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City in Minnesota, United States
Photo: William Wesen, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Bloomington, Minnesota is a suburb of Minneapolis. It is near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and home to the Mall of America, the United States' largest shopping mall. Bloomington has a population of 89,000 people (as of 2021).
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Visit the world's largest underground aquarium and see over 5,000 marine creatures! From 360 pound sea turtles to young sea horses, you will find everything you were hoping to see in the underwater adventure. Scuba Certified, try scuba diving with 9 foot sharks.
The Bloomington Center for the Arts offers a variety of plays and concerts in many different styles and genres. From musicals to comedies, symphony orchestra concerts to blue grass, you are sure to find something for everyone's taste. Looking for a night out on the town? Upgrade your ticket to a package that includes dinner at Kincaids for $31 additional.
Children's engineering and design museum with hand-on exhibits.
Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area
With 175 feet of vertical, it may be the shortest ski resort you ever experience.
formerly the Water Park of America
"America's biggest indoor water park".
"A large indoor amusement park in the middle of the Mall of America. It has 3 roller coasters in addition to many different rides."
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife refuge is right on the Minnesota River and provides a sanctuary for wildlife and migrating birds. The Visitor Center offers fascinating interactive exhibits about the area's natural history. There are an abundance of hiking trails and the refuge offers educational programs as well as picnic grounds and cross country skiing in the winter. This is a great place to take the kids if they haven't burned off all of their excess energy at the Mall of America!
This serene spot is next to Normandale Community College. It offers a restful spot to contemplate or walk, as well as a great location for weddings and photo shoots.
The Bloomington Arts Center is in the Bloomington Civic Plaza. It offers six exhibits a year as well as art classes for adults and children.
An indoor climbing tower for all ages and climbing abilities.
Pricey but authentic French cuisine. Better than you'd expect from a hotel restaurant.
A bunch of big screen TVs makes this a good place for visiting sports fans to catch their hometown team's game or "the big game". Decent bar food, trivia and video games round out the experience.
A Bloomington favorite.
Minnesota's premier Japanese steak house.
A contemporary American Restaurant in West Bloomington near Normandale Lake (so you can walk off the great meal you just ate!) Kincaids offers upscale dining in an elegant atmosphere. Perfect for a night out on the town without going into Downtown! This restaurant has long been a Bloomington staple for prom kids and adults alike looking for a special night out. Kincaids has great food, good portions and an extensive wine list.
Bloomington's best kept secret. For those who like restaurants that are off the beaten path, this is your place! Located in an industrial park surrounded by a residential area in Bloomington, this restaurant offers a quirky, family atmosphere. They serve awesome gourmet burgers, onion rings and sandwiches. Has a full bar and great Happy Hours! It doesn't look like much on the outside, but once you get past the exterior and its location, the food is excellent. A great place to hang out with friends.
A nice local place. Don't be afraid of the spice, they know the local demographic. But if you want spicy food, they can get it for you. And if you just want something quick, you can get a lassi for $5. As long as you know what you're getting yourself into (spice-wise) while ordering, this will be a great experience.
Charming country style décor.
Hotel near the Twin Cities.
Indoor pool, free WiFi, free parking and EV charging available. Bloomington ChopHouse Restaurant and the Olive Lounge on premises.
Directly across from the indoor Water Park. Free 24-hour shuttle to and from the airport and the Mall of America. Indoor pool and spa, fitness room, free wi-fi, business center, free hot breakfast. Parking $10 per day.
Across the street from the Mall of America.
MOA
Largest indoor shopping complex in the United States. A dizzying shopping experience. It has hundreds of stores, a LEGO play area, enlarged food court, many restaurants around the complex, the largest-in-USA indoor theme park, and a large aquarium. You can get there by light rail or bus. It also has many stores devoted to games, puzzles, and toys, including two called Fun Toys as well as a Toys R Us. Can't go wrong there!
By plane
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is near Bloomington and from there it is easy to get on a light rail train to take you into the city.
By car
Bloomington is intersected by two major interstates and a number of major highways. Interstate 35W runs north/south through the center of Bloomington.
By public transit
There are no regional buses that have drop-off points in Bloomington. The nearest Greyhound bus terminal is in downtown Minneapolis (see Minneapolis#By bus).
Bloomington has abundant public transit options and it is well connected to Minneapolis and St. Paul and other cities in the Twin Cities metro area.
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Minneapolis · International · MSP
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