Bloomington, the county seat of Monroe, is located 50 miles south of Indianapolis. It is referred to as the "Gateway to Scenic Southern Indiana." A group of settlers from Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina founded the city in 1818. Since it was "a haven of blooms," the early settlers named it Bloomington. Indiana University, established in 1820, is located in Bloomington.
In 1827, a limestone mill was constructed in Stinesville, approximately 15 miles northwest of Bloomington. By the 1860s, several limestone mills had been built in the area. When the railroad arrived in 1853, it made transportation simpler and more practical for moving limestone. Along the railroad, new settlements emerged. Some of the first companies included Showers Brother Furniture, Pedigo Perfection Washing Machine, and Oaks Manufacturing. Early banks included Monroe County Bank and First National Bank Workingmen's Building Loan Fund & Savings Association. The state legislature mandated public education, and schools began operating in Bloomington following the Civil War.
Bloomington is surrounded by miles of forested and rolling hills. There are several parks and other opportunities for outdoor recreation near the city. The state of Indiana now has recreation hubs at Monroe and Lemon Lakes in Monroe County. The county's long-standing water supply issue has been resolved due to the 1960s creation of Lake Monroe.
The B-Line Trail, a paved three-mile path, makes Bloomington a simple community to explore. Downtown Bloomington is only one area that the B-Line Trail traverses. Use the B-Line Trail to travel between museums, shops, and farmers' markets on foot, by bicycle, or on skates.
Campgrounds Near Bloomington, Indiana
Lake Monroe Village has full hookups for your RV. Enjoy the sizable pool, five hiking trails, and playground. You will have access to on-site laundry, showers, and cellular reception for your convenience. Pets are welcome at Lake Monroe Village, and this campground also offers year-round storage.
You will adore Jellystone Park at Lake Monroe - Bloomington's exciting features, like Yogi Bear's Water Zone, the jumping pillow, the splash area, and wagon rides. You will also appreciate the back-in and pull-through campsites with full hookups at this campground. This family-friendly park offers showers and cellular reception. Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash no more than six feet from the owner.
The Hardin Ridge Recreation Area has 200 RV campsites and charges a minimum of $27 per night. You can anticipate swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and local sightseeing when you stay at this campground. Check out places like the Lick Creek Settlement, Hemlock Cliffs, or the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower during your stay, or go boating on Lake Monroe.
State Parks Near Bloomington, Indiana
Spring Mill State Park is only 36 miles from Bloomington. You can go hiking on one of the eight graveled trails in the park or mountain biking on the designated two-mile trail during your visit. Explore the caves within the park on foot or by boat, or visit the pioneer village, which includes 20 historic buildings. Many nearby campgrounds have water, electricity, and Wi-Fi, and are pet-friendly.
Brown County State Park is only a half-hour drive from Bloomington and contains nearly 16,000 acres of rocky hills, crests, and deep valleys. Explore the tree-lined roads that lead to numerous spectacular vantage points with views of miles of uninterrupted forestland. Ascend the 90-foot Fire Tower for a stunning view of the Hills O'Brown. On one of the park's trails, you can see a rare, state-endangered Yellowwood tree, or check out a timber rattlesnake at the nature center. Sunrises and sunsets are equally majestic at Brown County State Park. There are numerous campsites in Brown County State Park for all types of camping. All of them have a dump station, water, and electric hookups. The minimum price for full-hookup RV sites is $30 per night.
Patoka Lake State Park is about 65 miles from Bloomington and has just over 26,000 acres of land and water. Visit this park to learn more about Dutch oven cooking and other traditions that shaped the local culture. You can explore Patoka Lake, one of the park's most popular attractions. Observe wildlife such as jellyfish, river otters, osprey, and bald eagles while basking alongside the lake. You will appreciate the numerous waterfront activities, such as jet skiing, boating, and fishing. You can also participate in archery, disc golf, and hiking. Enjoy one of the modern or primitive campsites near the park with dump station access.
National Sites Near Bloomington, Indiana
Visit George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, just 75 miles from Bloomington, Indiana. Stop by the various buildings on this site to better understand the historic events that occurred during the cold winter of 1779. Head to the visitors center first to watch a 30-minute documentary and peruse the exhibits to learn more about the story of the British troops' surrender. Then, proceed to the Clark Memorial. Continue along the short path to see additional exhibits and interpretive panels. This location also hosts living history demonstrations on occasion.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is on the original Lincoln farm site, about a two-hour drive from Bloomington, Indiana. Explore the region where Abraham Lincoln developed into the man who became the 16th President of the United States. Begin your visit at the Memorial Visitor Center, where you can pick up trail guides and watch a 15-minute film about Lincoln's time in Indiana. You also can observe interpreters going about their daily tasks on a pioneer farm. Enjoy hiking on the two miles of trails surrounded by gently rolling hills and dense forests.
You will enjoy exploring Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, approximately 161 miles from Bloomington, Indiana. Both Sinking Spring and Knob Creek offer short trails with breathtaking views. Tour the location of Abraham Lincoln's earliest memories and see a historic log cabin similar to the one he occupied. From the picnic area, take in Kentucky's stunning wildlife and scenery. Visit the location where the Lincoln family got their water and the landmark that gave the farm its name.
National Forests Near Bloomington, Indiana
Visit the Hoosier National Forest in Indiana, approximately 50 miles from Bloomington, with more than 202,814 acres of land. Enjoy more than 265 miles of trails that wind through the forest by hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Plenty of lakes and streams are available for kayaking and canoeing, and several larger lakes are suitable for tubing and other water sports. You might see bald eagles, hawks, ground squirrels, deer, wild boars, and bobcats during your stay.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, about 226 miles from Bloomington, Indiana, was created by two dams on two rivers. Visitors can participate in geocaching, one of the popular activities available at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Enjoy fishing for various species, including bluegill, sauger, catfish, crappie, and bass. Buffalo, elk, otter, and beaver are just a few animals found in this forest. While hiking, you may also see rabbits, squirrels, and voles. Spring is the best time to visit Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area if you want to see the trees and wildflowers in bloom. However, if you go between mid-September and mid-October, you will be able to see stunning fall foliage and experience elk bugling season.
The Shawnee National Forest encompasses over 265,000 acres and is approximately a three-hour drive from Bloomington, Indiana. In this forest, you will appreciate seeing wildlife such as bears, mountain lions, skunks, groundhogs, beavers, and armadillos. Hike to Sand Cave to see an escape route hiding spot from the Underground Railroad. Visit Miller Grove Cemetery to see what remains of a free African American community. See where escaped enslaved people were detained if they were apprehended in Golconda. Explore other outdoor pursuits like geocaching, horseback riding, off-road vehicle riding, and picnicking while enjoying the forest.
