Nature on IU’s campus By Lexi Lindenmayer
lindena@iu.edu | @lexilindenmayer
People claim that IU has one of the prettiest campuses, with its limestone buildings and brick trails. However, a major part of that beauty has to do with the nature and greenery students can see on their walk to class. Here are three historic spots that are beautiful, green and located right on IU’s campus.
Dunn Meadow
Dunn’s Woods
Cox Arboretum
Bordering Seventh Street and Indiana Avenue, Dunn Meadow is a large grassy expense behind the Indiana Memorial Union. The name “Dunn” comes from Samuel Dunn Jr. and Elizabeth Grundy, who came to Bloomington in 1823 and established a large farm on what makes up a big part of campus. Dunn Meadow is mainly open grass, but there are also many trees that surround the flat area. It is located next to a section of Campus River, which adds to the ambience. As a whole, Dunn Meadow is often used as a place for concerts, festivals, conventions and protests. Students also often use the area to have fun and relax, whether that is setting up a hammock or playing a game of frisbee.
Dunn’s Woods is the wooded area right on IU’s eastern side of campus. Surrounding the woods are multiple historic buildings in IU’s Old Crescent like Bryan Hall, Owen Hall and Swain Hall. There are multiple redbricked trails through the woods, allowing students to walk directly through the tall trees on their way to class or just to take in the scenery. Some students even opt to study among all the greenery and animals.
The former home of the Little 500 and the Indiana Memorial Union, the Cox Arboretum now sits as a staple and historic area on IU’s campus. The arboretum is named after Jesse H. and Beulah Chanley Cox, a couple who created a legacy of hard work, generosity and perseverance, according to the Cox Scholars Program webpage. They are responsible for the largest gift IU has ever received by an individual: $92 million. Between Wells Library and the School of Public Health, the Cox Arboretum is 174 acres of trees, shrubs and specialty gardens. Students can walk the area, lay out and study or bike along the numerous trails. A gazebo overlooks the multiple paths and a pond. In the center of the area is the 91-foot tall, 61-bell tower known as the Metz Carillon. The carillon was named after Dr. Arthur R. Metz, a successful physician and strong financial supporter of IU.
ILLUSTRATION BY KATY SZPAK
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SOURCE CAMPUS VISITOR’S GUIDE | FALL 2022
