The Best Travel Guide to Bloomington, Minnesota (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Overview

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

Bloomington, Minnesota The guide was updated: 2024-02-16

The Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official marketing organization for the City of Bloomington and markets Bloomington, Minnesota, area attractions, and the surrounding communities, to visitors around the world. Bloomington is located adjacent to Minneapolis and St. Paul, just minutes from the International Airport, is the home of Mall of America, and is a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and tourism. For visitor information, special offers and to book hotel rooms online visit www.bloomingtonmn.org.

Facts

Population:	The city's population is 86,314, according to the 2014 United States Census estimates. Bloomington is the fourth largest city in the State of Minnesota in Hennepin County. Located on the north bank of the Minnesota River, above its confluence with the Mississippi River, Bloomington lies at the heart of the southern metro area, 10 miles (16 km) south of Minneapolis.
Currency:	US Dollars
Emergency numbers:	911 Emergency Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau +1 952 8588500/ +1 800 3464289 Explore Minnesota Tourism +1 888 8687476 Mall of America +1 952 8838800
Website:	www.bloomingtonmn.org www.mallofamerica.com
Tourist information:	Mall of America has tourist information at the guest services desks located at all main entrances. Brochures are also available at MSP International Airport.

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Section in Bloomington, Minnesota

From the attractions at Mall of America to the activities in Minneapolis and St. Paul, there’s plenty to entertain you during your stay in Bloomington, MN. Choose from hundreds of fun-filled Bloomington attractions and adventures that are sure to make your vacation a memorable one. Bloomington attractions include Mall of America®, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, museums, outdoor activities and more! For more exciting things to see and do in Bloomington: www.bloomingtonmn.org/things-to-do

Mall of America®

Mall of America®

Mall of America® is more than a shopping mall near the Twin Cities. It’s over 520 shops full of tax-free shopping and 50 restaurants full of delicious food. It’s Nickelodeon Universe®, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, LEGO® and more – all under one roof. Most of all, it’s an unforgettable experience. And it’s all right here in Bloomington, MN. Come see what’s in store.

The Escape Game

The Escape Game

An “Escape Game” or “Escape Room” is an interactive adventure where you and your team will have one hour to complete a mission and escape the room. Escaping will require teamwork, quick thinking, determination and a sense of urgency! From the moment you step into your game, you’ll be totally immersed in our world.

Nickelodeon Universe®

Nickelodeon Universe®

Nickelodeon, the #1 entertainment brand for kids, and Mall of America®, the nation’s premier shopping destination, have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind theme park. Located in the center of Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe® features seven acres of unique attractions and entertainment. Meet the Nick characters, experience spine-tingling rides, visit unique retail shops and much more!

Crayola Experience

Crayola Experience

This one-of-a-kind attraction features 25 exhibits that encourage creativity and fun. Make your own hand-drawn puzzle, see your coloring page come to life in an augmented reality experience, and create an art project using Crayola Model Magic. If you need to recharge, stop by Cafe Crayola for a kid-friendly meal.

FlyOver America

FlyOver America

FlyOver America is the hottest new attraction in Minnesota! The flight simulation ride soars you across some of America's most spectacular sights with the latest in flight ride technology. Experience wind, scents and other amazing effects that will make you feel like you are truly flying!

SEA LIFE at Mall of America

SEA LIFE at Mall of America

SEA LIFE at Mall of America® brings you closer than ever before to thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, rays, jellyfish, seahorses and more! Plus, fun interactive activities throughout the aquarium, including stamp stations with dive books and WOW! facts, make SEA LIFE at Mall of America the perfect family fun destination. Swim with the sharks in what was named "the best shark exhibit on the planet" by Animal Planet or view the scary creatures from a 300-foot glass underground tunnel.

Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo, located in nearby suburb Apple Valley, houses hundreds of species of wild animals. Daily animal shows include cow milking demos, penguin feedings, and the World of Birds show. Each summer, the annual Music in the Zoo concert series brings popular musicians to town.

Paisley Park

Paisley Park

Visit Prince's private estate and production complex in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Fans will experience first-hand what it was like for Prince to create, produce and perform.

Artistry

Artistry

Artistry is an independent 501©3 nonprofit that serves a regional audience of more than 80,000 people annually. Housed in the Bloomington Center for the Arts, Artistry produces seven theater productions per season, curates 14 visual arts exhibitions each year, offers year-round classes and workshops both on-site and throughout the community, and works with the City of Bloomington and other partners on creative placemaking and public art projects.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

The wildlife refuge runs along the east and south borders of Bloomington, and is an urban oasis that provides a habitat for migratory waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife species. This park is popular with locals interested in hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing, and is easily accessible from many of the Bloomington hotels.

Normandale Japanese Garden

Normandale Japanese Garden

This two acre garden features traditional Japanese elements, such as bridges, hanging lanterns, streams, waterfalls, and fish. Stop by to check out the beautiful cherry and apple blossoms in the spring.

The Works Museum

The Works Museum

This hands-on museum for kids is all about engineering, and includes interactive exhibits and design challenges for kids ages 4-12. Experiment with machines, structures and shapes, sensors, imaging, and optical technologies, and make and break stuff in the Design Lab!

GameWorks Sports Grille & Lanes

GameWorks Sports Grille & Lanes

Located inside Mall of America, this bowling alley and entertainment center provides a nice break during a day of shopping. Stop by to watch a game on one of the big-screen TVs, play the hundreds of arcade games, or enjoy food and drinks with friends.

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

It’s a scenic retreat in the heart of Bloomington. Hyland Lake Park offers breathtaking prairie landscapes and a major body of water as well as a large play area, the Richardson Nature Center, and the Hyland Hills Ski Area. With so much to do, this park has endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Hyland Lake Park Reserve is part of a larger system recognized as the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve. The entire 2,565-acre complex is managed by the City of Bloomington and Three Rivers Park District.

CMX Cinemas

CMX Cinemas

CMX Cinemas is the eighth largest movie theatre chain in the United States. This is not your typical movie theatre, it's a redefined cinema experience for the whole family! CMX Market, a new and innovative concept developed by CMX Cinemas, combines a luxury movie-going experience with refined CMX Market self-serve culinary and beverage selections. The Market concept is inspired by the popular and fashionable food hall concepts and eateries that will allow foodies to experience a wide selection of delicious food.

XD Ride

XD Ride

XD Ride brings the thrill of a roller coaster and the interactive simulation of a video game right to you to create an exhilarating experience for the whole family. Come try it out to fend off the enemy attack and compete for the high score to beat your family and friends.

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