Bloomington, MN

Travel Guide

Nickelodeon Universe which includes rides as well as a family
Nickelodeon Universe featuring signage and rides
Nickelodeon Universe featuring rides and signage
Nickelodeon Universe featuring rides, interior views and a bay or harbor
Nickelodeon Universe showing rides as well as a couple

Many have heard of the Mall of America. Whether you’re shopping or sightseeing, visit this exciting mall and the wonderful city where it resides.

As a destination or a stop along the way, Bloomington offers a range of fun, charming and educational attractions. Be dazzled by the neon lights of the Amazing Mirror Maze. Have a laugh and a beer at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy. Enjoy natural bliss at Hyland Lake Park Reserve or the Minnesota Valley Natural Wildlife Refuge.

Bloomington is perhaps best known for its giant Mall of America. With more than 400 stores spanning several floors, the mall is a great place to eat, shop and stroll in the city.

Bring your family or friends to one of several notable amusement parks at the Mall of America. Two favorite attractions are the Lego Imagination Center and Nickelodeon Universe, located next to each other. If it’s a hot day, bring a bathing suit and escape to Water Park of America, about a mile away.

One of the most pleasant surprises in Bloomington is the Normandale Japanese Garden. Belonging to Normandale Community College, this garden is an authentic Asian-style assembly of trees, topiary, walkways and red railing bridges. Be alone with your thoughts on a peaceful walk through this beautiful scenery. Enjoy a conversation over the sound of a light waterfall flowing out into a gentle stream.

Visitors agree that the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is worth the price of entry. Spend time in the company of schools of fish, sea predators, majestic turtles and glowing jellyfish. Stroll through an underground tunnel where eclectic foreign creatures roam. Learn about the richness of marine life and get a photo next to a happy clam.

Fly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and drive around 9 miles (14 kilometers) southwest to reach Bloomington. Follow up your Bloomington trip with a visit to Minneapolis, a city that draws tourists from all parts of the world.

Where to stay in Bloomington

Nickelodeon Universe which includes rides as well as a family

East Bloomington

4/5(1,932 area reviews)

While you're in East Bloomington, take in top sights like Mall of America or Lego Imagination Center, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Mall of America Station or 28th Avenue Station.

East Bloomington
Nickelodeon Universe which includes rides as well as a family

South Loop

While you're in South Loop, take in top sights like Mall of America or Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, and hop on the metro to see more the city at 28th Avenue Station or Mall of America Station.

South Loop
Bush Lake in Bloomington on a warm spring evening. Nice beach and bike paths nearby. www.bradleyhanson.com

West Bloomington

4/5(799 area reviews)

While visiting West Bloomington, you might make a stop by sights like Bloomington Ice Gardens and Normandale Japanese Garden.

West Bloomington
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
3.5 out of 5
1601 East American Blvd, Bloomington, MN
$97 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$112 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,966 reviews)
"good service and good area"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Airport Mall of America
Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America
Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America
3 out of 5
1901 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$88 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$103 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,903 reviews)
"The property is close to the mall. I didn't like that there s no early check in especially with people with disabilities or had been driving for 4 hours"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Wyndham Bloomington - Mall of America
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mall of America - MSP Airport by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mall of America - MSP Airport by IHG
2.5 out of 5
7801 12TH Ave S, Bloomington, MN
$114 nightly
The price is $132 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$132 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bloomington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,492 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mall of America - MSP Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
2.5 out of 5
975 Weir Ave., Woodbury, MN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Woodbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
5.6/10 (460 reviews)
"Overall a nice stay. Property could definitely use some updating but not a bad place to stay. Staff was all nice and helpful when needed. Breakfast left a little to be desired but ok for an extended stay hotel."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Extended Stay America Suites - St Paul - Woodbury
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy North Loop Green Apartments North Loop
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy North Loop Green Apartments North Loop
3.5 out of 5
360 North 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (209 reviews)
"My husband and I had a wonderful stay here. We were in Minneapolis for his conference. Our room was beautiful clean, modern and spacious. It was so nice to stay at this apartment style hotel with a full kitchen. It’s right across the street from a light rail station. The blue line train took us from ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy North Loop Green Apartments North Loop
Extended Stay America Suites - Minneapolis - Airport - Mendota Heights
Extended Stay America Suites - Minneapolis - Airport - Mendota Heights
2.5 out of 5
1432 Northland Drive, Mendota Heights, MN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Mendota Heights. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
6.4/10 (337 reviews)
"the hotel was clean and check in easy easy. Our lamp kept flicking off and on and the TV kept saying no signal for both items were not usable."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Extended Stay America Suites - Minneapolis - Airport - Mendota Heights
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Bloomington

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1299
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
1861
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
524
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
34
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
28
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

was only in town for about 6 hours.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

i'm sure it would be very convienent for several venues, under different circumstances.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Too many businesses, not enough green space. 35W intersection w/494, always a mess.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Since nothing was open, it was hard to find something to do. I have always liked Bloomington

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Room was clean, spacious and it became my home away from home. Staff was excellent and polite. Due to the COVID-19 issue, they suspended breakfast and the eatery/bar inside the lobby which I was bummed about. But other than that, no true complaints.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great area and location for sure. Everything you might want and need is close by.

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