7 Nature & Parks in Bloomington That You Shouldn't Miss

Monroe Lake is part of the Indiana State Parks system. It covers 23,952-acres, including a 10,750-acre lake (the largest in Indiana and known for bass fishing) with both open and no-wake areas. The property includes 9 State Recreation Areas (Paynetown, Fairfax, Cutright, Moore's Creek, Salt Creek, Pinegrove, Allen's Creek, Crooked Creek, and Cartop) and 3 Wildlife Resting Areas (Stillwater-Northfork, Middlefork, and Southfork). Facilities vary at each location. The two most-developed sites are Paynetown SRA (campground, swimming beach, marina, general store, activity center, and other amenities) and Fairfax SRA (hotel resort, restaurants, marina, swimming beach, and other amenities). There is a seasonal entrance fee to enter Paynetown and Fairfax ($5/vehicle for Indiana residents, $7/vehicle for out-of-state residents). Refer to our website or call the Property Office for specifics about amenities available at each of the 9 SRAs. Hunting is allowed in all non-developed areas of the property, with special restrictions in the Wildlife Resting Areas. Call the Property Office for information about hunter access.

Fairfax State Recreation Area is one of 9 state recreation areas located on Monroe Lake (Bloomington, IN) and managed by Indiana State Parks. Fairfax features a large swimming beach (open seasonally), a hiking trail, 3 picnic shelters, 2 boat ramps, and plenty of opportunities for hunting and fishing. It's also home to the Fourwinds Resort and Marina, which is a privately owned and operated business that leases space at Fairfax SRA. Fourwinds has a hotel, 2 restaurants, marina, boat rental, swimming pool, private beach, and other activities/amenities for resort guests. The restaurants and boat rental are available to the general public. As they are a private business, reviews and comments specific to the Fourwinds Resort and Marina should be posted on their separate TripAdvisor page.

If you’re looking for the best year-round indoor amusements in the Bedford, Spencer, Ellettsville, Nashville, Columbus, Martinsville, Center Grove, Greenwood and Bloomington area, Urban Air Adventure park is the perfect place! With new adventures behind every corner, we are the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family and you’ll see why we’re more than just a trampoline park.