20 Things to Do in Bloomington, Minnesota (MN)

Bloomington, Minnesota, is a vibrant city that offers a perfect mix of urban excitement and natural beauty. Located just minutes away from the bustling Twin Cities, it serves as a prime destination for travelers looking to explore both cultural and recreational attractions. Whether you're interested in shopping, outdoor adventures, or history, Bloomington provides something for everyone.

Its proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport makes it a convenient spot for travelers passing through the area. Bloomington’s wide array of attractions, including the renowned Mall of America, guarantees that your visit will be memorable. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse activities, it’s no surprise that Bloomington, Minnesota, continues to be a popular spot for tourists year-round.

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Unique Facts About Bloomington, Minnesota

Bloomington is rich in both natural beauty and cultural significance, offering several unique facts that set it apart from other destinations.

• Home to the Mall of America: The Mall of America (MOA), located in Bloomington, is the largest shopping mall in the United States. While it's famous for its retail offerings, there are also things to do in Ely, Minnesota (MN) that cater to those who love nature and outdoor adventures.

• A Blend of Urban and Natural Experiences: Bloomington is the ideal city for anyone seeking both the conveniences of urban living and the beauty of nature. From scenic parks to cultural landmarks, the city offers a balance that few places can match.

• Rich History and Cultural Attractions: Bloomington has a fascinating history that is showcased in its cultural sites like the Bloomington Historical Society and Museum. Visitors can dive into the local heritage and learn about the area's evolution from a small settlement to a thriving metropolitan city, while also exploring things to do in Granite Falls, Minnesota (MN).

• The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: A key attraction in Bloomington is this vast wildlife refuge, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers peaceful trails, birdwatching opportunities, and more, all within easy reach of the city.

20 Things to Do in Bloomington, Minnesota (MN)

Bloomington, Minnesota, a vibrant city located just south of Minneapolis, is packed with exciting attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for thrilling activities, family-friendly entertainment, or nature excursions, Bloomington has something to offer. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Bloomington, Minnesota, from world-class shopping to outdoor adventures and fun-filled museums.

1. Mall of America

Short Description of Activity
The Mall of America (MOA) is one of the largest shopping centers in the United States. With over 500 stores, a wide variety of dining options, and numerous attractions, it’s a must-see for any visitor to Bloomington.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Vast selection of stores and brands.

• Multiple dining options.

• Fun attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Aquarium.

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming due to its size.

• Crowded, especially during weekends and holidays.

Key Attractions and Events

• Nickelodeon Universe theme park.

• SEA LIFE Aquarium.

• Regular events and seasonal festivities.

2. Nickelodeon Universe

Short Description of Activity
Nickelodeon Universe is an indoor theme park located inside the Mall of America. With exciting rides and attractions based on popular Nickelodeon characters, it's a favorite among kids and families.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Indoor amusement park perfect for all seasons.

• Rides suitable for both young children and thrill-seekers.

• Conveniently located within the Mall of America.

Cons:

• Admission for rides can get pricey.

• Long wait times during peak hours.

Key Attractions and Events

• SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge.

• Avatar Airbender.

• Special events and character meet-and-greets.

3. SEA LIFE at Mall of America

Short Description of Activity
SEA LIFE is an incredible aquarium at the Mall of America, home to thousands of sea creatures from around the world. It’s a great place to explore marine life, walk through underwater tunnels, and learn about ocean conservation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Interactive exhibits and displays.

• Stunning underwater tunnel experience.

• Kid-friendly and educational.

Cons:

• Tickets can be expensive.

• Can be crowded, especially during school breaks.

Key Attractions and Events

• Ocean Tunnel walkthrough.

• Touch pools with starfish and stingrays.

• Feeding sessions and educational talks.

4. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Short Description of Activity
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful, nature-filled space where visitors can explore trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy outdoor activities like birdwatching and photography.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Peaceful and scenic environment.

• Great for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

• Free entry.

Cons:

• Limited amenities.

• Can be difficult to navigate during the winter months.

Key Attractions and Events

• Hiking and nature trails.

• Birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

• Seasonal events and guided tours.

5. Hyland Lake Park Reserve

Short Description of Activity
Hyland Lake Park Reserve is a large regional park offering a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and boating. The park features a beautiful lake and plenty of green space for picnics and relaxation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Family-friendly with lots of open space.

• Perfect for outdoor activities year-round.

• Beautiful lake views.

Cons:

• Can be busy on weekends.

• Limited indoor activities during the winter months.

Key Attractions and Events

• Hiking and biking trails.

• Swimming and boating on Hyland Lake.

• Year-round events, including nature walks and environmental education programs.

6. Normandale Japanese Garden

Short Description of Activity
The Normandale Japanese Garden is a serene and tranquil garden in Bloomington, offering a peaceful escape with its beautiful landscaping, ponds, and traditional Japanese design elements.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

• Ideal for relaxation and photography.

• Free entry.

Cons:

• Small in size; may not take long to explore.

• Limited facilities, such as restrooms.

Key Attractions and Events

• Japanese-inspired landscaping and ponds.

• Seasonal changes showcasing vibrant foliage.

• Occasional cultural events and classes.

7. Lego Imagination Center

Short Description of Activity
The Lego Imagination Center in the Mall of America is a fun, interactive experience where kids and adults can build with Legos, explore creative exhibits, and shop for unique Lego sets.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Perfect for children and Lego enthusiasts.

• Interactive play areas for hands-on experiences.

• Great gift shop for Lego fans.

Cons:

• Limited activities for older children and adults.

• Small space compared to other attractions in the mall.

Key Attractions and Events

• Lego building stations.

• Special Lego-themed events and workshops.

• Interactive exhibits.

8. Museum of Illusions

Short Description of Activity
The Museum of Illusions is a fascinating place that showcases optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits. It’s a great stop for those looking for a fun and quirky experience with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique and engaging exhibits.

• Fun for both kids and adults.

• Lots of photo opportunities.

Cons:

• Small in size, may only take an hour or two to explore.

• Admission fee for entry.

Key Attractions and Events

• 3D illusions and immersive exhibits.

• Rotating themed installations.

• Interactive puzzles and challenges.

9. Hyland Hills Ski Area

Short Description of Activity
Hyland Hills Ski Area is a winter wonderland offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy winter sports within the city.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Great for winter sports enthusiasts.

• Affordable and accessible.

• Perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers.

Cons:

• Only open in the winter months.

• Limited snow-making capabilities during dry winters.

Key Attractions and Events

• Skiing and snowboarding lessons.

• Snow tubing for all ages.

• Winter festivals and events.

10. The Works Museum

Short Description of Activity
The Works Museum is an interactive, hands-on museum perfect for children. It offers fun learning experiences focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fun, educational, and engaging for kids.

• Numerous interactive exhibits.

• Great for family outings.

Cons:

• Primarily designed for younger children.

• Smaller space compared to larger museums.

Key Attractions and Events

• Interactive STEM exhibits.

• Workshops and hands-on activities.

• Special themed events for kids.

11. Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail

Short description of activity
The Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail offers a scenic escape into nature, perfect for hiking, biking, or even cross-country skiing in the winter months. The trail stretches for several miles, weaving through parks, wetlands, and woodlands, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Accessible year-round

• Great for outdoor enthusiasts

• Well-maintained trail
  Cons:

• Limited amenities along the trail

• Can get crowded during peak times

Key attractions and events

• Wildlife watching opportunities

• Seasonal activities like snowshoeing and skiing during winter

• Beautiful fall foliage

12. Bloomington Center for the Arts

Short description of activity
The Bloomington Center for the Arts is a cultural hub that features a variety of performances, art exhibitions, and educational programs. Whether you’re interested in theater, music, or visual arts, this center offers something for every art lover.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Diverse events and performances

• Family-friendly environment

• Support for local artists
  Cons:

• Limited parking space

• Some events may require advance booking

Key attractions and events

• Live theater performances

• Art gallery exhibitions

• Educational workshops and community programs

13. Moose Mountain Adventure Golf

Short description of activity
Moose Mountain Adventure Golf is a fun-filled, family-friendly mini-golf course located in the heart of Bloomington. The course features 18 holes of exciting and challenging designs, with a whimsical moose theme that adds a unique touch to the experience.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Great for families and kids

• Fun theme and challenging holes

• Affordable pricing
  Cons:

• Can get crowded during weekends and holidays

• Limited indoor space in case of bad weather

Key attractions and events

• Themed mini-golf course

• Birthday party packages

• Group and corporate event bookings

14. Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf

Short description of activity
Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf offers an exciting twist on the traditional mini-golf experience. Players navigate an indoor 18-hole course that is illuminated by vibrant blacklight, making the course come alive with neon colors and creative designs.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Unique and visually stunning experience

• Fun for all ages

• Indoors, making it ideal for rainy days
  Cons:

• Can feel a bit crowded during peak hours

• The lighting might be overwhelming for some players

Key attractions and events

• Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf

• Special deals for groups and families

• Seasonal discounts

15. Crayola Experience

Short description of activity
The Crayola Experience in Bloomington is a hands-on, interactive adventure for kids and adults alike. Visitors can enjoy a variety of creative activities, such as making their own crayon, exploring art stations, and learning about the history of Crayola products.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Highly engaging for children

• Educational and fun activities

• Interactive and creative experience
  Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for younger children

• Admission fees can add up for large families

Key attractions and events

• Crayon-making stations

• Interactive art installations

• Seasonal events like holiday-themed activities

16. The Escape Game

Short description of activity
The Escape Game in Bloomington offers a thrilling adventure where teams solve puzzles and mysteries to escape a themed room within a set time limit. It's perfect for friends, family, or corporate groups looking for an exciting challenge.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Great for team-building and group activities

• Unique and immersive experiences

• Multiple themed rooms to choose from
  Cons:

• Requires prior booking

• May be difficult for younger children

Key attractions and events

• Multiple themed escape rooms

• Team-building packages for corporate groups

• Special themed events throughout the year

17. B&B Theatres Bloomington 13 at MOA

Short description of activity
B&B Theatres Bloomington 13, located at the Mall of America (MOA), offers a luxurious movie-watching experience with comfortable seating and a wide range of movies to choose from. It’s the perfect spot for catching the latest blockbuster in a state-of-the-art theater.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Comfortable seating with premium options

• Convenient location at MOA

• A variety of films for all ages
  Cons:

• Can get crowded during weekends and holidays

• Higher ticket prices compared to smaller theaters

Key attractions and events

• Latest movie releases

• VIP seating and dine-in options

• Special screenings and events

18. The Fair on 4

Short description of activity
The Fair on 4 is a lively event held at the Mall of America, featuring live music, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. It’s a celebration of the local culture and a great way to spend a day enjoying Bloomington's vibrant atmosphere.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• A variety of local food and crafts

• Fun for all ages

• Free to attend
  Cons:

• Can get crowded, especially on weekends

• Limited parking during peak times

Key attractions and events

• Live music performances

• Local vendor booths

• Family-friendly activities and games

19. Challenge Course Playground at Smith Park

Short description of activity
Smith Park’s Challenge Course Playground offers a dynamic outdoor experience for children. It’s an adventure-filled playground with rope bridges, climbing walls, slides, and other challenging play structures that encourage physical activity and imaginative play.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Excellent for children of various ages

• Encourages physical activity

• Free entry
  Cons:

• Not ideal for rainy weather

• Limited shaded areas for parents

Key attractions and events

• Adventure playground features

• Picnic areas for families

• Seasonal park events

20. Mystery Cove Water Park

Short description of activity
Mystery Cove Water Park is an indoor water park featuring thrilling water slides, a lazy river, splash pads, and more. It’s an ideal spot for a family day out, especially during the colder months when outdoor water activities aren’t an option.

Pros and Cons
Pros:

• Fun water attractions for all ages

• Ideal for rainy or cold days

• Affordable family-friendly pricing
  Cons:

• Limited space for large groups

• May be crowded during peak seasons

Key attractions and events

• Water slides and splash zones

• Group packages and birthday party options

• Special events and seasonal promotions

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Best Time to Visit Bloomington, Minnesota

The best time to visit Bloomington, Minnesota, depends largely on your personal preferences regarding weather, events, and crowd levels. Here’s a detailed table to help you plan your visit.

Spring is perfect for those who want to avoid the summer crowds but still enjoy pleasant weather and outdoor events like the Bloomington Farmers Market.

Summer sees higher temperatures and larger crowds, especially during the Fourth of July celebration and summer concerts, making it the busiest time to visit.

Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage, along with seasonal events like Halloween-themed activities, making it a lovely time to explore the city's natural beauty.

Winter might be cold, but it’s the perfect season for holiday lights and indoor activities like those at Mall of America, as well as ice skating and winter festivals. Crowds are usually smaller during this time.

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Unique Gems in Bloomington, Minnesota

While Bloomington is known for major attractions like the Mall of America, there are also several hidden gems that make the city special. These lesser-known spots offer visitors a chance to experience something unique and tranquil.

• Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: A peaceful, serene escape from the city, this wildlife refuge offers miles of trails, birdwatching, and nature photography opportunities. Whether you’re hiking or biking, the refuge provides an incredible natural experience.

• Normandale Japanese Garden: This stunning, peaceful garden offers a perfect retreat for relaxation and photography. With its serene ponds, beautiful landscaping, and quiet atmosphere, it's a great spot to unwind and reflect.

• Hyland Lake Park Reserve: This large park reserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and even winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s a great place for both active adventurers and those who just want to relax.

• The Works Museum: A fantastic spot for families with children, this interactive museum is full of hands-on exhibits. The Works Museum offers a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike, with workshops and exhibits that inspire creativity and curiosity.

• The Bloomington Historical Society and Museum: Dive into the rich history of Bloomington through its dedicated museum. The museum is filled with artifacts, exhibits, and stories about the city’s origins and growth into the vibrant community it is today.

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Day Itinerary for Bloomington, Minnesota

If you’re planning a one-day visit to Bloomington, here’s a suggested itinerary that lets you experience the best the city has to offer:

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at a cozy local café like Great Harvest Bread Co. or Honey & Rye Bakehouse.

• Head to Mall of America afterward, where you can shop, explore, and visit SEA LIFE Aquarium for a unique aquatic experience.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of Bloomington’s top restaurants like Pittsburgh Blue or The Capital Grille.

• Afterward, visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge for a nature walk or head to the tranquil Normandale Japanese Garden to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Evening:

• For dinner, treat yourself to a meal at Tavern 23 or Siena for a fine dining experience.

• End your day with a stroll through Hyland Lake Park Reserve, where you can enjoy the evening atmosphere or partake in some light outdoor activities.

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How to Reach Bloomington, Minnesota

Bloomington is easy to reach by multiple modes of transport:

• By Car: The city is conveniently located with major highways like I-35W and I-494 passing through, making it easily accessible from all parts of the Twin Cities.

• By Air: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is located just minutes from Bloomington. It’s one of the busiest airports in the country, making it an ideal entry point for travelers.

• Public Transport: The city has a well-connected public transit system. Metro Transit buses operate throughout Bloomington, and the Light Rail system connects the city to downtown Minneapolis and other surrounding areas.

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Conclusion

Bloomington, Minnesota, offers a wide range of attractions that make it an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts, shoppers, and culture seekers alike. From the world-famous Mall of America to peaceful parks and museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in Bloomington, Minnesota (MN). Whether you’re visiting during the summer for outdoor festivals or in the winter for holiday lights, Bloomington has something to offer year-round.

Make sure to plan your trip during the best times to visit to fully enjoy all that this incredible city has to offer!

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FAQs

What is the best time to visit Bloomington, MN?

The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Summer offers a high-energy atmosphere, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is perfect for holiday events and indoor activities. For those interested in local attractions, you can explore things to do in Grand Rapids, Minnesota (MN) during any season.

Is Bloomington, MN, a good destination for families?

Absolutely! Bloomington offers a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, such as The Works Museum, the Mall of America, and numerous parks and nature reserves.

How far is Bloomington from Minneapolis?

Bloomington is located about 10-15 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis, making it a convenient spot for exploring both cities.

What unique experiences can you find in Bloomington outside of the Mall of America?

Beyond shopping, Bloomington offers hidden gems like the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Normandale Japanese Garden, and Hyland Lake Park Reserve.

Can I visit Bloomington in winter? What activities are available?

Yes, winter is a great time to visit Bloomington, with activities like indoor events at the Mall of America, winter festivals, and outdoor activities at local parks. For those interested in similar experiences, there are also plenty of things to do in St. Cloud, Minnesota (MN) during the colder months.