Monroe County Courthouse, Bloomington (must see)
The Monroe County Courthouse stands as a proud example of Beaux Arts architecture, erected in 1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. Situated in the Courthouse Square Historic District, it serves as the governmental hub for Monroe County.
Saved from demolition in 1984, the Monroe County Courthouse has become a symbol of community pride and dedication to preserving local history. Reflecting the architectural trends of the early 20th century, the courthouse was designed in the Beaux Arts style, characterized by grandiosity and classical influences. This style was favored in many Midwestern communities during that period, and Bloomington's decision to adopt it underscored its commitment to modernity and sophistication. With limestone abundant in the area, the courthouse stands as a testament to the region's prosperity during the national building boom, boasting intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn its facade.
Designed by Albert Molnar and featuring the iconic sculpture "The Light of the World" at its entrance, along with murals by Gustav Brand embellishing the rotunda, the Monroe County Courthouse showcases the talent and craftsmanship of local artisans.
Notably, the courthouse made a brief appearance in the 1979 film "Breaking Away," adding to its cultural significance. In a memorable event in April 1994, the hosts of Rox drew attention to the debate over marijuana legalization by smoking on the courthouse steps, an action that garnered national attention when clips aired on MTV.
Saved from demolition in 1984, the Monroe County Courthouse has become a symbol of community pride and dedication to preserving local history. Reflecting the architectural trends of the early 20th century, the courthouse was designed in the Beaux Arts style, characterized by grandiosity and classical influences. This style was favored in many Midwestern communities during that period, and Bloomington's decision to adopt it underscored its commitment to modernity and sophistication. With limestone abundant in the area, the courthouse stands as a testament to the region's prosperity during the national building boom, boasting intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn its facade.
Designed by Albert Molnar and featuring the iconic sculpture "The Light of the World" at its entrance, along with murals by Gustav Brand embellishing the rotunda, the Monroe County Courthouse showcases the talent and craftsmanship of local artisans.
Notably, the courthouse made a brief appearance in the 1979 film "Breaking Away," adding to its cultural significance. In a memorable event in April 1994, the hosts of Rox drew attention to the debate over marijuana legalization by smoking on the courthouse steps, an action that garnered national attention when clips aired on MTV.
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Monroe County Courthouse on Map
Sight Name: Monroe County Courthouse
Sight Location: Bloomington, USA (See walking tours in Bloomington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bloomington, USA (See walking tours in Bloomington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bloomington, Indiana
Create Your Own Walk in Bloomington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bloomington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bloomington Introduction Walking Tour
Bloomington, Indiana, a fun-filled university town 50 miles south of Indianapolis, lies on the lands originally inhabited by the Miami, Delaware, Potawatomi, and Shawnee peoples. The city was established in 1818 by a group of settlers from Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Virginia, who were so enamored by its abundant flora 鈥� the "haven of blooms" 鈥� that they called it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Bloomington Historical Houses Walking Tour
The Bloomington area has no shortage of history, from the bustling limestone industry to the first state college west of the Allegheny Mountains, reflected in architectural landmarks.
The Ziegler House, part of the Grant Street Inn, showcases Bloomington's Queen Anne architecture, offering guests a blend of old-world elegance and modern comfort in a memorable lodging experience.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The Ziegler House, part of the Grant Street Inn, showcases Bloomington's Queen Anne architecture, offering guests a blend of old-world elegance and modern comfort in a memorable lodging experience.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Indiana University Walking Tour
Established in 1820, merely two years after Bloomington County itself, Indiana University is the largest educational institution within the state. Renowned for its picturesque landscape, the expansive university campus is often lauded as one of the nation's most beautiful, featuring limestone structures and lush wooded surroundings.
The iconic Sample Gates serves as a welcoming entrance... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The iconic Sample Gates serves as a welcoming entrance... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles