Bloomington is a city in Hennepin County in the US state of Minnesota. Located south of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, it is the most populous suburb of the Twin Cities and the fifth largest city in Minnesota. The US The Census Bureau recorded a population of 89,987 as of the 2020 census.
Mall of America
The Mall of America (MOA), opened in 1992, stands
as Bloomington's crown jewel and the largest shopping and entertainment
complex in North America, spanning over 5.6 million square feet. Built
on the former site of Metropolitan Stadium, it attracts more than 40
million visitors annually, rivaling the population of Canada. The mall
features over 520 stores, ranging from luxury brands like Gucci and
Nordstrom to unique boutiques, and more than 50 dining options,
including themed restaurants and food courts. Beyond shopping, it's a
hub for family entertainment with no sales tax on clothing and shoes,
making it a shopper's paradise. Key highlights include the Crayola
Experience, where visitors can create custom crayons and engage in art
activities; FlyOver America, a flight simulation ride offering virtual
tours over U.S. landmarks; and the Museum of Illusions, featuring
mind-bending optical exhibits and interactive puzzles. The mall's
central atrium houses lush greenery and hosts events like fashion shows
and celebrity appearances. It's easily accessible near the
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, with free parking for over
12,000 vehicles and connected to light rail.
Nickelodeon Universe
Nestled at the heart of the Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe is the
largest indoor theme park in the United States, covering seven acres
with over 25 rides and attractions inspired by Nickelodeon characters
like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and PAW
Patrol. Opened in 2008 (rebranded from Camp Snoopy), it offers thrills
for all ages: adrenaline-pumping roller coasters such as the Fairly Odd
Coaster with its twists and drops, gentle rides like the Carousel, and
interactive zones including the Dutchman's Deck Adventure Course with
ropes and zip lines. The park's climate-controlled environment ensures
year-round operation, with no admission fee—visitors pay per ride or opt
for unlimited wristbands (around $40-50). It also features character
meet-and-greets, live shows, and themed dining. During holidays, special
events like Halloween fright nights or winter light displays enhance the
experience. With its vibrant colors and constant energy, it's a
must-visit for families, drawing millions yearly.
SEA LIFE
Minnesota Aquarium
Located within the Mall of America, SEA LIFE
Minnesota Aquarium provides an underwater journey through over 1.3
million gallons of water, showcasing more than 10,000 sea creatures
across themed exhibits. Opened in 1996, it features a 300-foot ocean
tunnel where visitors walk surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish
gliding overhead. Highlights include the Shark Discovery exhibit with
sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks, interactive touch pools for handling
starfish and anemones, and conservation-focused displays on local
Minnesota waterways. Educational programs cover marine biology and
environmental protection, with behind-the-scenes tours available.
Admission is around $25 for adults, with combo tickets for other MOA
attractions. It's particularly engaging for children, offering scavenger
hunts and feeding demonstrations. The aquarium emphasizes
sustainability, partnering with organizations to protect endangered
species like sea turtles.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife
Refuge
Spanning 14,000 acres along the Minnesota River, the Minnesota
Valley National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1976, is a vast urban
oasis for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. It's home to
over 226 bird species, including bald eagles and great blue herons, as
well as mammals like deer, foxes, and otters. The refuge offers 20 miles
of hiking and biking trails, such as the Bluff Trail with river
overlooks and the Long Meadow Lake Trail for birdwatching. Fishing,
canoeing, and seasonal hunting are permitted in designated areas. The
Visitor Center in Bloomington features exhibits on local ecology, a
nature store, and educational programs like guided nature walks. Entry
is free, making it accessible for all. In winter, trails transform for
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. As one of the few national
wildlife refuges in a major metro area, it provides a serene escape
while promoting habitat restoration.
Normandale Japanese Garden
Tucked on the campus of Normandale Community College, the two-acre
Normandale Japanese Garden, created in 1972 as a gift from the Japanese
government, embodies traditional Zen principles with meticulously
landscaped elements symbolizing harmony and tranquility. Features
include a koi pond with a red arched bridge (taikobashi), stone
lanterns, a waterfall, and bonsai trees amid manicured shrubs and gravel
paths. The garden represents a "stroll garden" style, encouraging
visitors to wander and reflect. It's open daily from dawn to dusk, free
of charge, and hosts events like tea ceremonies and seasonal festivals,
especially during cherry blossom season in spring or fall foliage
viewing. Maintained by volunteers and college staff, it serves as an
educational space for horticulture students and a peaceful retreat for
the community, blending cultural heritage with natural beauty.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Part of the Three Rivers Park District,
Hyland Lake Park Reserve covers 1,000 acres and offers year-round
outdoor activities centered around its 84-acre lake. Established in the
1960s, it features 8 miles of paved trails for hiking and biking in
summer, transitioning to groomed cross-country ski trails in winter
(with rentals available). The reserve includes a downhill ski area with
slopes for all levels, a terrain park for snowboarders, and a chalet for
warming up. Other amenities: fishing piers, boat launches, picnic areas,
and a nature center with exhibits on local flora and fauna. Wildlife
spotting includes turtles, waterfowl, and prairie species in restored
habitats. Admission is free, though fees apply for skiing (day passes
around $20). It's a popular spot for families, with playgrounds and disc
golf, providing a mix of adventure and relaxation in a suburban setting.
Other Notable Sights
Bloomington boasts additional gems like The
Works Museum, an interactive STEM-focused venue with hands-on exhibits
on engineering and invention, ideal for kids (admission ~$10). The
Bloomington Center for the Arts houses galleries, theaters, and classes,
showcasing local talent through exhibits and performances. For history
buffs, the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, a restored 1920s structure, offers
pedestrian paths over the Minnesota River with scenic views. The Salt
Cave provides wellness experiences with halotherapy sessions in a
Himalayan salt environment. Nearby Minnehaha Falls, though in
Minneapolis, is often paired with Bloomington visits for its 53-foot
waterfall and park trails. These sights highlight Bloomington's blend of
urban excitement, natural beauty, and cultural depth, making it a
versatile destination.
Bloomington, Minnesota, is a suburb located about 10 miles south of
downtown Minneapolis, directly adjacent to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul
International Airport (MSP). It's easily accessible via major highways,
public transit, and air travel, making it a convenient destination,
especially for visitors heading to attractions like the Mall of America
(MOA). The primary interstates serving the area are I-35W, I-494, and
Highway 77.
By Air
The most straightforward way to reach
Bloomington is by flying into Minneapolis-Saint Paul International
Airport (MSP), which borders the city and is just minutes from central
Bloomington and about 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul.
MSP is a major hub served by numerous airlines, including Delta (its
primary hub), American, United, Southwest, and international carriers
like Air Canada and Icelandair. Direct flights are available from most
major U.S. cities and select international destinations.
From the
Airport to Bloomington: Many hotels offer free shuttles to and from MSP
and the Mall of America. Alternatively, take a taxi (fares start at
around $2.30 minimum, plus $1.75 for the first 1/6 mile and $1.30 per
additional mile), rideshare like Uber or Lyft (Lyft is the official
partner at MOA), or the METRO Blue Line light rail, which has five
stations at the airport and connects directly to Bloomington and MOA in
about 15 minutes. For layovers of at least three hours, this light rail
option is ideal for a quick trip to MOA.
Check mspairport.com for
flight schedules, terminal maps, and real-time updates.
By Car
Bloomington is well-connected by interstates, with free parking widely
available, including at MOA and most hotels. Car rentals are offered at
MSP by companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise. Use apps like Google
Maps, MapQuest, or Waze for real-time directions and traffic.
Key
approaches:
From the north (e.g., Minneapolis): Take I-35W south
to I-494 east.
From the east (e.g., St. Paul): Take I-35E south to
I-494 west.
From the south (e.g., Iowa): Take I-35 north to I-494
east.
From the west (e.g., South Dakota): Take I-94 east to I-494
south.
By Train
Amtrak provides long-distance rail service to
the Twin Cities area, but there is no direct train station in
Bloomington. The nearest Amtrak station is at Union Depot in St. Paul
(240 Kellogg Blvd E, St. Paul, MN 55101), about 20 minutes from
Bloomington by car or rideshare. Major routes include the Empire Builder
from Chicago to Seattle/Portland, with daily service.
From St.
Paul to Bloomington: Take a taxi, Uber/Lyft (about $20-30), or public
transit: Walk or bus to Downtown East station, then transfer to the
METRO Blue Line light rail southbound to MOA or other Bloomington stops.
The light rail ride takes about 40-50 minutes total from Union Depot.
For schedules and tickets, visit amtrak.com or call 800-872-7245.
Note: Local light rail (METRO Blue Line) is not Amtrak but excellent for
intra-metro travel—see below.
By Bus
Several bus options serve
Bloomington, including intercity and local services.
Intercity
Buses: Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Trailways offer routes to nearby
Minneapolis or St. Paul terminals, from which you can connect via local
transit. For example, from Chicago, buses take about 8-10 hours. Check
CheckMyBus or Trailways for schedules and fares.
Local Buses: Metro
Transit operates extensive routes, including the METRO D Line (from
Brooklyn Center through Minneapolis, Richfield, to MOA in Bloomington)
and the METRO Orange Line (rapid bus from downtown Minneapolis to
Burnsville, with stops in Bloomington). Fares start at $2-2.50; use the
Metro Transit app or website (metrotransit.org) for planning. Metro
Micro offers on-demand, shared-ride minibuses in the Bloomington area
for door-to-door service.
By Light Rail (Local Public Transit)
The METRO Blue Line is a key option for getting around the Twin Cities
and into Bloomington. It runs from downtown Minneapolis (Target Field)
to MOA, with stops at MSP Airport and in Bloomington (e.g., American
Boulevard, 28th Avenue). The METRO Green Line connects St. Paul to
Minneapolis, where you can transfer to the Blue Line at Downtown East
station. Rides take 30-45 minutes from downtown Minneapolis to MOA, with
frequent service. Fares are $2-2.50; plan trips via metrotransit.org or
apps like Moovit.
Indigenous and Pre-Settlement Era
The land now known as
Bloomington, Minnesota, has been inhabited by Indigenous Peoples for
thousands of years, primarily the Dakota (Sioux) people, who refer to
the region as Mni Sota Makoce, meaning "land where the waters reflect
the clouds." The area along the Minnesota River served as a vital
corridor for travel, settlement, trade, and sustenance, with the river
providing resources for fishing, hunting, and agriculture. Prehistoric
Woodland-era Native American mounds, estimated at around 14 sites, dot
the landscape along the river, indicating long-term habitation and
ceremonial practices dating back centuries. Occasional European
explorers and fur traders passed through via the river, but significant
interaction began in the early 19th century. The establishment of nearby
Fort Snelling in the 1820s at the confluence of the Minnesota and
Mississippi Rivers marked the first major European presence, initially
for military and trade purposes. Missionaries soon followed, aiming to
convert resident Native Americans.
The mid-19th century brought
tension and displacement. The US-Dakota War of 1862, sparked by broken
treaties, starvation, and land encroachments, had ripple effects in the
area, though Bloomington itself was not a primary battle site. Following
the war, many Dakota were forcibly removed from Minnesota, and lands
were opened to European settlement through treaties like the 1851 Treaty
of Traverse des Sioux, which ceded much of southern Minnesota to the
U.S. government. This period marked a tragic shift, with Indigenous
populations declining due to disease, conflict, and relocation policies.
Early European Settlement (1840s–1850s)
European settlement in
Bloomington began in earnest in the early 1840s, with the first settlers
of European descent arriving near the Minnesota River. These pioneers,
often from the eastern U.S. or Europe, established small farms and
maintained relatively peaceful relations with the remaining Dakota,
exchanging knowledge—Europeans taught farming techniques, while Dakota
shared hunting skills. The area was initially part of Hennepin County
and was attractive due to its fertile soil and proximity to the growing
cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. By 1851, settlers named the
community after their hometown of Bloomington, Illinois. The first
schoolhouse was built in 1855, signaling community growth. Settlement
accelerated after Minnesota Territory was organized, with families like
the Gideons and Ponds (missionary brothers who arrived in the 1830s to
work with the Dakota) playing key roles in early development.
In the
1850s, the land transitioned to agricultural uses, with farms producing
crops for nearby urban markets. The population remained small and rural,
focused on subsistence and trade along the river.
Establishment
and Agricultural Period (1858–1950s)
On May 11, 1858—the same day
Minnesota achieved statehood—the Town of Bloomington was officially
organized during its first town meeting, with a modest community budget
of $100 per month. For nearly a century, Bloomington remained a quiet
agricultural township, raising produce like corn, wheat, and vegetables
to supply Minneapolis and St. Paul. The population grew slowly: from a
few hundred in the late 1800s to over 1,000 by 1900, reaching about
2,500 by 1930 and 3,500 by 1940. Early infrastructure included six
public schools by the early 1900s, enrolling at least 200 students,
making it one of the larger southern metro areas educationally.
The
early 20th century saw gradual modernization. In 1913, a local Ford
franchise introduced automobiles, improving connectivity via newly
developed roads. The Great Depression and World War II affected the
area, but farming persisted as the economic backbone. Postwar, the
volunteer fire department was established in 1947 with 25 members, and
the police department followed in 1953 with just three officers. The
first traffic signal was installed that year at 98th Street and Lyndale
Avenue. Parks began to emerge, with Bush Lake Beach and Moir Park
created in 1954. By 1950, the population stood at 9,900, still
predominantly rural with working farms dotting the landscape.
Post-World War II Boom (1950s–1970s)
The 1950s transformed
Bloomington into a classic American "boom town." Fueled by postwar
suburbanization, highway construction (including Interstates 35W and
494), and proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the
population exploded from 9,900 in 1950 to 50,500 by 1960. In 1960,
voters approved transitioning from a village to a city. This era saw
rapid infrastructure development: schools enrollment surged from 700 in
1945 to a peak of 26,000 in 1971; over 80 local businesses operated by
the mid-1950s; and two high schools were built to accommodate growth.
The city's slogan became "All the Businesses That Will Fit," reflecting
its commercial expansion.
A landmark event was the opening of the
$8.5 million Metropolitan Stadium ("The Met") in 1956, which became home
to the Minnesota Twins (baseball) and Vikings (football) starting in
1961. The stadium hosted major events, including the Beatles' 1965
concert, and symbolized Bloomington's rise as a sports hub. The 1960s
continued the boom, with amenities like parks, fire stations (now six),
and a police force growing to meet demands. Almost a third of the city
was preserved for conservation along the Minnesota River, including the
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. By the 1970s, Bloomington had
evolved from farms to suburbs, with a population exceeding 81,000.
Modern Era and Economic Transformation (1980s–Present)
The 1980s
marked a shift from sports to tourism and commerce. In 1982, the Twins
and Vikings moved to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis,
leading to the demolition of Metropolitan Stadium in 1985. The site was
redeveloped into the Mall of America (MOA), which opened in 1992 as the
largest shopping center in the U.S., spanning over 2.5 million square
feet with more than 500 stores, attractions like Nickelodeon Universe,
and drawing over 40 million visitors annually. This pivot made
hospitality Bloomington's top industry, with over 9,700 hotel rooms—more
than Minneapolis and St. Paul combined—and nearly 50 hotels today.
The city's economy diversified, becoming a headquarters hub for
companies like Toro (lawn equipment), Donaldson (filtration),
HealthPartners (healthcare), and Ceridian (HR software). Bloomington now
has more jobs per capita than its neighboring cities, with a workforce
of 84,000 and a population of nearly 90,000 as of recent estimates. Its
central location, excellent transit (including Blue Line light rail, bus
rapid transit, and the busiest transit station in Minnesota), and
proximity to the airport have solidified its role as an economic engine
for the state.
Preservation efforts have maintained natural areas,
with 97 parks, 45 playgrounds, two golf courses, and facilities like the
Bloomington Ice Garden and Center for the Arts. The city celebrated its
150th anniversary in 2008 and holds triple-A bond ratings from all three
major agencies, the only in Minnesota, indicating strong fiscal health.
Recent focus includes creative placemaking, public art, vibrant
neighborhoods, and sustainable growth with new housing to support the
workforce. Bloomington remains a dynamic urban center, blending its
rural roots with modern tourism, industry, and recreation.
Bloomington is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, located on the north bank of the Minnesota River above its confluence with the Mississippi River. It lies approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Minneapolis and is part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, just south of the Interstate 494/694 Beltway. The city borders Richfield to the north, Eden Prairie to the west, Savage and Burnsville to the south across the Minnesota River, and Edina and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to the east. Bloomington's coordinates are 44°50′26.87″N 93°17′53.81″W, and it serves as a major suburban hub known for attractions like the Mall of America. The total area is 38.395 square miles (99.443 km²), with 34.699 square miles (89.869 km²) land and 3.697 square miles (9.574 km²) water, comprising about 9.73% water.
Bloomington's topography is shaped by glacial activity from the Wisconsin Glacier over 10,000 years ago, resulting in three primary landscape units: highlands, outwash plain, and river valley. The highlands are concentrated in the northwest and western portions, featuring elevated terrain from glacial deposits. The outwash plain covers the majority of central and eastern Bloomington, consisting of glacial outwash deposits like sand and gravel, forming relatively flat areas. The river valley includes lands adjacent to the Minnesota River in the far south, with floodplain characteristics and lower elevations. The city's average elevation is 827 feet (252 m), with variations across these units—higher in the highlands and lower in the valley. Surface drainage patterns stem from these topographic variations, with steeper slopes (over 12%) along the Minnesota River and Nine Mile Creek corridors, prone to erosion and regulated by local ordinances to limit development. Urbanization has modified natural contours, creating more defined drainage and increasing runoff potential. The northeastern area is a sand plain, while low hills dominate the west.
Bloomington is rich in water features, with the Minnesota River forming its southern boundary and influencing much of its hydrography. The city crosses four major watersheds: Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek, Nine Mile Creek, Lower Minnesota River, and Richfield-Bloomington. Key streams include Nine Mile Creek (flowing through the east and impaired by chloride, fecal coliform, and turbidity) and Purgatory Creek (impaired by nutrients). Notable lakes and ponds include Bush Lake, Long Meadow Lake, Lake Normandale, Marsh Lake, Penn Lake, Hyland Lake, Anderson Lake, Smith Pond, Oxboro Lake, and Colorado Pond, plus about 100 smaller lakes, ponds, and wetlands. These support diverse habitats but face impairments like mercury and nutrients. Floodplains are delineated along the Minnesota River and creeks, with 100-year flood models guiding management. Wetlands, classified as freshwater emergent, forested/shrub, ponds, and riverine, are protected under city plans, with priority for preservation and restoration. The city's water resources are managed by entities like the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District (NMCWD), Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD), and Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD), focusing on stormwater, erosion control, and ecological health.
Bloomington experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), with warm, wet summers; freezing, snowy, windy winters; and partly cloudy conditions year-round. Temperatures typically range from 7°F (-14°C) to 83°F (28°C), rarely dropping below -15°F (-26°C) or exceeding 91°F (33°C). Annual precipitation averages about 29.41 inches (746 mm), distributed fairly evenly but peaking in summer months. Snowfall is significant, with winters bringing cold snaps and occasional blizzards. The climate supports four distinct seasons, with spring and fall as transitional periods featuring variable weather.
About one-third of Bloomington's land is dedicated to parks and natural areas, preserving ecosystems shaped by its glacial history and water features. Key sites include the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge along the river, offering riverine marshes, trails, and habitats for fish and wildlife; Hyland Lake Park Reserve in the west, with lakes and forested areas; and corridors along Nine Mile Creek and the Anderson/Bush/Hyland Lakes complex. Soils vary by hydrologic groups, influencing infiltration and runoff, with urban development covering much of the natural soil. Wetlands and lakes support biodiversity, including stocked fish species like bluegill, black crappie, and walleye. The city identifies wildlife corridors and monitors wetland health, with rare or endangered species noted in natural heritage databases. These features provide recreational opportunities while facing challenges from impairments and urbanization.
As of the 2010 census, 82,893 people lived in 35,905 households in
Bloomington. The population density was 904 people per square kilometer.
Statistically, 2.28 people lived in each of the 35,905 households.
The racial makeup of the population was 79.7 percent White, 7.2
percent African American, 0.4 percent Native American, 5.9 percent
Asian, 0.1 percent Polynesian, and 3.7 percent from other races; 3.1
percent descended from two or more ethnic groups. Regardless of
ethnicity, 6.8 percent of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
19.7 percent of the population was under 18 years old, 61.9 percent were
between 18 and 64 and 18.4 percent were 65 years or older. 51.6 percent
of the population was female.
The median annual household income
was $60,150. Per capita income was $35,732. 8.5 percent of the residents
lived below the poverty line.
Bloomington is primarily known for the Mall of America, the second
largest shopping center with the most stores (over 500) in the United
States. In 2006, the Water Park of America opened not far from the mall.
According to its own statements, this is the largest indoor water park
in the United States.
The city has a partnership with Izumi,
Osaka, Japan.
Important road routes include Interstate 35-W, which traverses the
city in a north-south direction and provides a direct connection to the
Twin Cities, and Interstate 494, which runs north in a west-east
direction and is a feeder to the Interstate 94 is.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport is an international airport just
northeast of the city. The Blue Line light rail begins at the Mall of
America and connects Bloomington to the airport and the city of
Minneapolis.
Pete Docter (born 1968), film director, screenwriter and animator
Kevin Lynch (born 1968), basketball player
Tom Pederson (born 1970),
ice hockey player
Dan Trebil (born 1974), ice hockey player
Mike
Crowley (born 1975), ice hockey player
Mark Parrish (born 1977), ice
hockey player
Ben Clymer (born 1978), ice hockey player
Bryan
Schmidt (born 1981), ice hockey player
Brian Olsen (born 1983),
biathlete
Ryan Stoa (born 1987), ice hockey player
Mod Sun (born
1987), rapper
Erik Johnson (born 1988), ice hockey player
Peter
Mueller (born 1988), ice hockey player