Bloomington Beach

Unfortunately, there are no specific restaurants mentioned directly at Bloomington Beach. However, visitors often head to nearby Lawrence, Kansas, for dining options. Lawrence offers a variety of restaurants, including local eateries and chain establishments, catering to different tastes and preferences. For those looking for a meal near the beach, packing a picnic is a popular choice, as there are picnic areas available.

For accommodations near Bloomington Beach, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lawrence is a convenient option. Located about 30 minutes from the beach, it offers basic hotel amenities like a pool and free breakfast. The hotel provides functional rooms and suites with kitchenettes, making it suitable for both short and extended stays. Additionally, Bloomington East Park itself offers camping options for those who prefer to stay closer to the beach.

Bloomington Beach offers several amenities to enhance the visitor experience. There are four picnic shelters available for group gatherings, each equipped with electrical outlets and volleyball courts. The area includes waterborne restrooms and outdoor showers for convenience. Additionally, the nearby campgrounds provide flush toilets, drinking water, and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay for campers. A covered, accessible fishing dock is also available nearby.

The beach itself is well-maintained, with a designated swimming area marked by buoys. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, beach volleyball, and picnics in a scenic setting.

Bloomington Beach is a hub for various outdoor activities. Swimming is a popular pastime, with a large designated swimming area. Visitors can also enjoy beach volleyball on the available courts or spend time at the playgrounds. The nearby Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, and jet skiing, making it a versatile destination for water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the area features a full 18-hole disc golf course, which is free to use and provides a fun challenge for all skill levels.

For nature lovers, the surrounding trails offer hiking, biking, and equestrian opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.

While Bloomington Beach offers a covered, accessible fishing dock, specific details about disability access for the beach itself are not readily available. However, the area is generally well-maintained and includes amenities like flush toilets and showers, which may be accessible to some extent. For visitors with disabilities, it is advisable to contact the park management or visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for more detailed information on accessibility features.

Parking at Bloomington Beach is convenient, with a large paved lot that can accommodate most visitors, except on the busiest weekends. A day-use fee applies to non-campers, which can be paid at the self-pay stations located at the beach or the Bloomington East entrance. Vehicles must be parked on paved or graveled surfaces, and unloaded trailers may be parked in the grass adjacent to the site. The parking area is close to the beach, making it easy to access the swimming and picnic areas.

Bloomington Beach is part of the larger Bloomington East Park, which includes over 300 campsites and offers a range of outdoor activities. The beach is a popular spot for families and groups due to its spacious swimming area and picnic facilities. Interestingly, the area is home to a well-stocked lake with fish species like crappie, walleye, and channel catfish, making it a favorite among fishermen. The nearby Clinton Lake Museum offers a glimpse into the region's rich history, including its role in the Underground Railroad.

The beach's serene atmosphere and natural beauty make it feel like a secluded getaway, despite being just outside Lawrence, Kansas.

One of the main attractions near Bloomington Beach is Clinton Lake itself, which offers a variety of water sports and activities. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within Bloomington East Park, provides insights into the region's history and the Underground Railroad. Visitors can also explore the nearby cities of Lawrence and Topeka, which are within a 30-minute drive and offer additional cultural and historical attractions.

The area is also known for its wildlife, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and other species. The North Shore, South Shore, and George Latham Trails offer opportunities for hiking and biking, providing scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.