 1150 S. Clarizz Blvd. 812-400-6967

Olympus Properties LLC

2620 N. Walnut St. 812-334-8200

The Park on Morton 710 N. Morton St. 812-506-8273

The Quarry 986 S. Copper Beech Way Apt. I 812-558-0800

The Quarters 1521 Isaac Drive 844-455-0536

Railway Manor 913 N. College Ave. 812-558-0800

Relato Bloomington 2851 E. Longview Ave. 812-200-5991

Renaissance Rentals 3115 S. Sare Rd. Suite 102B 812-330-1123

Reserve on Third

500 S. Park Ridge Rd. 765-703-5298

The Rive Bloomington 1820 N. Walnut St. 812-505-3874

Sarge Rentals

2623 N. Walnut St. Suite A 812-330-1501

The Standard at Bloomington 250 E. 14th St. 866-535-6393

State On Campus 2036 N. Walnut St. 812-308-8024

The Stratum at Indiana 3131 E. Goodnight Way 812-333-9868

Student Legal Services 310 N. Park Ave. 812-855-7867

Urban Station Apartments 403 S. Walnut St. 812-594-6062

Varsity Properties 2029 N. Dunn St. 812-334-0333

The Village at Muller Park 500 S. Muller Pkwy. 930-966-2509

Woodbridge Apartments 3401 John Hinkle Pl. 855-594-3999

SPECIALTY SHOPS & SERVICES

Alumni Hall 124 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-322-4081

Atwater Eye Care Center 744 E. Third St. 812-855-8436

Bicycle Garage Inc. 507 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-339-3457

Bikesmiths

112 S. College Ave. 812-339-9970

BioLife Plasma Services 1565 Liberty Drive 812-334-1405

Bloomington Salt Cave 115 N. Madison St. Suite B1 812-339-2805

Bonne Fete 112 W. Sixth St. 812-369-9735

The Briar & The Burley Tobacco Shop 101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 100 812-332-3300

Cherry Canary Vintage Clothing 214 W. Fourth St. 812-272-5470

The Common Room 223 S. Pete Ellis Dr. 812-333-4263

Ellie Mae's Boutique 101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 116 812-339-8084

FreeThink Apparel and Promos 720 S. Morton St. 812-336-0700

The Game Preserve 2652 E. Third St. 812-332-6602

Game World 901 S. College Mall Rd. 812-335-2223

3289 W. Third St. 812-335-6666

Gather 116 N. Walnut St. 812-287-8046

Greetings Apparel and keepsakes 429 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-332-2737

IU Credit Union Multiple locations 812-855-7823

Landlocked Music 115 S. Walnut St. 812-339-2574

Little Italy Market 421 E. Third St. Suite 2 812-287-7143

Lola Rue & Co 114 N. Walnut St. 812-323-7010

May's Greenhouse LLC 6280 S. Old State Rd. 37 812-824-8630

Minton Body Shop 3210 Venture Blvd. 812-339-9714

My Sister's Closet of Monroe County 414 S. College Ave. 812-333-7710

O'Child Children's Boutique 101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 108 812-334-9005

The Olive Leaf and Bloomington Chocolate Company 2534 E. Third St. 812-323-3073

Pitaya 417 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-331-1140

Revolution Bike & Bean 401 E. Tenth St. 812-336-0241

Royale Hair Parlor 500 S. Morton St. 812-360-1860

Russian Recording 1021 S. Walnut St. 812-327-7939

Stansifer Radio Co. 1805 S. Walnut St. 812-336-6339

Tailored Thrifts 129 N. Washigton St. 812-650-3942

Tivoli Fashions 101 W. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 106 812-339-6239

Vintage Phoenix 114 E. Sixth St. 812-333-2930

V's Barbershop 923 S. College Mall Rd. 812-332-4897

IU Parking Information

PARKING REGULATIONS

VISITOR PERMITS

Visitor permits may be purchased in person at the Parking Operations office (EM-P, EM-S, CH, ST, or Disabled permits), or at other locations on campus where permits are sold. The IMU Biddle Hotel sells EM-P permits.

To purchase a permit, you will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and vehicle make, model, and license plate information. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted. For current pricing, contact Parking Operations.

PARKING GARAGES

Atwater Garage

Located on Faculty Drive between Third Street and Atwater Avenue.

East Garage

Located at the corner of Eagleson Avenue between Third Street and Seventh Street.

Forrest Avenue Garage

Located on Eleventh Street, between Forrest Avenue and Walnut Grove Street.

Fee Lane Garage

Located at the corner of Eleventh Street and Fee Lane.

Henderson Garage

Located on Fess Avenue between Atwater Avenue and Third Street.

An EM-P-permit-only entrance and exit is also located on the Henderson Avenue side (west side) of the garage.

Poplars Garage

Located on Sixth Street between Grant and Dunn streets.

METERS

Parking in metered spaces is free from 10 p.m. on Friday through 7 a.m. on Monday, unless otherwise posted.

FREE PARKING

Town and Gown Lots

These lots are free to anyone on weekday evenings after 5 p.m. and over the weekend. Enforcement begins at 7 a.m. Monday–Friday.

Lot #404: Von Lee

Lot #412: corner of Fourth and Dunn streets

Lot #402: corner of Sixth and Dunn streets

The weekend parking rule- CH and ST zones

Other than home game days, any vehicle may park in any CH or ST zone, 5 p.m. Friday until 11 p.m. Sunday, with or without a current parking permit unless posted otherwise.

Lots near the athletic facilities are restricted on home game days during football and basketball seasons.

Parking Garages

Unless otherwise posted, parking is free in the garages beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions or concerns, please contact IU Parking Operations at 812-855-9848, askpark@iu.edu or visit the Henderson Parking Garage at 310 S. Fess Ave.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Bloomington Fire Dept.

300 E. Fourth St. 812-332-9763

Bloomington Police Dept. 220 E. Third St. 812-339-4477

IU Police Dept. 1469 E. 17th St. 812-855-4111

Monroe County Sheriff

301 N. College Ave.

812-349-2780 monroecountysheriffsoffice.us

MEDICAL

IU Health

Bloomington Hospital 2651 E. Discovery Pkwy. 812-353-5252 iuhealth.org

IU Health Center

600 N. Eagleson Ave. 812-855-4011 healthcenter.indiana.edu

IU Health Urgent Care

326 S. Woodscrest Drive 812-353-6888 iuhealth.org

IU Optometry

800 Atwater Ave. 812-855-4447 optometry.iu.edu

Monroe Hospital 4011 S. Monroe Medical Park Blvd. 812-825-1111 monroehospital.com

VISITOR INFO

Bloomington Visitors Center 2855 N. Walnut St. 812-334-8900 visitbloomington.com

Community Events Hotline 812-349-3754

IU Athletics 812-855-4006 iuhoosiers.com

IU Directory directory.iu.edu

IU Visitor Information Center

900 E. Seventh St. 812-856-GOIU (4648) visitorcenter.indiana.edu

Monroe County Public Library 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-349-3050 mcpl.info

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall 1001 E. 17th St. 812-855-4848

TRANSPORTATION

Bloomington Parking Enforcement 206 S. Walnut St. 812-349-3436 bloomington.in.gov/parking

Bloomington Transit 130 W. Grimes Ln. 812-336-7433 bloomingtontransit.com

Catch-A-Ride susan@catcharide.com catcharide.com

Go Express Travel 3200 Venture Blvd. 800-589-6004 goexpresstravel.com

IU Campus Bus Service 120 W. Grimes Ln. 812-855-8384 iubus.indiana.edu

IU Ride 812-855-SAFE (7233) iuride.indiana.edu

Lyft lyft.com/rider/cities/bloomingtonin

Red Tire Taxi 812-269-2690 redtiretaxi.com

Uber uber.com/cities/bloomington

UNIVERSITY CONTACTS

IU Credit Union 812-855-7823 OR 1-888-855-6928 iucu.org

IU Disability Services Eigenmann Hall, Suite 001 1900 E. 10th St. 812-855-7578 studentlife.indiana.edu

IU Dean of Students Office Indiana Memorial Union M088 900 E. Seventh St. 812-855-8187 studentlife.indiana.edu

IU Office of Admissions 940 E. Seventh St. 812-855-0661 admissions.indiana.edu

IU Office of the President Bryan Hall 200 107 S. Indiana Ave. 812-855-4613 president.iu.edu

IU Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President Bryan Hall 100 107 S. Indiana Ave. 812-855-9011 provost.indiana.edu

IU Public Safety and Institutional Assurance 2427 E. Second St. 812-855-2004 protect.iu.edu

IU School of Informatics, Computing, Engineering 700 N. Woodlawn Ave. 812-856-5754 luddy.indiana.edu

IU School of Public Health 1025 E. Seventh St. Suite 111 812-855-1561 publichealth.indiana.edu

IU Student Central 408 N. Union St. 812-855-6500 studentcentral.indiana.edu

IU Student Recreational Sports Center 1601 E. Law Ln. 812-855-7772 recsports.indiana.edu

ARTS

Buskirk-Chumley Theater 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. 812-323-3020 buskirkchumley.org

Constellation Stage & Screen 122 S. Walnut St. 812-336-9300 seeconstellation.org

IU Auditorium 1211 E. Seventh St. 812-855-1103 iuauditorium.com

IU Cinema 1213 E. Seventh St. 812-856-CINE (2463) cinema.indiana.edu

IU Eskenazi Museum of Art 1133 E. Seventh St. 812- 855-5445 artmuseum.indiana.edu

IU Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theater 101 N. Eagleson Ave. 812-855-7433 operaballet.indiana.edu

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