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Showalter Fountain

5
·4 reviews·Bloomington, United States

A picturesque central gathering spot on the Indiana University campus, known for its beauty and role in student life and events.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Thursdays, 4-7 PM

Lively events & community

CrowdMedium
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Showalter Fountain - Image 1

Showalter Fountain

Best Time

First Thursdays, 4-7 PM

Lively events & community

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque central gathering spot on the Indiana University campus, known for its beauty and role in student life and events.

5
(4 reviews)

"Showalter Fountain is a great little middle of campus spot, surrounded by iconic campus landmarks and is one too."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch a First Thursday

Don't miss these vibrant monthly events with art, music, and local vendors!

📸 Iconic Photo Spot

The fountain with the IU Auditorium in the background is a must-capture moment.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

5 · 4 reviews

Type

University

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Fountain's Flow

The Fountain's Flow

Center of campus

A picturesque centerpiece, the fountain offers a refreshing visual and auditory experience, especially on warm days.

First Thursdays Events

First Thursdays Events

Around the fountain

Experience local art, music, and community at these lively monthly gatherings. A true taste of campus culture.

IU Auditorium Views

IU Auditorium Views

East of the fountain

Enjoy the iconic IU Auditorium as a backdrop, a stunning architectural landmark perfect for photos.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While Showalter Fountain is a beautiful spot year-round, consider visiting during campus events or warmer months for the most vibrant atmosphere. Check the Indiana University calendar for festivals and performances near the fountain.

Campus Hub & Meeting Point

Showalter Fountain is a popular gathering spot on the Indiana University campus. It's a great place to meet friends or simply soak in the student life. Be aware that it can get busy during peak campus activity.

Best Times

When
First Thursdays, 4-7 PM
Why
Lively events & community
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring & Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather & campus buzz
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

My fingers were freezing and almost fell off after this (Piano is on W 6th st in Bloomington, IN) #fallendown #fairyfountaintheme #entertainer #mapleleafrag #chopinnocturne
@andy_morris
1.5M likes • 7.8M views

🎯 Catch a First Thursday

Don't miss these vibrant monthly events with art, music, and local vendors! Instagram+2

📸 Iconic Photo Spot

The fountain with the IU Auditorium in the background is a must-capture moment. Reddit

You can’t be an IU student without wondering about this house. Isn’t this the most out of place thing you’ve ever seen? I’ve been dying for answers since I saw it when I visited. #bloomington #indiana #iu #indianauniversity #mystery #architecture #house #rural #mysterious #midwest #college @hoosierchicks #fyp #local
@nikkinads
52.1K likes • 812.2K views
Today was the First Thursdays event of October, at the Showalter Fountain from 4-7 pm!
iubloomington
3.1K likes • 57.8K views

🤝 Great Meeting Point

A central and easily recognizable spot for meeting up with friends on campus. Reddit

💧 Splash into Events

Check for special events like the Burmese New Year Water Festival! Instagram

Come see us at the Involvement Fair! Meet GTSA, learn what we’re about, and get plugged in this year‼️ 📍 Showalter Fountain 🗓 August 28th | 4–7 PM Don’t miss it!
gtsa_iu
29 likes • 4.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch a First Thursday

Don't miss these vibrant monthly events with art, music, and local vendors! Instagram+2

📸 Iconic Photo Spot

The fountain with the IU Auditorium in the background is a must-capture moment. Reddit

🤝 Great Meeting Point

A central and easily recognizable spot for meeting up with friends on campus. Reddit

💧 Splash into Events

Check for special events like the Burmese New Year Water Festival! Instagram

What Travellers Say

5
(4 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Showalter Fountain is a beloved central gathering spot on the Indiana University campus, praised for its picturesque setting and role in campus life. Many visitors cherish it as a meeting point and a backdrop for significant memories, especially during vibrant campus events.

"Showalter Fountain is the place I met my husband. In the summer of 1991, I was subletting from a friend and I was bored at night. I started a fountain gathering at Showalter Fountain and went there at midnight EVERY night and brought my "boom box" for people to bring tapes or CDs of their favorite music. I posted it on the vax forum under a topic called fountain gathering. The first night a few people showed up. That was June 10, 1991. The second night, my husband showed up with his best friend who happened to be there the first night. And two years later, we were married in June of 1993. Showalter Fountain is a great little middle of campus spot. It is surrounded by iconic campus landmarks and is one too. The IU Auditorium is immediately east of the fountain and plays host to many wonderful shows."

Jennifer Warf

"Love the little roundabout right in front of the auditorium. IU organises First Thursday events here."

Deepak Singh Bhadoriya

"The campus is very beautiful in general, and this area around the auditorium is very nice. The fountain is a really neat focal point"

Natalia M

What People Like

Central campus location
Iconic IU Auditorium view
Vibrant event space

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Showalter Fountain is located centrally on the Indiana University Bloomington campus, making it easily accessible on foot. If driving, there are several parking garages and lots nearby, such as the Jordan Hall Garage or the Poplars Garage. Reddit

Yes, the fountain is well-served by local Bloomington Transit bus routes that stop frequently around the Indiana University campus. Check the Bloomington Transit schedule for routes and stops closest to the fountain. Reddit

Absolutely! There are numerous bike racks around the Indiana University campus, including near the IU Auditorium and Showalter Fountain, making it a convenient option for cyclists. Reddit

Several parking garages are available near the fountain, including the Jordan Hall Garage and the Poplars Garage. Metered street parking may also be available, but can be limited during peak hours. Reddit

Showalter Fountain is situated directly in front of the iconic IU Auditorium, making it a very easy landmark to find on the Indiana University campus. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Showalter Fountain is a public space on the Indiana University campus and does not require an admission ticket. You can visit it freely at any time. Reddit

As an outdoor campus landmark, Showalter Fountain is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding campus areas may have specific hours for buildings and facilities. Reddit

There are no fees to visit or enjoy Showalter Fountain itself. Any costs would be related to parking or attending specific events held nearby. Reddit

While the fountain is a public space, large organized events might require coordination with Indiana University's event services. Smaller gatherings are generally welcome. Instagram+1

To avoid crowds, visiting during off-peak hours like early mornings or late evenings on weekdays is recommended. Weekends and during major campus events can be busier. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The fountain itself, with the IU Auditorium as a backdrop, is a prime photo spot. The surrounding campus architecture and greenery also offer beautiful shots. Reddit

Yes, professional photography is generally permitted in outdoor public spaces like Showalter Fountain. For large commercial shoots, it's always best to check with Indiana University's campus policies. Reddit

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer beautiful, soft lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the fountain's water can help diffuse light. Reddit

Drone usage on university campuses is often restricted due to safety and privacy concerns. It's advisable to check Indiana University's specific policies regarding drone operation. Reddit

Visitors often capture wide shots of the fountain and auditorium, close-ups of the water, and candid shots of people enjoying the space. It's also a popular spot for graduation photos. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Campus Experience

Showalter Fountain is known as a central gathering spot on the Indiana University campus, a beautiful focal point, and a venue for various campus events like 'First Thursdays'. It also holds sentimental value for many alumni. InstagramReddit

The iconic IU Auditorium is directly east of the fountain. Other nearby landmarks include the Herman B Wells Library and various academic buildings. Reddit

Yes, Showalter Fountain is a popular location for campus events, including 'First Thursdays,' student organization fairs, cultural festivals, and informal gatherings. Instagram+6

Absolutely. The sound of the water and the surrounding campus atmosphere make it a pleasant spot to sit, relax, and people-watch. Reddit

Designed by renowned Jewish architect Alvin M. Strauss, Showalter Fountain is one of approximately 13 buildings he designed on the Indiana University campus. Instagram

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