Outdoor Excursions in Bloomington, Indiana

If you are interested in a vacation that is full of fun and good times, make your plans to travel to Indiana.  For families and individuals that are looking for outdoor activities, travel to Bloomington, Indiana.  There are several outdoor activities that you can participate in.  There are parks, lakes and plenty of other fun places to go to have fun in the sun.

Bloomington, Indiana is known for Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve.  This 75 foot high limestone bluff is absolutely beautiful.  The gnarled red cedars clinging to the cliff sides are an amazing sight.  Travel to the Eastern end of the bluff and you will find that it narrows and drops off into a rock walled valley.  There is a small stream called Cedar Stream that nestles right in the rock wall.  You can visit from dusk until dawn.    

The next day of your trip should be to Lake Monroe.  Just a few miles southeast of Bloomington, this is the perfect place to spend a day.  It is the largest inland lake in the state.  The lake is 10,750 acres of water surrounded by state and federally owned forests land.  Make plans to boat and fish here.  Water skiing is also a favorite of the locals.  Certain parts of the lake allow for swimming.  What a relaxing way to spend your vacation.  If you are thinking about staying at the park, there are several campsites and places to stay within the park.  If you don’t want to travel with your own boat, you can rent one at the lake.  You will also be able to find bait shops along the lake as well.  For those that do not want to rough it, two resorts are located in the immediate area.

If you check the calendar for the city of Bloomington, there are several outdoor activities and events that held throughout the year. One place that is open all year round in the Barn Yard Friends.  This live animal and frontier gallery is a lot of fun to visit, especially if you have little ones.  Pet the animals in the petting area and then stop by the museum and the gift shop on your way out.  

After a hot day at Barn Yard Friends head over to Bryan Park Pool.  The Olympic sized pool is great for everyone.  Whether you are traveling with friends or family, it is the perfect place to cool off.  The Limestone Lagoon is a lot of fun and for children under 10, there is a play area.  It has geysers erupting and rain drops falling.  For adults and anyone looking for an adventure, three waterslides blast you into the pool.  Bloomington, Indiana is a vacationer’s dream.