Welcome to Monroe County! Created in 1818, its present boundaries were established by 1836. Bloomington first became a settlement about 1816 when President James Monroe selected the site for a seminary. In 1818, the settlement was surveyed and lots were sold to create the town. In 1820, the state confirmed Bloomington as the site of Indiana University, at that time called Indiana Seminary. The site was then near the center of population of the state, and the university has had a major influence upon the growth and development of the town.
EDUCATIONThere are several area schools that provide comprehensive educational programs:
Colleges and Universities in and near Bloomington include Indiana University-Bloomington, Depauw University, the University of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech State College-Central Indiana, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Butler University, Ivy Tech State College-Wabash Valley and Indiana University.
Area Elementary Schools include Arlington Elementary, Bloomington Montessori School, Childs Elementary, Clear Creek, Grandview, Harmony School, Highland Park, Lakeview, Marlin, Rogers, Binford, St. Charles Catholic School, Summit, Templeton, Unionville and University Elementary School.
Middle and High Schools include Batchelor Middle School, Harmony School, Jackson Creek, St. Charles Catholic School, Tri-North Middle School, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Hoosier Hills Career Center and Indiana University High School.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
A Day in Bloomington has the potential to be whatever you want to make it!
Whether it be - sightseeing at our range of Nature Preserves & Parks , soaking in Bloomington’s heritage at one of our many History & Art Musuems, checking out Indiana University’s beautiful campus, or enjoying the culture Downtown shopping, eating, and just having a good time- the possibilities are endless with something for everyone!
From January through December, you can laugh, become inspired, and mostly just have a good time with friends and family. These annual events take place around Bloomington and demonstrate the diversity of our city: the Bloomington Music Expo, Hoosier Half Marathon & 5k, IU Little 500 Weekend, Arts Fair on the Square, Taste of Bloomington. Our holiday and seasonal events are an experience residents look forward to all-year: like our Fourth of July Festivities, Monroe County Fair, Indiana University Homecoming Weekend and so much more! Check out more upcoming events here.
RECREATION
Situated in a popular vacation zone, Bloomington offers endless landscapes to enjoy the great outdoors! Surrounded by many state parks like, McCormick’s Creek State Park + Hoosier National Forest & Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, along with boating and fishing facilities. Monroe County has several lakes including Lake Monroe (Monroe Reservoir), Griffy Lake and Lake Lemon. Twenty parks provide Bloomington with 1,902 acres for picnicking and recreation purposes, 3 public swimming pools, baseball and softball diamonds, play areas, and more.
Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve features a spectacular 75-foot high limestone bluff, cliffside red cedars and much more. The Fairfax State Recreation Area features a swimming beach, boat ramp and picnic areas. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is in the Hoosier National Forest, which is a 200,000-acre facility that encompasses 9 counties. It offers 230+ miles of hiking, horseback and mountain biking trails, hunting and more. Cascades Golf Course rests on 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills with native trees and natural topography. The Quarry Course dates back to 1928, and is a par-35 course. Pine Course, constructed in 1931, is a par-36. Ridge Course, the newest course, opened in 2000 and is a par-36 course.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, Bedford Chamber of Commerce,Green County Chamber, Brown County Chamber, Owen County Chamber
GOVERNMENTMonroe County, City of Bloomington, Lawrence County,City of Bedford, Greene County, Brown County, Owen County
HEALTHHospitals and medical centers in Bloomington include Bloomington Hospital and Healthcare system, Meadows Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital-Bloomington.