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Old Crescent Historic District Indiana University Bloomington

4.4
·392 reviews·Bloomington, United States

Explore Indiana University Bloomington's historic limestone campus, a vibrant hub of academic excellence and spirited Hoosier life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall & Spring Semesters

Vibrant campus life

CrowdHigh
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IU

Old Crescent Historic District Indiana University Bloomington

Best Time

Fall & Spring Semesters

Vibrant campus life

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Indiana University Bloomington's historic limestone campus, a vibrant hub of academic excellence and spirited Hoosier life.

4.4
(392 reviews)

"One of the most, if not the most, beautiful campuses out there. GO IU!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Campus Exploration

Wander beyond the main paths; hidden gems and beautiful spots await!

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfy shoes.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Indiana Memorial Union (IMU)

Indiana Memorial Union (IMU)

Central Campus

A historic hub with stunning architecture, dining, and student services. A must-see for its grandeur and amenities.

Sample Gates

Sample Gates

Near Dunn Meadow

Iconic limestone gates marking the entrance to campus, offering a classic IU photo opportunity.

Kirkwood Avenue

Kirkwood Avenue

Adjacent to Campus

The lively street bordering campus, filled with shops, restaurants, and iconic student hangouts.

Dunn Meadow

Dunn Meadow

Central Campus

A sprawling green space perfect for relaxing, studying, or enjoying campus events and festivals.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating IU's Expansive Campus

Indiana University Bloomington's campus is vast! Be prepared for significant walking or utilize the campus bus system to get between areas. Planning your routes in advance can save time and energy, especially if you have classes or appointments on opposite sides of campus. TikTok

Embrace the Hoosier Spirit

IU Bloomington is more than just academics; it's a vibrant community. Engaging with campus events, sports, and local traditions like the Little 500 can significantly enhance your experience. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Fall & Spring Semesters
Why
Vibrant campus life
Crowd
High
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Game Days
Why
Electric atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the need to know’s of indiana university #indianauniversity #indianauniversitybloomington #iubloomington #grwm
@nicolerhurd
66.9K likes • 774.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Campus Exploration

Wander beyond the main paths; hidden gems and beautiful spots await! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfy shoes. TikTok

wow so crazy #iubloomington #indianauniversity #dormlifw
@jayda_mariee5
41.4K likes • 375.8K views
hope this helps ❤️ pls don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions!!! #foryou #fyp #indiana #freshman #indianauniversity #iub #iu #viral #collegeapplications #storytime #college #bloomington #coffeetalk #indianauniversitybloomington #myexperience #collegefreshman
@serenafigliuzzi
36.5K likes • 473.2K views

🚌 Utilize Campus Buses

Save your energy and time by using the efficient campus bus system. TikTok

📸 Capture the Architecture

The historic buildings offer stunning photo ops. TikTok

still soaking it all in ❤️ #iu #indianauniversity #bloomington
@rroseparr
26.6K likes • 168.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Campus Exploration

Wander beyond the main paths; hidden gems and beautiful spots await! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfy shoes. TikTok

🚌 Utilize Campus Buses

Save your energy and time by using the efficient campus bus system. TikTok

📸 Capture the Architecture

The historic buildings offer stunning photo ops. TikTok

🍽️ Explore Kirkwood Ave

Great dining and social spots right off campus. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(392 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Indiana University Bloomington for its stunningly beautiful campus, rich history, and friendly atmosphere. The strong sense of community and vibrant student life, especially around sporting events and local traditions, are frequently highlighted as major positives. While the campus is large, most find the overall experience to be wonderful and recommend exploring its many facets.

"Love the campus! So much history and beauty.
So many students are willing to help for anything you need. Everyone seems so nice, even the squirrels.
Food on campus is good too.
Would recommend a walk around the campus."

KellyT's Southern Indiana Life

"Wonderful university to attend. I love Indiana University. My only regret was not going there all 4 years in college (transferred there). This is easily one of the most, if not the most, beautiful campuses out there. Staff and students are all friendly and the Big Ten culture is great! GO IU! Go HOOSIERS!"

Thadeus Staples

"I was a transfer student from ASU - kappa sigma to IU kappa sigma. 2000-2016 era.

Where can I get copies of my degrees now that I’m a millionaire/billionaire ect…"

I M

What People Like

Beautiful campus architecture
Friendly student body
Vibrant community spirit

What People Dislike

Large campus size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting Around Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington's campus is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. TikTok For longer distances, the campus bus system is efficient and free for students. TikTok Ride-sharing services and local Bloomington transit are also available for getting around town. TikTok

Yes, it's a straightforward drive from Indianapolis to Bloomington, typically taking about an hour and a half. TikTok There are also bus services available connecting the two cities. TikTok

The Old Crescent Historic District is best explored on foot. Reddit Allow ample time to stroll through its charming streets and admire the historic architecture. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed in all sources, many students utilize bikes. TikTok It's advisable to check with the university for specific bike lane maps and any available bike-sharing programs. TikTok

Bloomington is generally a walkable city, especially the downtown area and areas surrounding campus like Kirkwood Avenue. TikTok However, for exploring further afield, a car or public transport might be necessary. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting the Indiana University Bloomington campus itself is generally free and open to the public. TikTok You can explore the grounds, admire the architecture, and enjoy the atmosphere without purchasing tickets. TikTok

While general campus access is free, some specific facilities like museums or performance venues within the university might have admission fees or require tickets for events. TikTok

Tickets for IU sporting events, especially football and basketball, can be purchased through the official IU Athletics website or authorized ticket vendors. TikTok

Operating hours can vary, but major hubs like the Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) are generally accessible for extended periods, often with dining and retail spaces having specific hours. TikTok

Yes, former students can obtain copies of their degrees through the university's registrar's office or alumni services. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Many find the campus itself to be incredibly beautiful, with its limestone architecture and green spaces. Reddit The Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) and Sample Gates are frequently highlighted for their aesthetic appeal. TikTok

Exploring the campus architecture, relaxing in Dunn Meadow, attending free campus events, and people-watching are great free activities. Reddit You can also often find student-led events or performances. TikTok

The vibe is often described as vibrant and spirited, with a strong sense of community and pride in the Hoosier identity. TikTok It's a lively college town atmosphere. TikTok

Absolutely! The campus is rich in history, with many buildings dating back decades. TikTok The Old Crescent Historic District itself is a testament to the university's long-standing presence. TikTok

Kirkwood Avenue is a major hub for student life, featuring numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. TikTok Places like Kilroy's Sports are popular student destinations. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

IU Bloomington offers a variety of dining options, including campus dining halls, cafes, and restaurants within the Indiana Memorial Union. TikTok Many students also frequent the eateries along Kirkwood Avenue. TikTok

Yes, Kirkwood Avenue, which borders the campus, is packed with diverse restaurants, from casual to more upscale. TikTok Bloomington also has a vibrant downtown food scene. TikTok

While specific local delicacies aren't highlighted, exploring the diverse culinary scene on Kirkwood Avenue is recommended. TikTok Keep an eye out for local favorites mentioned by students. TikTok

Most university dining halls and campus eateries strive to offer a range of dietary options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. TikTok

Beyond the dining halls, spots like Kilroy's on Kirkwood and Kilroy's Sports are popular for students to eat and socialize. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Sample Gates, the Indiana Memorial Union, and the historic limestone buildings offer classic photo opportunities. TikTok Wandering through the Old Crescent Historic District also provides beautiful architectural shots. Reddit

Yes, the campus is very photogenic with its blend of historic and modern architecture, and scenic green spaces. TikTok Many students share aesthetic videos and photos of campus life. TikTok

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, for commercial or professional photography, it's advisable to check with the university's media relations or facilities management for any required permits. TikTok

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide beautiful lighting for campus photos. TikTok Midday can be bright, but the architecture still holds up well. TikTok

While general campus photography is fine, be mindful of privacy. It's best to avoid close-up shots of identifiable individuals without their consent, especially for public sharing. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While IU Bloomington is primarily a university, families can enjoy exploring the beautiful campus grounds. The Indiana Memorial Union offers various amenities and is a good starting point. TikTok Encourage kids to walk around and admire the unique limestone architecture. TikTok Consider visiting during warmer months when outdoor spaces like Dunn Meadow are perfect for a picnic or some playtime. Reddit

For a taste of local life, a stroll down Kirkwood Avenue can be fun, with its array of shops and casual eateries. TikTok Keep an eye out for any public events or festivals happening on campus that might be family-friendly. TikTok The overall friendly atmosphere of the campus and the city makes it a pleasant place for a family outing. Reddit

🎓 Prospective Students & College Applicants

Indiana University Bloomington is a popular choice for many, and understanding its offerings is key. TikTok+1 The university boasts world-renowned programs, particularly in fields like business (Kelley School of Business) and entrepreneurship. TikTokReddit+1 When researching, pay attention to the campus culture and the vibrant student life, including traditions like the Little 500. TikTok

Utilize resources like TikTok to get a feel for the campus aesthetic and student experiences. TikTok+1 Remember that the campus is large, so factor in transportation and the need for comfortable shoes. TikTok Connect with current students or alumni if possible to gain insider tips and insights into daily life at IU. TikTokReddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Visiting the Indiana University Bloomington campus itself is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity. TikTok Focus on exploring the grounds, admiring the architecture, and enjoying the green spaces like Dunn Meadow. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy on campus, saving on dining costs. TikTok For affordable eats, explore the diverse options along Kirkwood Avenue, looking for student specials or casual eateries. TikTok

Utilize the campus bus system for free transportation around campus. TikTok Many student-led events or public lectures are also free to attend, offering entertainment and cultural enrichment without spending money. Reddit Simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and observing campus life can be a rewarding experience in itself. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of the Old Crescent Historic District

The Old Crescent Historic District is a significant part of the Indiana University Bloomington campus, showcasing a rich architectural heritage. This area is characterized by its beautiful limestone buildings, many of which have stood for decades, contributing to the university's timeless aesthetic. TikTok Walking through this district offers a glimpse into the university's past and provides a picturesque setting for exploration. Reddit

Many visitors and students alike find the historic architecture to be a major draw. Reddit The district is not just about old buildings; it's about the atmosphere they create – a sense of tradition and enduring academic pursuit. TikTok It’s a perfect area for leisurely strolls, photography, and appreciating the enduring beauty of the campus. Reddit

When exploring the Old Crescent, take your time to notice the intricate details of the buildings. TikTok This district is a key reason why many describe IU Bloomington as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Reddit

Experiencing IU Bloomington: Beyond Academics

Indiana University Bloomington offers a vibrant student life that extends far beyond the classroom. The campus is a hub of activity, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic competitions. TikTok+1 The Little 500, a famous bicycle race, is a major event that captures the spirit of the university and draws significant attention. TikTok

Socializing often revolves around Kirkwood Avenue, the lively street that runs alongside the campus, filled with popular eateries and gathering spots. TikTok Students frequently share their experiences at places like Kilroy's Sports, highlighting the strong sense of community and camaraderie. TikTok Whether it's cheering on the Hoosiers at a game TikTok or participating in campus-wide events, there's always something happening to immerse yourself in the Hoosier spirit. TikTok

From exploring the historic architecture to engaging in campus traditions, IU Bloomington provides a well-rounded college experience. TikTok The friendly atmosphere, where students are often willing to help each other, Reddit contributes to a welcoming and dynamic environment for all. TikTok

Navigating the IU Bloomington Campus

Indiana University Bloomington is known for its expansive campus, which can be a significant factor for visitors and new students. TikTok The sheer size means that walking is a primary mode of transport, and comfortable footwear is essential. TikTok To help manage the distances, the university provides an efficient campus bus system that is free for students and often accessible to visitors, making it easier to navigate between different parts of campus. TikTok

Planning your routes is highly recommended, especially if you have specific destinations or classes to reach. TikTok Many students also opt for bicycles as a mode of transport, contributing to the active atmosphere on campus. TikTok For those coming from off-campus or traveling longer distances within Bloomington, ride-sharing services and local public transit are also viable options. TikTok

Understanding the campus layout and available transportation methods can greatly enhance your visit or academic experience. TikTok Whether you're a prospective student, a visitor, or a current student, familiarizing yourself with these aspects will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable time at IU Bloomington. TikTok

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