10 Best Places in Bloomington, Indiana To Visit By Charter Bus

Bloomington, Indiana, is a city brimming with culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re organizing a field trip, planning a wedding weekend, or arranging a corporate outing, there are countless destinations your group can visit by charter bus. Not sure where to begin? We’ve rounded up some of the top places for groups to visit in Bloomington below. And if you need help finding the right transportation for your trip, our reservation team is available 24/7 to assist you! Call 812-955-7680 to get a free quote on your Bloomington charter bus rental today.

Indiana University Bloomington

Address: 107 S Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405

No trip to Bloomington is complete without a visit to Indiana University’s iconic campus! Founded in 1820, IU Bloomington boasts stunning limestone buildings, beautiful green spaces, and a vibrant arts scene. Groups can tour the historic Sample Gates, catch a performance at the Musical Arts Center, or explore world-class museums like the Eskenazi Museum of Art. If you’re visiting with prospective students, a charter bus provides convenient drop-off and pickup points close to the admissions office—no need to worry about navigating unfamiliar parking garages or splitting up into multiple vehicles. IU also hosts numerous events throughout the year, from Big Ten basketball games at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall to lectures, festivals, and conferences that draw visitors from across the country. A charter bus ensures your group arrives together and on time, ready to make the most of everything this renowned university has to offer.

WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology

Address: 308 W 4th St, Bloomington, IN 47404

If you’re traveling with curious young minds, WonderLab is a must-visit destination! This hands-on science museum features interactive exhibits on physics, biology, health, and more. Kids can experiment with water tables, climb a two-story grapevine climber, observe live reptiles and amphibians, and even watch science demonstrations in the WonderLab Lab. It’s an excellent spot for school field trips, scout outings, or family reunions—and booking a minibus or charter bus makes it easy for everyone to arrive safely and on schedule. The museum offers discounted group rates and educational programs tailored to different age groups. With a private shuttle, teachers and chaperones can relax en route while students stay entertained with onboard WiFi or movies. Afterward, stroll with your group to nearby downtown restaurants or pack a picnic to enjoy on the B-Line Trail, which runs right behind the museum.

Monroe Lake

Address: 4850 S State Road 446, Bloomington, IN 47401

For outdoor enthusiasts, Monroe Lake is a fantastic group destination just a short drive from downtown Bloomington. As Indiana’s largest lake, it offers abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. Charter buses and minibuses have ample storage space for coolers, fishing gear, paddleboards, or other equipment your group may bring along for the day. Plan a company retreat with team-building activities on the water or host a lakeside family reunion at one of the many picnic shelters available for rent. The Fairfax State Recreation Area has accessible facilities, boat rentals, and sandy beaches perfect for lounging. If you’re staying overnight, arrange transportation to nearby campsites or cabins so everyone can travel together between lodging and lake activities. With a charter bus handling the winding roads around Monroe Lake, your group can focus on making memories outdoors.

Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Address: 114 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408

Catch a show at the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater, a beautifully restored venue in the heart of downtown Bloomington. Originally opened as a vaudeville house in 1922, the “BCT” now hosts concerts, film screenings, dance performances, and community events year-round. Its prime location on Kirkwood Avenue makes it easily accessible for groups arriving by charter bus—simply unload passengers curbside and let them walk to nearby restaurants or shops before the show. The theater seats over 600 guests and often partners with local festivals such as Lotus World Music & Arts Festival or the Bloomington PRIDE Film Festival, making it a hub for cultural gatherings. Booking a private shuttle means your group can enjoy an evening of entertainment without worrying about parking or post-show traffic. Make your night extra special by reserving a dinner package at a downtown restaurant and coordinating transportation for a seamless experience.

Switchyard Park

Address: 1601 S Rogers St, Bloomington, IN 47403

Switchyard Park is Bloomington’s newest and largest urban park, offering 57 acres of recreational space for all ages. It features playgrounds, splash pads, pickleball courts, a skate park, fitness stations, and multi-use trails that connect to the city’s extensive B-Line Trail. The park’s event lawn and pavilion host concerts, food truck rallies, and seasonal festivals, making it a lively gathering place for both locals and visitors. Groups can reserve picnic shelters or the indoor Switchyard Park Pavilion for private events like company picnics, birthday parties, or alumni meetups. Arriving by charter bus allows your attendees to skip limited onsite parking and step directly into the park’s amenities. If you’re planning a large-scale event, coordinate multiple shuttles to transport guests from hotels or satellite lots, ensuring everyone enjoys Switchyard Park’s offerings without logistical headaches.

Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center

Address: 3655 S Snoddy Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401

Experience tranquility and cultural enrichment at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (TMBCC), founded by the late Thubten Jigme Norbu, brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Nestled on a serene 108-acre campus southeast of Bloomington, the center welcomes visitors to explore its temples, meditation gardens, and traditional Tibetan stupas. Groups can schedule guided tours, attend meditation sessions, or participate in cultural festivals celebrating Tibetan New Year or Mongolian Naadam. The TMBCC also offers retreat facilities for spiritual workshops or yoga retreats, providing a peaceful setting away from city bustle. Charter buses are ideal for bringing large groups to the center’s rural location, especially since public transportation options are limited. Enjoy the scenic drive and ensure everyone arrives together, ready to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and experience the center’s unique architecture and art installations.

B-Line Trail

Address: Runs north-south through downtown Bloomington

The B-Line Trail is a 3.1-mile paved path that serves as Bloomington’s main artery for walking, biking, and running through the city center. Starting near Switchyard Park and extending north past downtown, it’s lined with public art, native landscaping, and access points to local businesses, parks, and residential neighborhoods. Groups can use the trail for fitness outings, charity walks, or guided tours highlighting Bloomington’s murals and sculptures. If you’re organizing an event that starts or ends on the B-Line Trail, a charter bus can drop participants at designated trailheads and pick them up at another location, providing flexible transportation for linear routes. The trail’s proximity to popular attractions like WonderLab, the Farmers’ Market, and downtown eateries makes it easy to plan a full day of activities within walking distance of each other. Plus, your charter bus can serve as a mobile base for storing water, snacks, or gear during longer excursions.

Oliver Winery

Address: 200 E Winery Rd, Bloomington, IN 47404

Plan a sophisticated outing to Oliver Winery, Indiana’s oldest and largest winery located just north of Bloomington. Groups can book private wine tastings in the tasting room, tour the production facilities, or relax with a picnic on the beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking vineyards and a pond. Oliver Winery is a popular destination for bachelorette parties, corporate retreats, and social clubs looking for a leisurely afternoon of wine sampling and camaraderie. Arriving by charter bus adds an extra layer of safety and convenience, especially if your group plans to indulge in multiple tastings. There’s plenty of parking for large vehicles, and the winery’s staff can accommodate special requests for guided tours or catered lunches. Extend your visit by exploring the nearby Butler Winery or Cedar Creek Winery, and let your charter bus handle the rural backroads while your group enjoys a day of sipping and sightseeing.

Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market

Address: 401 N Morton St, Bloomington, IN 47404

Immerse your group in Bloomington’s local flavors and crafts at the Community Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday from April through November at City Hall Plaza. The market features dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade soaps, and artisanal cheeses, alongside food trucks and live music performances. It’s a vibrant gathering spot for culinary tours, cooking classes, or simply enjoying a morning stroll with friends and family. Charter buses can drop off passengers near the market entrance, allowing everyone to shop and sample freely without worrying about carrying heavy bags back to distant parking lots. If you’re visiting with a group of chefs, dietitians, or foodies, coordinate a private tour with the market manager to meet farmers and learn about sustainable agriculture practices. After the market, continue your culinary adventure by visiting local restaurants or breweries in the adjacent downtown area.

Hoosier National Forest

Address: 811 Constitution Ave, Bedford, IN 47421 (headquarters); various trailheads near Bloomington

For those seeking wilderness adventures, Hoosier National Forest offers over 200,000 acres of protected land just south of Bloomington. Groups can hike scenic trails like the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, go horseback riding on designated paths, or organize a camping trip at Hardin Ridge or Blackwell Horse Camp. The forest is also home to Lake Monroe’s southern shoreline, providing additional opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and nature photography. Charter buses are perfect for transporting outdoor clubs, scout troops, or university groups to remote trailheads that may not have sufficient parking for multiple cars. Pack your gear in the bus’s undercarriage and set out for a day of exploration, knowing your ride will be waiting when you return. If you’re planning a multi-day excursion, arrange shuttle service between campsites or coordinate pickups for point-to-point hikes, ensuring everyone stays safe and accounted for in the vast forest landscape.

Book Your Bloomington Charter Bus Today

Ready to start planning your group trip to Bloomington? Charter Bus Rental Bloomington has years of experience providing reliable transportation for groups of all sizes and interests. Whether you need a compact minibus for a downtown tour or a full-size charter bus for a retreat in the woods, we’ll match you with the perfect vehicle and itinerary. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, suggest local destinations, and provide instant online quotes. Call 812-955-7680 today to book your Bloomington charter bus and discover why we’re the top choice for group travel in Indiana!