Bloomington, Minnesota City
City in Minnesota, home to Mall of America
Beyond the interstate strip, Bloomington draws crowds to the Mall of America with its indoor theme park and shops, while families use the city for easy access to the Twin Cities, Minnesota Zoo and airport connections.
PlacesNeighbourhoods and where to base yourself
Neighbourhoods of Bloomington, Minnesota#
- Mall of America: Massive tourist hub for shopping, dining and family entertainment; ideal base for crowd-tolerant visitors and families.
Dining: Diverse Nightlife: Lively Shopping: Malls Stays: Mid-Range- Mall of America: Huge indoor shopping and entertainment complex with many stores and restaurants.
- Nickelodeon Universe: Indoor theme park located in the mall, perfect for families with children.
- SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium: Aquarium attraction next to the mall for marine exhibits and family visits.
- Old Downtown: Low-key, local downtown with diners and shops; suitable base for relaxed, local stays.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Boutiques Stays: Budget- Old downtown streets: Street of bakeries, diners and independent shops for casual meals and shopping.
- Community parks: Green parks where locals walk dogs and picnic.
- Neighborhood restaurants: Casual restaurants serving Midwestern comfort food for local meals.
- Minnesota Riverfront & Parks: Riverfront parkland and wildlife refuge; ideal base for hiking and birdwatching.
Dining: Picnic Nightlife: None Shopping: Limited Stays: Mixed- Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Visitor Center): Visitor centre with trails and wildlife viewing near the city.
- Hyland Lake Park Reserve: Park reserve with trails, sledding hills and outdoor recreation.
- Riverfront trails: Scenic riverside trails for walking and cycling along the Minnesota River.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Bloomington, Minnesota at a Glance#
Costs: $100-180 per day (moderate to pricey) - suburban Twin Cities prices vary; Mall area hotels skew higher.
Safety: Mostly safe, family-oriented - generally safe, family-friendly suburbs; exercise usual city caution late night.
Best Time: May-September - warm months for parks and outdoor attractions; avoid cold winters unless you like snow sports.
Bloomington is a Minneapolis suburb best known for the Mall of America and family-friendly attractions. It mixes big‑box convenience with parks, trails and easy access to MSP airport and Twin Cities culture.
Getting around: Use Metro Transit buses and the Blue Line light rail to reach Mall of America; Uber/Lyft reliable. Rental car useful for Minnehaha and suburban parks.
Infrastructure & convenience: Excellent convenience around Mall of America-stores, entertainment and Skyway access. MSP airport nearby with direct Blue Line link; suburban streets require a car.
Local tips: Bundle for winters and bring bug spray in summer. Tip servers (15-20%). Expect friendly Midwestern manners and busy parking around Mall of America on weekends.
Dining: Mall of America restaurants offer variety; local pubs near Old Shakopee Road serve Juicy Lucy burgers and walleye. Vegetarians find good options at chains.
Why Visit Bloomington, Minnesota?#
Mostly known as home to the Mall of America, this Twin Cities suburb is a major draw for shoppers and family travelers seeking big indoor attractions. Nickelodeon Universe and SEA LIFE Aquarium inside the mall offer year-round entertainment, while the nearby Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge provides unexpected wetlands and trails. Combine high-energy retail and amusements with accessible outdoor recreation for a varied short-stay experience.
Who's Bloomington, Minnesota For?#
Bloomington’s Mall of America is a family magnet - Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE and dozens of kid-focused attractions keep children busy for days. Family hotels and restaurants cluster around the mall for easy logistics.
With MSP airport nearby and a large hotel corridor around the Mall of America, Bloomington is convenient for business travel and regional meetings. Good airport links and corporate-friendly venues simplify conferences and transfers.
Upscale hotels near the Mall and canal-side dining along downtown Carroll areas offer easy romantic nights. Couples can combine a spa stay with theater or dining near Bloomington’s hotel strip.
The Mall of America and surrounding neighborhoods host a wide range of cuisines, plus a growing craft-brewery scene nearby. Expect international options, casual gastropubs and approachable farm-to-table spots within a short drive.
Plan Your Visit to Bloomington, Minnesota#
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
Best Things to Do in Bloomington, Minnesota#
Bloomington, Minnesota Bucket List#
Mall of America - Huge shopping and entertainment complex with hundreds of stores, restaurants, and attractions.
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium - Massive aquarium inside Mall of America featuring local and tropical marine life exhibits.
Nickelodeon Universe - Indoor theme park hosting roller coasters, family rides, and character meet-and-greets.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Long Meadow Lake Unit) - Expansive refuge with trails and wetlands, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful walks.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve - Three Rivers park with mountain-bike trails, cross‑country skiing, and extensive trail network.
Old Cedar Avenue Bridge (Historic Cedar Avenue Bridge) - Former highway bridge converted to pedestrian span overlooking the Minnesota River gorge.
Bloomington History Center - Small museum preserving local artifacts, historic homes, and Bloomington community stories.
Bloomington Center for the Arts - Community theater and gallery presenting plays, concerts, and rotating local exhibitions.
Normandale Lake Park - Calm lake with looping trails, boardwalk wetlands, and frequent birdlife sightings.
Minnehaha Falls Park (Minneapolis) - Popular urban park featuring a 53-foot waterfall and paved riverwalk trails.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (Saint Paul) - Free zoo and Victorian conservatory with seasonal gardens and family-friendly exhibits.
Stillwater (Historic downtown and St. Croix Riverfront) - Charming riverside town with antique shops, riverboat cruises, and scenic St. Croix views.
Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls) - Unique glacial potholes, rock cliffs, and Saint Croix kayaking opportunities nearby.
Duluth (Canal Park and Lake Superior waterfront) - Lake Superior waterfront city with Canal Park, lakefront walks, and maritime museums.
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
Best Time to Visit Bloomington, Minnesota#
Best time to visit Bloomington is late spring through early fall (roughly May-September) when days are warm, long, and perfect for outdoor activities. Winters are very cold and snowy - good for winter sports and holiday events if you don’t mind subzero temperatures.
November - March
-20°C to 5°C (-4°F to 41°F)
Bitterly cold and snowy; excellent if you enjoy winter sports and holiday lights but dress for subzero wind chills and frequent snowplows.
March - May & September - November
-5°C to 22°C (23°F to 72°F)
Unpredictable but pleasant: muddy, blooming or crisp foliage depending on month - great for quieter trails, birding at the refuge, and avoiding peak tourist crowds.
June - August
15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
Warm, humid, and sunny - ideal for biking the river trails, lake swimming, outdoor festivals, and exploring the Mall of America without freezing coats.
Bloomington, Minnesota's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (756 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -16° - -6° | -17° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| February | Poor | -12° - -2° | -12° | 18 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 3.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | -5° - 5° | -4° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 15° | 6° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 4.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 9° - 22° | 16° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.6h |
| June | Very Good | 14° - 27° | 21° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Excellent | 17° - 29° | 23° | 105 mm | some cloud | 70% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.0h |
| August | Very Good | 16° - 28° | 22° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 2.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 10° - 22° | 16° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 4° - 16° | 8° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Acceptable | -4° - 5° | -4° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -3° | -13° | 25 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
How to Get to Bloomington, Minnesota#
Bloomington is best reached via Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), with direct light rail service into the city and to the Mall of America. Amtrak serves the region at St. Paul-Midway; intercity buses call at downtown Minneapolis, and local transit or rideshares handle the last leg into Bloomington.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): MSP is the main gateway for Bloomington and the Twin Cities. The METRO Blue Line light rail connects MSP Terminal 1 (Terminal 1-Lindbergh Station) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey Station) with Mall of America and downtown Minneapolis - one-way local fare is $2.00; Terminal 1 to Mall of America is about 8-10 minutes and to downtown Minneapolis about 22-30 minutes by rail. Taxis and rideshares from MSP to central Bloomington (Mall of America area) typically run roughly $10-25 depending on traffic; car rental counters are in the terminal if you prefer to drive.
St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP): STP (Saint Paul Downtown Airport) primarily handles general aviation and charters rather than scheduled commercial flights. If you arrive here you’ll usually transfer to MSP or take a taxi/rideshare into Bloomington-expect roughly 15-25 minutes by car to the Mall of America depending on traffic, with fares around $25-45.
Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves the Twin Cities at the St. Paul-Midway station (commonly called Midway). From Midway you can connect to Bloomington by Metro Transit buses (local fare $2.00) or by taxi/rideshare; travel times to the Mall of America are typically in the 20-35 minute range depending on connection and traffic, and a direct rideshare will usually cost approximately $20-40.
Bus: Intercity buses (Greyhound and Jefferson Lines) operate to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, with downtown stops and terminals serving the region. From downtown Minneapolis or the bus terminal you can reach Bloomington and Mall of America by the METRO Blue Line light rail ($2.00, ~20-30 minutes from downtown) or by local buses and rideshares (bus fares $2.00, rideshare $10-35 depending on distance and demand).
How to Get Around Bloomington, Minnesota#
Bloomington is easiest to navigate with a combination of the METRO Blue Line for airport and downtown connections and rideshare or a rental car for suburban destinations. Use the Blue Line for reliable, inexpensive airport-to-Mall-of-America and downtown travel; for door-to-door convenience or late-night journeys, rideshares and taxis are the practical choice.
- METRO Blue Line (Light Rail) ($2.00) - The Blue Line links MSP Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with Mall of America and downtown Minneapolis. One-way local fare is $2.00; trains run roughly every 10-15 minutes during the day. This is the fastest, most reliable public-transit option between the airport, Mall of America (in Bloomington) and central Minneapolis.
- Metro Transit buses ($2.00) - Local Metro Transit bus routes cover Bloomington neighborhoods, the Mall of America and connections into Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Single rides are the local fare ($2.00); frequencies vary by route and many suburban routes are less frequent outside peak hours. Check schedules on the Metro Transit website or app before travelling - buses are useful for areas the light rail doesn’t reach directly.
- Car rental ($40-100/day) - Renting a car from MSP is a good option if you plan to explore suburbs, state parks or destinations outside the core transit corridors. Daily rental rates vary widely by season and vendor; expect roughly $40-100 USD per day. Parking in Bloomington (including at the Mall of America) is plentiful but often paid for special events or long-term stays.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) & Taxi ($10-35) - Rideshare and taxis provide convenient, door-to-door service across Bloomington and to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Typical short trips within Bloomington or to Mall of America are commonly $10-35; airport pickups have designated zones at MSP (follow signs to rideshare/taxi pickup). They’re the quickest option late at night or when public transit connections are sparse.
- Biking & e-scooters ($2-8 per trip) - Biking is practical for short trips around parts of Bloomington (particularly near the Mall of America and the riverfront trails), and e-scooters are often available seasonally. Expect utility for last-mile trips and short errands; helmet use is recommended and bike lanes are increasingly common but patchy in some suburban areas. Check local operators and parking rules before you ride.
- Walking - Walking is pleasant and practical around concentrated areas such as the Mall of America, the Normandale Lake area and some commercial corridors. Distances between major suburban destinations can be long, so walking is best for short, local trips or exploring parks and retail areas on foot.
Where to StayThe best areas to base yourself
Where to Stay in Bloomington, Minnesota#
Mall of America / East Bloomington - $70-140/night
Economical motels and chain hotels near the Mall of America and MSP airport. Practical, functional rooms meant for visitors and transit stays.
Comfort Inn & Suites Bloomington - Budget option near MOA.
Super 8 by Wyndham Bloomington Mall of America - Basic, short walk to Mall of America.
Mall of America / Bloomington - $110-230/night
Many reliable mid-range hotels cluster around Mall of America and the airport, offering good amenities and easy transit connections.
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis - Modern rooms, near Mall.
Radisson Blu Mall of America - Connected to the mall, upscale chain.
Mall of America / Downtown Minneapolis - $180-400/night
For true luxury, downtown Minneapolis offers high-end hotels; in Bloomington, select premium properties provide more polished services and rooms.
The Westin Minneapolis (nearby downtown) - Upscale rooms, spa, dining.
Loews Minneapolis Hotel - Higher-end downtown option.
Mall of America - $110-260/night
Stay near Mall of America for easy transit, restaurants, and attractions. Good for first-timers who want straightforward logistics and airport access.
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis - Simple navigation to transit.
Radisson Blu Mall of America - Direct mall access.
Mall of America - $120-300/night
Many hotels connected to Mall of America offer family rooms, pools, and immediate access to kid-friendly attractions and dining.
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis - Family rooms, close to attractions.
Radisson Blu Mall of America - Connected to Mall; kid-friendly.
Mall of America / Downtown access - $100-260/night
Choose business-friendly hotels near the Mall with strong Wi‑Fi and workspaces; downtown Minneapolis has more co‑working and café options.
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis - Reliable Wi‑Fi, business center.
Radisson Blu Mall of America - Good connectivity, quiet rooms.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Bloomington, Minnesota’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.