Bloomington Travel Guide

Bloomington is one of the largest cities in the state of Minnesota and it is a super popular place to visit due to the many great things to do and sights to see. Bloomington is on the north bank of the Minnesota River and it is only 10 miles away from downtown Minneapolis. Bloomington is a relatively new city as it was established only after World War II. It was developed as a boom suburb of Minneapolis. Bloomington is a very busy city because it is home to the largest mall of the United States, the Mall of America, which employs over 11 thousand people making it one of the biggest employment sources. The city offers a large variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as museums, educational centers, restaurants, unique cafes, and parks to explore. The area around Bloomington has many great forests and reserves as well, so if you want to get away from the busy setting of the city you can easily do it as well. Do not hesitate to visit Bloomington, you will love it.

Things to Do in Bloomington

Just a couple hundred miles south of Lake Superior, Bloomington offers a wide variety of activities. Nature lovers and art fanatics will equally find amazing things to do in Bloomington, so make sure to have a good few days here to fully enjoy the great amenities. For the best outdoor activities visit Centennial Lakes Parks which is a beautiful park for a nice walk and it is also great for photos. There are playgrounds and swings, a gazebo, paths, restaurants, and much more. It is great for all ages since it houses such a variety of amenities.

The Minnesota Valley national Wildlife Refuge is an excellent spot for nature lovers. Long paths offer nice hiking options, and there are designated meditation areas as well for those who want to get away from the hustle and the bustle of the big city. If you love bird watching then definitely attend one of the amazing bird watching tours.

Moreover, the Normandale Japanese Gardens is an excellent chose to explore traditional and relaxing Japanese gardens. It is a small park but it is open all year around as the blooming flowers and trees are especially wonderful during spring. Furthermore, for a great and fun day for the whole family visit Sea Life Minnesota. This gigantic aquarium is a home to thousands of sea creatures and a 300 foot long tunnel where you can walk under sharks and hundreds of fish.

Lastly, if you love art and want to explore the best museums you are in the right place. The Museum of Russian Art is a wonderful museum which offers a great insight into the development of Russian arts. The Bakken Museum is also a great place to visit, and it is also fun for children. This place, which is housed in an old mansion, exhibits the history of electricity and other sciences.

Best Places to Stay in Bloomington

The best areas to stay at Bloomington are West Bloomington and South Loop which both feature amazing amenities such as parks, restaurants, stores, and museums. The South Loop is the home to the Mall of America and Sea Life as well. Vacation rentals are very popular at Bloomington, so you can easily find the best accommodations for your stay. If you only need a small, cozy apartment, or a large house with many bedrooms and at least 2 bathrooms, you do not have to worry. Just look through the property listings and find your favorite.

Best Time to Visit Bloomington

The best time to visit Bloomington is from May until August if you are planning to spend plenty of time outside. The average temperature during summer is around 75 degrees, however outside of these months the temperature drops below 30 degrees very fast. From November until February the weather is freezing. Bloomington is great year-round but beware that it does rain a lot in June.