Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce

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FAQs

Below are some of frequently asked questions about Bloomington and the area. Have a question and need an answer fast? Please contact the Chamber at 812-336-6381 (Monday – Thursday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; and Friday; 8:00 am – 4 pm).

1. What is the population of Bloomington?

As of 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that there were nearly 70,000 Bloomington residents, including students of Indiana University. Due to the growing number businesses and cultural attractions, the city’s population continues to increase every year.

2. What are some cultural attractions or traditions in Bloomington?

Bloomington is well-known for its variety of cultural events and traditions, including music, art, and theater productions. Summertime is especially busy with multiple festivals, such as the Lotus World Music and Art Festival, the Fourth Street Arts and Craft Festival, and Taste of Bloomington, where restaurants throughout the city exhibit their food and beverages. Throughout the year, thousands of people visit venues such as the IU Auditorium and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater to see concerts, plays, and world-famous speakers.

3. Where are the best places to eat?

Bloomington boasts many diverse and award-winning restaurants that are ideal for both children and adults. Fourth Street is especially renowned for their variety of restaurants with international cuisine, including Thai, Mediterranean, Indian, and Italian. Downtown Bloomington offers more upscale restaurants such as Grazie! Italian Eatery, Tallents, Malibu Grill, Scholars Inn, as well as the health-conscious restaurants BloomingtonFoods and FARM Bloomington. For more traditional dining, Kirkwood Avenue offers several diners and pubs like the Irish Lion and Nick’s, where many residents and students relax while watching IU games.

4. What types of parks and other recreational settings are available?

The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department oversees 31 park sites and many facilities that are open to the public, including the Cascades golf course, Winslow Sports Complex, Franklin Southern Ice Arena, and Bryan Park, which includes a public swimming pool. The department also offers sports programs for children and adults, as well as educational classes. For more information, visit bloomington.in.gov/parks. In addition, Eagle Pointe Resort and Bloomington Country Club offer additional golfing options for the area.

5. What are some popular visiting sites located near Bloomington?

Bloomington is just a short drive away from Lake Monroe, the state’s largest inland lake, and Brown County State Park, which offers hiking, horseback riding, camping, and fishing. Oliver Winery, which was listed in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top wineries to visit in the nation, and Butler Winery, are both a five-minute drive from Bloomington and offer free wine tasting and tours. For those that prefer the taste of hops, Upland Brewing Company is Bloomington’s own micro-brewer and the largest in Indiana. Upland serves an assortment of beers and ales to suit any palate including favorites like Wheat, Amber, Pale, Dragonfly IPA, and Bad Elmer's Porter, and seasonal favorites like Oktoberfest, Winter Warmer, and Chocolate Stout.

6. Where are the best places to stay while visiting Bloomington?

Visitors can choose from many different hotels, bed and breakfasts, or even lakeside cabins for overnight stays in or around the city of Bloomington. Several hotels are located downtown and by the city exit on State Road 37. Bed and breakfast establishments include The Wampler House and downtown locations - the Walnut Street Inn and Scholars Inn Bed and Breakfast. Visitor can also stay just a short distance away in cabins or guest houses on Lake Monroe for a more scenic option.

7. What is the Bloomington school system like?

The presence of Indiana University and Ivy Tech Community College sets the tone for the area’s commitment to educational excellence. Monroe County operates two school districts. Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) now includes several different high schools, middle and elementary schools in Bloomington. Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation (RBBCSC) provides public school opportunities for northwestern Monroe County.

8. What are the major companies or places of employment in Bloomington?

The top five largest companies and employers in the Bloomington area include Indiana University, Cook Group Incorporated, Baxter BioPharma Solutions, Bloomington Hospital, and Monroe County Community School Corporation. The growing number of residents requires the services of many different businesses and organizations throughout the community.

9. How can residents or visitors participate in IU events or programs?

Indiana University is the site of hundreds of different events and activities every year, whether it is concerts, exhibits, plays, or athletic events. Participation in university events is what makes Bloomington one of the most celebrated "college towns" in the Midwest. We encourage you to go to www.iub.edu to view all the arts, entertainment and athletic opportunities available for your enjoyment.

10. What kinds of religious establishments are located in Bloomington?

Because Bloomington is such a diverse city, there is an array of different religious organizations that can appeal to people from around the world. With around seventy different organizations, residents or visitors can most likely find a place that best suits their beliefs or religious interest.