Bloomington, Minnesota—located just south of the Twin Cities—is virtually synonymous with its most famous resident: the Mall of America. The largest mall in the United States is home to more than 500 shops—not to mention 50 restaurants, an aquarium, and an entire theme park. Every year, more than 32 million visitors make the pilgrimage to this high temple of retail therapy. But that doesn’t mean shopping is the only thing to do in Bloomington. From nature preserves and river trails to the Bloomington Center for the Arts, Bloomington is a shopper’s paradise (and then some).
The Mall of America excels as a year-round attraction, but summer is still the high season in Bloomington. If you do visit during that peak period, expect larger crowds of fellow shoppers and higher accommodation prices. Alternatively, if you don’t mind frosty temperatures, Bloomington can also double as a winter wonderland. From ice skating to ice fishing, snowy hikes to snowshoeing, there are plenty of delightfully frosty wintertime activities to indulge in here.
Thanks to its location on the outskirts of the Twin Cities, Bloomington is easy to reach—Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is less than 15 minutes away by car. In terms of public transit, the Metro Transit Blue Line links the Twin Cities with the Mall of America, and Metro Transit buses also frequent the area. Taxis and rideshare services offer another flexible way of getting around.
While the Mall of America is vast enough to spend weeks (or months) getting to know, it’d be a mistake not to venture beyond its doors—and into the great outdoors—while you’re in Bloomington. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place for wildlife viewing and offers miles of trails. The Hyland Hills Ski Area offers challenging terrain for winter sports lovers, and the Normandale Japanese Garden is a zen oasis.
