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Bloomington is a city of about 90,000 people just south of Minneapolis, along the bluffs of the Minnesota River, and it is home to the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States. Settled in the 1850s by farmers and Dakota people already living along the river, it boomed after World War II into one of the Twin Cities' largest suburbs.
The Mall of America has more than 500 stores, an indoor theme park called Nickelodeon Universe with roller coasters, an aquarium and countless restaurants, drawing tens of millions of visitors a year. The Bloomington Ice Garden hosts hockey and skating, and the Bloomington Center for the Arts at City Hall has theaters and galleries.
Nature is close at hand. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands, prairie and river bottoms along the city's southern edge, with trails for birdwatching, and Hyland Lake Park Reserve has a lake, ski hill and play areas. Wood Lake Nature Center, Normandale Community College's Japanese garden and the historic Dan Patch Line Bridge over the river are quieter spots to explore.
Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States, with over 500 stores, dozens of restaurants, an indoor theme park and an aquarium under one roof. It is linked to the airport and downtown Minneapolis by light rail. Wear comfortable shoes and use the online map to plan your route.
Nickelodeon Universe is the indoor theme park at the center of Mall of America, with roller coasters, a log flume, kids' rides and character themed areas under a glass roof. It is open all year regardless of weather. Buy an unlimited ride wristband for a full day, and come on weekdays to avoid lines.
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium is located on the lower level of Mall of America, with a 300-foot underwater tunnel where sharks, rays and sea turtles swim overhead. It also has touch pools and jellyfish displays. Book timed tickets online and plan for about ninety minutes inside.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands and floodplain forest along the Minnesota River, with its main visitor center in Bloomington near the airport. Trails and boardwalks lead to marshes with eagles, herons and deer. The visitor center has free exhibits and trail maps.
The Old Cedar Avenue Bridge is a historic 1920 truss bridge over Long Meadow Lake, restored and reopened in 2021 for walkers and cyclists. It connects Bloomington to trails in the wildlife refuge. Cross it at sunrise or sunset for birding over the marsh, and bring binoculars for eagles.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve is a large Three Rivers park in west Bloomington with lakes, paved and grass trails, a big adventure play area and fishing and boat rentals in summer. In winter it has cross country ski trails. Visit the Chutes and Ladders play area with kids, as it is one of the largest around.
Normandale Japanese Garden is a peaceful two-acre garden at Normandale Community College with a pond, bridges, stone lanterns, waterfalls and carefully pruned trees. It is free and open to the public in warm months. Come in spring for the blooms or fall for the color, and keep voices low for others.
Richardson Nature Center inside Hyland Lake Park Reserve has a visitor building with live animals and exhibits, plus quiet trails through prairie, woods and wetlands where deer are common. Naturalists lead programs on weekends. Admission is free, and it is a good stop for kids interested in animals.
Hyland Hills Ski Area is a small Three Rivers ski hill in Bloomington with beginner and intermediate runs, a terrain park, lessons and snow tubing nearby. It is a popular place to learn to ski close to the city. Check the snow report and buy lift tickets online, as weekend evenings get busy.
Bush Lake Beach is a city beach in west Bloomington with a sandy swimming area, lifeguards in summer, a picnic shelter and a fishing pier. The lake is surrounded by woods and feels far from the city. Arrive early on hot weekends, as the parking lot is small and fills fast after noon.
Pond-Dakota Mission Park preserves the 1856 brick home of missionary Gideon Pond on a bluff above the Minnesota River. Exhibits and events explain the Dakota people who lived here and early settlers. The house is open on summer weekends, while the trails down to the river are open all year.
Bloomington Center for the Arts, run by Artistry, has two theaters, galleries and studios next to the Bloomington Civic Plaza. It presents musicals, plays and free art exhibitions throughout the year. Check the Artistry season schedule, and view the gallery shows for free before an evening performance.
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