Endless Adventures and Entertainment in Bloomington, IN

Where can you find a getaway destination with three lakes, two forests and miles of hiking, biking and walking trails in the Midwest? Bloomington, Indiana; home to Indiana University, the annual Little 500, Hilly Hundred Bicycle Weekend, and host of festive events year-round. Why not head to the lake for the weekend? Lake Monroe is Indiana´s largest inland lake and it´s located adjacent to the Hoosier National Forest. Together these natural treasures provide thousands of acres of water, beach, forest, trails and fun! To help you make the most of your visit talk to one of Bloomington´s knowledgeable guides and outfitters. With a few tips you can set off on your own or go on a guided fishing excursion, kayak eco-tour, or wilderness survival course.

The weather in Indiana can change quickly, but this is no problem for those who want to climb to new height at the Hoosier Heights Indoor Climbing Facility; a rock-climbing adventure. Those new to the sport can learn the basics of rock climbing in a safe, indoor environment. Instructors are also available to offer advice and equipment can be rented on site. When it comes to musical entertainment, Bloomington's Musical Arts Center or MAC as it's is known is second only to the Met in New York. Performances at the MAC include Jazz Ensemble, Ballet Theater, Concert Band and Orchestral Concerts weekly. The MAC also has the longest running opera season in the Western Hemisphere. Past performances of the critically acclaimed IU Opera Theater include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Magic Flute, Bizet's Carmen, Giuseppe Verdi´s Falstaff and Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes.

Nearby is the IU Auditorium that is home to the Midwest's oldest pipe organ, and hosts world-class musical performances. Enjoy Broadway hits like Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats or Jesus Christ Superstar. Rock to the latest hits by well-known pop and rock singers such as Melissa Etheridge and hometown favorite John Mellencamp, or celebrate the holidays with the annual tradition of the Chimes of Christmas with the Singing Hoosiers.

In downtown Bloomington you´ll find the Buskirk-Chumley Theater where you can enjoy some nostalgic music with the Good Ol´ Summertime music series.Guests can enjoy a afternoon movie matinee from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and special family shows featuring Saturday matinee performance times, affordable prices and lots of fun!

Speaking of family fun, a visit to Bloomington´s WonderLab Museum is a perfect outing for everyone. Now in their brand-new facility, kids will love all the hands-on activities at the WonderLab Museum. They can climb a two-story grapevine, learn what makes hot air balloons float, watch a bee colony make honey and much more creative fun! Special Family Science Nights are held throughout the summer in the WonderGarden, right outside the museum. And, don´t miss WonderLab´s annual BubbleFest in July! Not far away at the Mathers Museum of World Cultures you can explore cultures from Australia to Zimbabwe through objects and artifacts from all over the world.

To plan your trip to Bloomington and learn more about these family-friendly activities, hotel information, a complete calendar of events, plus find out more about the hundreds of great things to see, do and experience in Bloomington, contact the Bloomington Visitor Center at 812-334-8900 or 800-800-0037, or go online at www.visitbloomington.com.