Overview
Bedford is a town in Southern Indiana, 20 mi south of Bloomington. It is the county seat of Lawrence County.
9 sights · 3 things to do · 7 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bedford
Bluespring Caverns
Bluespring Caverns is the longest known underground river in the United States, stretching for 21 miles (33.8 km). Hour long boat tours are given of the river system. Youth groups may also book overnight stays in the cav…
Spring Mill State Park
Lodging, dining, picnic areas, pioneer village, horse trails and saddle barn, fishing and swimming, cave tours, camping, hiking and nature center. Also houses a museum to Virgil "Gus" Grissom, an astronaut killed in an A…
Lawrence County Recreational Park, Inc.
12 miles (19 km) south of Bloomington. Motorcycles and ATVs only. OHV trails designed by Riders and Riders. Open 7 days a week.
Murray Forest Park
Softball, playground and hiking trails.
Thornton Park
Swimming, tennis, playground and shelter house.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Louisville)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- IND Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis — 60 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SDF Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville — 63 mi away (major hub). Directions
Traffic entering Bedford from Bloomington and farther north from Indianapolis can use IN 37 southbound, while areas to the south near Paoli and Interstate 64 will use IN 37 northbound. From the east, US 50 westbound brings traffic from Seymour and Interstate 65. Areas to the west like Vincennes will follow US 50 eastbound. From the southeast, IN 60 (at Mitchell) brings traffic from Salem and Louisville.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bluespring Caverns, Premiere Theatre, Wilson Park
- Lunch Bob Evans
- Afternoon Thornton Park, Murray Forest Park
- Dinner Casa Brava Mexican
- Evening Starbucks
Day 2
- Morning Spring Mill State Park, Sugar Creek Sporting Clays & Hunting Preserve
- Lunch Spring Mill Inn
- Afternoon Holiday Drive-In Theater
- Dinner Shorty's Den
- Evening Bandana's
Day 3
- Morning Lawrence County Recreational Park, Inc.
- Lunch Asian Pearl Chinese
- Afternoon Stone Crest Golf Community
- Dinner Grecco's
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
In addition to local fare, Bedford has several chain restaurants such as Golden Corral (1521 James Ave), Domino's (1605 M St.), Pizza Hut (2111 West 16th St., and Little Caesars (2605 16th St).
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Traffic entering Bedford from Bloomington and farther north from Indianapolis can use IN 37 southbound, while areas to the south near Paoli and Interstate 64 will use IN 37 northbound. From the east, US 50 westbound brings traffic from Seymour and Interstate 65. Areas to the west like Vincennes will follow US 50 eastbound. From the southeast, IN 60 (at Mitchell) brings traffic from Salem and Louisville.
See
Caves
See Bluespring Caverns
Bluespring Caverns is the longest known underground river in the United States, stretching for 21 miles (33.8 km). Hour long boat tours are given of the river system. Youth groups may also book overnight stays in the cave. The walk to the tour boats is 800 feet (243 m) down and back up a steep ramp. Adults: $12, children 3 to 15: $6. Children under 3 are not recommended.
City & county parks
State parks
Movie theaters
See Premiere Theatre
Do
Golf
Hunting
Buy
Antiques
Bedford
Shop Peddler's Corner
Mitchell
Shop This 'N' That Antiques and Collectibles
Shopping centers
Shop Town Fair Shopping Center
Other
Eat
In addition to local fare, Bedford has several chain restaurants such as Golden Corral (1521 James Ave), Domino's (1605 M St.), Pizza Hut (2111 West 16th St., and Little Caesars (2605 16th St).
Budget
Eat Bob Evans
Casual American chain started on an Ohio farm is known for family-style meals & a country vibe.
Eat Spring Mill Inn
Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell.
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
Alcohol
Coffee
Sleep
Hotels & motels
Go next
Nearby
Bloomington
City / town · 75 listings · 21 mi away
Brown County State Park
Park · 10 listings · 21 mi away
Odon
City / town · 7 listings · 27 mi away
Salem
City / town · 6 listings · 27 mi away
Seymour
City / town · 15 listings · 33 mi away
Spencer
City / town · 8 listings · 33 mi away
Columbus
City / town · 39 listings · 38 mi away
Martinsville
City / town · 2 listings · 39 mi away
My experience
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