the 10 best things to do in Bloomington, Indiana in the fall

Discover the top things to do in Bloomington, Indiana during the fall season with this comprehensive guide. From hiking in the beautiful forests to enjoying local festivals and events, there's something for everyone to enjoy during autumn in Bloomington.

Having two months in Indiana sounded unexciting to say the least. But visas required me to be in the country of my birth and that, combined with a family funeral meant that two autumn months in my parents’ new home was inevitable.

Pulling onto their property and seeing it surrounded by giant oak trees with leaves that are every shade of orange and red, I contemplated what time in the U.S. would feel like after not being back in the country for nearly three years. Making travel plans for January, applying to a new and different visa, work, and attempting to catch up with blog revamps and new content from this summer has kept me frantically clinging to every available hour of the day {like, 6 AM wake ups, guys}. Despite the limited time, I promised that during my brief stay here I’d explore Bloomington like I would any other new destination.

That’s how, surrounded by falling leaves and craft beer, I found myself discovering cosy cafés, picnic spots, and pumpkin patches in an autumn wonderland of sorts. The months are quickly coming to an end, and soon all the reds and oranges will be covered in a snowy sea of white {we actually got snowfall last night, so it’s time to publish this sucker}. So, while it lasts {read: while I’m still here}, I thought I’d make the most of this season and help you do the same.

visit a pumpkin patch

prices vary by location

Pumpkin patches are like a right of passage in the Midwest. Luckily for me and my visiting British bloke, Bloomington and its surrounding towns have a fondness for this American tradition. There are quite a few of them open to those with a few dollars in their pockets ready to look at some pumpkins and wander through corn mazes.

Fowler Pumpkin Patch: most locally famous patch in the area, open through October
Lark Pumpkin Patch: lesser-known, approximately 40-minutes from Bloomington by car

drink all the craft beer

typically 2-4.50 per pint

There are an obscene number of craft breweries in Bloomington. Honestly, I was shocked. It reminds me of a less mountainous Missoula with fewer lumberjack look-a-likes and more glasses-clad hipsters. In the downtown area alone there are enough craft breweries to fill up your nights for a few weeks. Add in those in nearby towns, and you’ve got yourself evening plans for a month at least. Also, it doesn’t hurt to have a beer blanket when the temperatures drop, ya know what I’m saying?!

There will be a full brewery blog post coming soon but, for now, these are my favourites:

The Owlery Vegetarian Restaurant: don’t let the name fool you, this place has heaps of local craft beers on tap and the vegan nachos are to die for
Upland Brewing Company: this is the largest brewery in Bloomington with a great atmosphere
Function Brewing: As someone who is highly aware of aesthetics, I love the space that houses Function Brewing as much as I love its beer
Bloomington Brewing Company: known around these parts as the first brewery in Bloomington, the BBC is seriously hip and seriously relaxed

relax at Oliver Winery + Vineyards

free, packages cost extra

Couples in search of a romantic place to unwind and relax need look no further than Oliver Winery + Vineyards. The winery sits on a sprawling piece of land where visitors can get a tour of the winemaking process. You can pay extra and enjoy a meal up on the vineyard if you choose to. I’d still pick the breweries downtown with their outdoor seating any day, but the wine at Oliver’s has a pretty great view of the surrounding area’s foliage.

hit the comedy attic for laughs

PRICES VARY PER SHOW

I love a good laugh, which is why I was {probably too} happy to learn that Bloomington has quite the comedy scene. The Comedy Attic has a reputation for producing big belly laughs for those who snatch up a ticket. Many of the comics who perform are just starting out. You never know! You could be watching a Dave Chapelle in the making…

stop by Musgrave Orchard

FREE

Who doesn’t love an apple orchard in the autumn? Musgrave Orchard has all the essential orchard things to do on its offerings for guests: cider pressing, wagon rides, apple picking, and its own pumpkin patch. Musgrave is free to wander, but picking up local honey and produce will cost you, so bring cash!

playing with the leaves in Bloomington, Indiana

hike in Hoosier National Forest + peep the foliage

free

No need to travel to the Northeast U.S. if you’re looking for fall foliage in the states. Instead, a trip to Bloomington will more than suffice. The colours in the fall here are unreal and made my welcome to Bloomington for the next two months overwhelmingly vibrant. The reds on the trees here are otherworldly. I think I bombarded my friends with approximately 10,000 photos from my walks through Hoosier National Forest and the surrounding area.

picnic by Monroe Lake

free

The weather had gotten a bit too cold for a picnic by the time we made it to Monroe Lake, an easy 10-minute drive from my parents’ place, but it was the ideal location for a snowy stroll. The lake itself is a popular spot for those in Bloomington looking to get out into nature. If the weather is on your side, it’s even possible to stay overnight in a tent. Just make sure to bring the right clothing for the cold and to pack out anything you bring with you to this gorgeous little slice of land.

cheer on the Colts

PRICES VARY BY GAME + seat

Indianapolis is only a 1-hour drive from Bloomington, and autumn is football season— could the odds of having an American football experience be any more in your favour?! Head to the stadium in Indy to watch the local NFL team, the Indianapolis Colts, play on home turf. Pro-tip: tailgate before the game for a full taste of the football fandom.

visit the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art

FREE

You probably don’t think of art when you hear Indiana, but the Eskenazi Museum of Art is changing that. The gallery, which is open to the public, hosts events regularly and showcases stunning works of art in a heated space perfect for viewing on a fall afternoon. The museum also has a café if you need a hot cup of coffee {though it’s a bit overpriced for quality} to warm up!

go to a concert

prices vary by venue

It gets cold in Southern Indiana, even if it doesn’t get “Montana cold”. So, on the days when you just can’t be fussed to slap on all your layers, a concert is a great way to get out without actually being “out”. Probably the biggest perk of being in a college town that I’ve found in the last two weeks is the number of events that take place. Bloomington has had multiple concerts including Trampled by Turtles and Jimmy Eat World in the last 14 days alone. I’m actually heading to see Alex Cameron TONIGHT {holy cow, cannot effin’ wait}. Not into the music scene? That’s okay! There are so many other fall events thanks to Indiana University wanting to keep its student population happy. I’ve stumbled upon raves to raise money for refugees, a freelance writer’s workshop, and a slam poetry night all at various downtown Bloomington locations. Do what I do and check out Eventbrite to see what events are taking place!