Bloomington Indiana Community and Cultural Attractions

Uncover the secret (and not so secret) cultural gems in our of our vibrant city! 

Visitors of all ages are welcome to unlock the magic of the Bloomington community. Whether you are new to the area or just visiting, this is a great place to discover what makes this such a colorful and cultural place to live.

To ensure that your experience in Bloomington is a memorable one, our team at Griffin Realty has compiled a list of the best museums and cultural attractions in the area. Here, you can find your next adventure – from history to science to nature – there is always something to do! Check out the list below:

Free Cultural Attractions 

You can’t put a price on unforgettable moments – Bloomington has an extensive list of cultural attractions that are free of cost to visit. Here are some of the top free attractions we recommend while in the area:

Eskenazi Museum of Art

Travel around the world in one day when you pay a visit to the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. Spend an afternoon getting lost in antique treasures and paintings from all over the globe, including works by Monet, Picasso and Poll0ck. This free exhibit is open to curious wanderers of all ages. Find unique gifts inspired by the Museum and stroll the sun-filled atrium anytime during their visiting hours.

Indian (& Asian-Indian) Cultural Center

Take an opportunity of a lifetime to learn, promote and share Indian culture when you stop by the Indian (& Asian-Indian) Cultural Center in Bloomington. The Center is focused on educating visitors about the heritage, values, and wisdom of Indian and Asian-Indian culture through food, festivals and music. All ages are invited to explore and enjoy at no cost! 

Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center

One of the most diverse and enlightening discoveries you can find in Bloomington is the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center. The Center offers free tours of the Temple weekly, on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The detailed tour covers several topics relative to the history of the Temple, the grounds, and Buddist iconography. Click here to book your date to visit the Tibetan Mongolian Buddist Cultural Center now!

University Collections at McCalla

Indiana University students can show off their pride by visiting the University Collections at McCalla, a historic and innovative space for visitors of all kinds. Recently renovated, the McCalla School space holds many significant art, cultural, historical, and scientific collections including: 

• Seven gallery spaces that house temporary and semi-permanent exhibits
• Media kiosks to enhance visitor experience and audiovisual content 
• Multi-purpose room for reservations

All galleries are free and open to the public during operating hours. 

Wylie House Museum

The Wylie House Museum is a historic house museum once belonging to Andrew Wylie, the first president of Indiana University. This is a great place for future University attendees and their families to walk through, as it is located just outside of campus. The museum is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also receive a free, guided tour to enhance your visit.

Worth The Admission 

These local community centers go beyond just providing a worthy experience – they also encompass the Bloomington culture and history. Your admission helps to continue to grow the legacy and preserve the importance of this beautiful city. Consider venturing to one of these places for a day: 

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

The Buskirk-Chumley Theatre is a performing arts center dedicated to encourage and support local artists and enliven the Bloomington community. The Theatre presents a variety of live programs and performances, some of which have even been nationally acclaimed. Your ticket gives you both the enjoyment of live entertainment and the support of local artists and musicians. Check out some of the theatre’s upcoming events by visiting their website today. 

Monroe County History Center

Come learn about history and generations that played a role in how our community came to be. The Monroe County History Center, “collects, preserves, researches, interprets and presents the genealogy, history and artifacts of Monroe County, Indiana and provides an accessible learning environment for all to enjoy.” 

With over 50,000 items in their collection, there is always something new to see, as they rotate their exhibits! This makes the admission worth it because you can browse the current artifacts, then come back another day for an entirely different experience. Not to mention, admission is just $2 per adult! 

Consider Experiences for Gifts!

Giving the gift of experience goes beyond simply handing someone a box to open. Bloomington is filled with fun and diverse activities for all ages that capture the atmosphere and essence of this community. Consider gifting one of these enjoyable experiences to your loved ones, whether they visiting the area or are local to the neighborhood: 

Wonderlab – Museum of Science, Health and Technology

Give the gift of a WonderLab visit! WonderLab passes are a fantastic idea for gift giving with young kids and adults alike!  Discover that a yearly pass more than pays for itself because you can come back again and again! You can also include parents, guardians, grandparents, etc. as well. Plan your visit today!

State Parks Pass

A year round adventure is possible with an annual State Parks pass. An experiential gift for anyone and everyone, a State Park permit allows passholders to visit all of the parks and recreation areas across the State of Indiana. For just $50, guests can indulge in the wildlife and nature of our beautiful community and have the opportunity to take part in other activities such as: 

• Camping 
• Boating
• Horseback Riding
• Hunting & Fishing
• More

State park permits can be purchased online or at any of the 36 locations in Indiana.

So much to experience in Bloomington culture! 

Bloomington welcomes you to explore and discover new sights and colorful diversity in the community. For more information about local events and lodging in the area, check out the Visit Bloomington website.  

If you are considering finding your forever home in the Bloomington community, Griffin Realty is dedicated to making the homebuying process smoother for you and your family. Griffin Realty has proudly served Bloomington for over 30 years, by providing services tailored to their clients’ needs and educating them on market conditions and how to maximize their return on investment, so that they not only find what they are looking for, but feel good doing it. Contact us to get in touch today and see what this community is all about!