Things to Do in Bloomington

The city is best known for its massive shopping mecca, the Mall of America. The largest mall in the country attracts some 42 million people every year. If you haven’t caught the shopping bug, consider Bloomington's beautiful, wildlife-rich outdoor spaces. More than one-third of the city is protected parkland, offering opportunities for recreation even when there’s snow on the ground.

The Mall of America

If you’re looking to shop until you drop, the Mall of America beckons. It’s got more than 520 stores and no sales tax on clothing or shoes. For kids or less-enthusiastic shoppers, visit the mall’s other attractions, including rollercoasters, rides and zip line. See sharks, turtles and rays at the SEA LIFE Aquarium Minnesota, take to the virtual skies in a flight simulator, find your way out of a mirror maze, or settle in for a show at the House of Comedy. The mall also hosts more than 400 events each year.

Outdoor Attractions

Explore the natural side of Bloomington at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves spring-fed wetlands, floodplain forest and tall-grass prairie habitats. It's a prime spot for birdwatching—with 297 recorded species of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds—and a destination for both hiking and seasonal ice fishing. Another exceptional outdoor attraction is Hyland Lake Park Reserve. It’s a hotspot for skiing during the winter. In the summer, take the kids to the award-winning playground, or explore the lake and prairie landscapes on a hike. Stop in at the Richardson Nature Center, where curious children can use pond exploration and bug kits to take outside. The Japanese Garden at Normandale Community College is another pleasant place to walk year round, free of charge. It offers koi ponds, arched bridges and cherry blossom trees.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Learn about the city's agricultural era and earliest pioneer days at the Bloomington History Museum, housed inside the 1892 Old Town Hall. The star exhibit, among many artifacts and photographs, is a 17th-century dugout canoe discovered on a local river bluff. The Works Museum was designed to get kids excited about science, engineering and technology. Here, youngsters can find their way through a sensor-activated maze, see a giant kinetic structure and design their own marble rollercoaster. If you're an art lover, head to the Bloomington Center for the Arts, home to nine art organizations, two theaters and two galleries.

Casual, Comfortable Dining

Bloomington's longest-established restaurants specialize in no-fuss comfort food with a casual, unpretentious atmosphere. Among them is Wally's Roast Beef, which has served its classic sandwiches—seasoned, slow-roasted beef on a toasted bun since 1969. You can also order burgers and classics like meatloaf, grilled cheese or a blue plate special. Shantytown Bar and Grill has been slinging burgers since the 1960s, which are served with all manner of creative toppings and crispy tater tots on the side. The Mall of America has more than 50 restaurants to suit a wide range of budgets and tastes.

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