Welcome to Bloomington, Minnesota – a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty, bustling downtown area, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the south central region of the state, Bloomington is home to many popular attractions, including the Mall of America, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and a number of diverse ethnic restaurants.
With a population of 87,000, Bloomington offers an eclectic mix of activities. Whether you’re a fan of the performing arts, looking to explore the outdoors, or simply want to spend some time shopping or dining, there’s something here for everyone. From its thriving local music scene to its historic sites and recreational opportunities, Bloomington has something to offer everyone.
The city is home to the Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States. Here, you’ll find over 500 stores, 50 restaurants, and an indoor amusement park.
For those who prefer the outdoors, Bloomington offers a variety of parks and trails, including the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can enjoy hiking, biking, bird watching, and more. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with several local theaters, music venues, and art galleries.
No matter what brings you to Bloomington, you’re sure to find something to do. From its unique attractions to its diverse culture and attractions, Bloomington is a great destination for a memorable trip.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Downtown Bloomington: This vibrant downtown area is home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as the Mall of America. It's also close to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
2. Normandale Lake: This neighborhood is home to Normandale Lake Park, which offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, and trails for hiking and biking.
3. Bloomington Central: This area is home to a number of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as the Twin Cities Premium Outlets.
4. Bloomington Ferry: This area is known for its unique architecture and is home to a number of dining and shopping options.
5. Hyland Lake Park Reserve: This park is home to a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and more. It's also a great spot for bird watching.
1. Mall of America: This massive shopping complex is the largest mall in the United States, with over 500 stores and attractions.
2. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: Spanning over 14,000 acres of protected land, the refuge is a great spot for hiking, fishing, bird-watching, and other outdoor activities.
3. Minnesota Zoo: Located just south of the city, the Minnesota Zoo houses over 500 animal species, a variety of educational programs, and other attractions.
4. Nickelodeon Universe: Part of the Mall of America, this indoor amusement park features some of the most popular rides from the Nickelodeon channel.
5. SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium: This aquarium features over 10,000 sea creatures, interactive exhibits, and a 300-foot underwater tunnel.
1. Poutine from The Draft Horse: This is a classic Canadian dish of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds. The Draft Horse serves it up with beer-infused gravy and local cheese curds.
2. Fried Green Tomatoes from The Loop: Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic, but they get a unique twist here with the addition of a house-made remoulade sauce.
3. Pulled Pork Sandwich from The Blue Door Pub: This sandwich is made with slow-cooked pork shoulder and topped with coleslaw and house-made pickles.
4. Barbecue Brisket from City Food Studio: This restaurant specializes in Texas-style smoked brisket served with house-made sauces.
5. Latkes from Café Latte: Latkes are a traditional Jewish dish of shredded potatoes and onions, and Café Latte prepares them with a light and crispy coating.