Are you looking for a place to experience some physical activity? Are you looking for some exciting spectator sports venues? This guide lists places you can leisurely explore a nature preserve, swim some laps or hike over rugged terrain. Are you more of an armchair athlete, enjoy raising your heart rate without jogging? Local amateur sports teams and Indiana University can provide some exciting moments in sports.
Local Recreation Outdoor Recreation Venues And Sports
Web Resources
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From this web page choose the link Parks and Recreation to find a list of public parks within Bloomington. Some are small, some are large with swimming pools and picnic shelters, some are for walking, some are good for just sitting and enjoying the outdoors.
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From this web page enter the term Cedar Bluff Indiana in the search box and follow the links for more information on this outstanding preserve. Located south of Bloomington, these 23 acres are owned by the Nature Conservancy. Challenging terrain, scenic views and abundant wildflowers in the Spring make this a Hoosier favorite.
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From this web page choose the link Parks and Recreation for information on the following venues.
Bryan Park Pool, BLine walking and biking trail, Cascades Golf Course, Frank Southern Ice Arena, Mills Pool, Upper Cascades Skate Park, and Wapehani Mountain Bike Park.
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The Griffy Lake Nature Preserve offers 1179 acres with a 109 acre lake. There are trails, and non-motorized boating and fishing are allowed. A dog park is nearby.
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Located in the hills of south central Indiana, 202,000 acres of forest offer many hiking and camping opportunities. Horseback riding and biking are allowed in the forest. The Charles Deam Wilderness area offers 13,000 acres of solitude and remote hiking trails.
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Indiana University has a full athletic program for men and women. Football, basketball, men and women's, track and cross country, both men and women, volleyball for women, soccer for men and many others. Schedules, ticket information and the Indiana University Athletic department can be found here.
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Located just east of the Indiana University campus, the course consists of a challenging 18 hole championship course, a nine hole executive course and a lighted driving range. The course is open to the public.
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Located on the Indiana University campus and part of the northside sports complex, the pool is heated, has diving boards and lap lanes. The pool is open to the public. Check ahead for lap swim times.
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Located on Bloomington's westside, Karst Farm Park includes trails, picnic shelters, playground equipment and a splash pool for children during the summer. Basketball, shuffleboard and volleyball courts are available. The local soccer teams have fields here. A dog park is adjacent to the park. Park property is also adjacent to the Monroe County 4H Fairgrounds.
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Originally built in 1953 as a source for water for Bloomington and named for then Mayor Tom Lemon, this 1650 acre lake is an ideal spot for bass fishing. Small boats are allowed on the lake. A swimming beach is located at Riddle Point with a bathhouse and picnic tables.
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Owned and maintained by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, this 10,000 acre lake is the largest in Indiana. The lake property has three main recreation areas, Hardin Ridge, Paynetown, and Fairfax. These areas offer camping, fishing, swimming and boating opportunities.
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Located just north of Bloomington, these 24,000 acres offer primitive camping, three lakes open to fishing, hunting during the season and picnicking with some shelters available.
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Located just east of Bloomington, these woods offer a 133 acre lake, primitive camping, trails, fishing, hunting during the season and picnicking.
Books
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IND 917.72 Str
This comprehensive guide to the 58 mile trek covers camping locations, horse trails, the latest GPS information and first person accounts of hiking the Trail.
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IND 917.72 Gu
This small guide is a list of the Nature Conservancy's nature preserves throughout the state open to the public. Directions and descriptions are included.
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IND 796.09772 Be
Essays written by well known Indiana personages such as: Mike Ahern, Senator Richard Lugar, Wendell Trogdon and Bob Hammel.
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IND 796.043 Ha
Showcases many outstanding athletes, both men and women from all sports over the years who attended Indiana University. Many photos and pictures.
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IND 796.09772 Nun
Includes the history of all 20 sports at the high school plus much about the history of Martinsville and Morgan County.
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IND 796.357 Di
A brief overview of Indiana University baseball teams and players, including many photos.
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IND 799.09772 Sp
Lake maps and fishing information for inland lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Monroe, Griffy Lake and Yellowwood Lake.
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IND796.334 Kn
This book covers 41 years of the Indiana University soccer teams including photos, memories, facts and figures.
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IND 796.51 Ma
This book lists areas in Southern Indiana open to the public for hiking. Contact information and a brief description of each area is included. Reference to the USGS map for each area is also included
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IND 797.122 Ma
This book contains information about public places in Indiana for non motorized water fun for canoes and kayaks. The USGS map number is listed for each area as well as a description of the lake or stream.
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IND 796.323 Wa
Short tales of well known and beloved basketball experiences. From Steve Alford to Rick Mount, small town teams and city giants, they are all here.
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IND 917.72 Hab
State parks, nature preserves, state forests and wilderness areas are briefly described, directions and maps are included.
Biographies
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IND 796.33292 Taliaferro Kni
A star football player at Indiana University in the 1940's and first African American drafted by the National Football League, well known local activist George Taliaferro came back to Bloomington after a successful professional athletic career.