Life at Indiana State University

Terre Haute is one of Indiana’s largest urban centers. Students here enjoy a fast-paced city life full of activities and diversity. Read on to learn about life and leisure at Indiana State University before zeroing in on the best off-campus housing near ISU.

Dining & Bars

To take a break and unwind from classes, students at Indiana State like to meet up for food and drinks near campus. With so many restaurants and bars to choose from near campus, it’s hard to decide where to go. To help out, we made a list of popular local spots.

Best Restaurants:

Piloni’s Italian Restaurant
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Fifi’s Lunch Box
Umi Grill
Crackleberries

Best Bars:

Charlie’s Pub & Grub
Sonka Irish Pub
7th & Elm Bar & Grill
Moggers Restaurant & Pub
Zimmarss

Recreation & Outdoor Activities Near Indiana State

There are tons of recreational activities near campus. The newly constructed ISU rec center includes a fitness center, sports courts, climbing wall, and indoor pool. If you’re an outdoorsy person then the Sycamore Outdoor Center is the place for you. Located roughly 20 miles outside of the city the center consists of eight lakes, miles of wooded trails, challenge courses, and more! If you’re not up to traveling outside of Terre Haute, all these activities can be done at Deming Park, Dobbs Park, & Fowler park right around town!

Things to Do In Terre Haute, IN

Sports are a big deal at ISU. Be a part of The Forest (student cheer section) and cheer on the Sycamores at your favorite sporting event. Whether it be basketball or football you can bet these games are going to be packed, so arrive early and tailgate with friends.

If sports aren’t really your thing, there are other activities near campus. The student union is a popular hangout spot for games of pool & board games. Indiana State offers hundreds of different student organizations, like debate club or Greek Life there is something for everyone. Take advantage of the free events like concerts, comedy shows, and the popular monthly event, Sycamore Sessions.

Get off campus and explore Terre Haute! History buffs are in luck. Terre Haute is home to several museums like the Clabber Girl Museum, Candles Holocaust Museum, and the Swope Art Museum, just to name a few. To escape the stresses of school, step out and stroll in nearby Deming Park. Hike the trails, grill out, or play a few rounds of disc golf. Follow that up with a beer tasting flight at popular Terre Haute Brewing Company!

Highlights Include:

Cheer on the Sycamores with The Forest
Attend Sycamore Sessions
Walk in Deming Park
Taste the variety of beers at Terre Haute Brewing Company, a popular bar near campus

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