Welcome to 5 Bedroom by Switchyard Park
Your guide to everything you need during your stay in Bloomington, Indiana.
Arrival
House Manual
Police/Fire/EMS: 911
Non-emergency: (812) 349-2781
Checkout
- Start the dishwasher
- Take out the trash to the dumpster
- Set the thermostat to 72°F
- Turn off all lights and fans
- No need to strip the beds — we handle that!
Thank you for staying with us! We hope you enjoyed your visit. Please leave a review — it means the world to us.
Activities
Lake Monroe
Swimming, kayaking, and pontoon rentals on Indiana's largest lake. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
Peaceful hiking trails and excellent bird watching. The 3-mile loop around the lake is a local favorite.
Indiana University Campus
Beautiful limestone campus with self-guided tours. Don't miss the iconic Sample Gates and Showalter Fountain.
Oliver Winery
Wine tastings in a gorgeous setting. Live music on the lawn most weekends in the warmer months.
Food & Restaurants
The Irish Lion
Upscale pub with excellent food in a beautifully restored historic building. Their lamb stew is legendary.
Farm Bloomington
Farm-to-table breakfast and brunch. Local ingredients, seasonal menu. Worth the short drive.
Nick's English Hut
Classic IU bar and grill since 1927. A Bloomington institution. Try the stromboli and sink a few rounds of Sink the Biz.
Uptown Cafe
The brunch spot in Bloomington. Cajun-influenced menu. Expect a wait on weekends — it is worth it.
BuffaLouie's
Wings, cold beer, and game day atmosphere. Great spot to watch the Hoosiers play.
The Owlery
Vegetarian and vegan fine dining that even meat lovers enjoy. Creative seasonal menu with craft cocktails.
Bars & Nightlife
The Bishop
Craft cocktails in an intimate, dimly lit space. Excellent bartenders who know their stuff. Ask for the off-menu specials.
Upland Brewing Co.
Local craft beer and a great patio. Their sours are nationally recognized. Solid pub food too.
The Bluebird
Bloomington's premier live music venue. National touring acts in an intimate room. Check their schedule before your trip.
C3 (Comedy, Culture, Cinema)
Bar and events space with comedy shows, film screenings, and cultural events. Something different every night.
Cardinal Spirits
Local distillery with a beautiful tasting room. Try their Songbird gin or Flora cocktail. Tours available on weekends.
Attractions
IU Eskenazi Museum of Art
World-class art collection on campus, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Pollock. The I.M. Pei-designed building is an attraction in itself.
WonderLab Museum
Interactive science museum downtown. Perfect for families. The outdoor science garden is a hit with younger children.
B-Line Trail
Walking and biking path running through downtown on a converted rail corridor. Connects parks, public art, restaurants, and shops.
Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
One of the best farmers' markets in the Midwest. Local produce, baked goods, live music, and breakfast vendors. Get there before 10 AM for the best selection.
Brown County State Park
Indiana's largest state park with scenic drives, hiking trails, horseback riding, and stunning fall foliage. The views from the fire tower are spectacular.
Shopping
The Square
The heart of Bloomington. Independent shops, boutiques, and bookstores surrounding the historic courthouse. Spend an afternoon browsing.
College Mall
Major retail shopping with national stores. Good rainy-day option if you need anything during your stay.
Near West Side
Eclectic mix of antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and small galleries. Great for unique finds and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Bloomington Antique Mall
Massive space with hundreds of vendors. You could easily spend a few hours here. Strong collections of vinyl, mid-century furniture, and local art.
Local Tips
Best sunset spot: Top of the parking garage on Walnut Street. Locals know it, tourists don't. Bring a drink.
Live music on the square: The courthouse square hosts live music many Friday evenings through the warmer months. Free and family-friendly.
IU campus walking: Download the IU campus map before exploring on foot. The campus is large and beautiful, but easy to get turned around in.
Bike-friendly city: Bloomington is very bike-friendly with dedicated lanes throughout downtown. Rental bikes are available at several locations.
Game day traffic: If your visit overlaps with an IU football or basketball game, plan extra time for parking and getting around campus. It is worth it for the atmosphere.
Grocery runs: The closest Kroger is 5 minutes away. There is also a Bloomingfoods co-op downtown with excellent prepared foods and local products.
Explore the Area
Our favorite restaurants, bars, activities, and attractions around Bloomington — all within easy reach of 5 Bedroom by Switchyard Park.