Bloomington, Minnesota: 10 Best Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Bloomington, Minnesota (Hennepin County)

Planning a trip to Bloomington, Minnesota and wondering what to do besides shopping at the famous Mall of America? You’re in the right place. This friendly city in Hennepin County, just south of Minneapolis, is packed with easy day-trip ideas, family activities, and hidden local gems. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or staying nearby for business, here are 10 fun things to do in and around Bloomington, MN that go way beyond the mall.

1. Spend a Day (or Two) at Mall of America

Let’s start with the obvious: the Mall of America. But don’t think of it as just a mall. It’s more like a giant indoor theme park with shopping attached. Inside this huge complex, you’ll find:
  • Nickelodeon Universe – an indoor amusement park with roller coasters and rides in the center of the mall.
  • Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium – walk through an underwater tunnel with sharks and stingrays swimming right over your head.
  • Over 500 stores for every budget and style.
  • Mini golf, escape rooms, virtual reality, and more.
If you’re traveling with kids, you could literally spend a full day here and still feel like you missed something. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the people-watching alone is worth it.

2. Get Outside at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Only a few minutes from the busy mall, you’ll find peaceful walking trails and river views at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Bloomington. Here you can:
  • Hike easy to moderate trails along the Minnesota River.
  • Spot birds, deer, and other wildlife.
  • Check out the free exhibits in the visitor center.
  • Enjoy beautiful fall colors if you’re visiting in September or October.
If you’ve been indoors all day, this place feels like a breath of fresh air. I once went for a “quick walk” here and ended up staying almost three hours just wandering along the river and watching herons hunt for fish.

3. Explore the Rides at Nickelodeon Universe

Yes, it’s inside Mall of America—but Nickelodeon Universe deserves its own spot on the list. This indoor amusement park is a lifesaver on cold Minnesota days or hot, sticky summer afternoons. You’ll find:
  • Thrill rides and roller coasters for teens and adults.
  • Gentle rides and character meet-and-greets for younger kids.
  • Arcade games and carnival-style attractions.
You can buy a ride wristband or just pay per ride. If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the top things to do in Bloomington, Minnesota, especially if you want them to burn off some energy.

4. Visit the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium

Another big draw inside Mall of America is the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium. It’s a great option if you’re looking for indoor activities near Bloomington or if the weather just isn’t cooperating. Highlights include:
  • Walk-through ocean tunnel with sharks, rays, and giant sea turtles.
  • Interactive touch pools where kids can gently touch starfish and sea anemones.
  • Colorful coral reef displays and jellyfish exhibits.
If you like taking photos, the tunnel is amazing—just be patient with the crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.

5. Catch a Game or Event at U.S. Bank Stadium

Bloomington is just a short drive—usually around 15–20 minutes— from downtown Minneapolis, home of U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Minnesota Vikings play. Depending on the season, you can:
  • Watch an NFL game and experience the energy of a Vikings home crowd.
  • Attend concerts, college games, or special events.
  • Take a behind-the-scenes stadium tour on select days.
Even if you’re not a huge football fan, the stadium itself is impressive. The glass roof and massive doors make it feel almost like you’re outside while staying totally protected from the weather—very smart in Minnesota winters.

6. Enjoy the Views at Minnehaha Regional Park & Falls

About 15–20 minutes north of Bloomington, you’ll find one of the Twin Cities’ most loved parks: Minnehaha Regional Park, home of Minnehaha Falls. This city park features:
  • A beautiful 53-foot waterfall you can view from above and below.
  • Paved and dirt trails along Minnehaha Creek and down to the Mississippi River.
  • Picnic spots, playgrounds, and open green space.
  • Seasonal food stands and the historic Sea Salt Eatery.
It’s one of those places where you forget you’re in the middle of a metro area. If you like photography or just want a peaceful walk, add this to your list of things to do near Bloomington.

7. Tour the Minneapolis Institute of Art

If you’re in the mood for culture, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (often called “Mia”) is a short drive from Bloomington and has free general admission. Inside, you’ll find:
  • More than 80,000 works of art from around the world.
  • Everything from ancient artifacts to modern paintings.
  • Rotating special exhibits (some ticketed).
It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here, but you can also do a quick “highlights” visit if you’re short on time. If you’ve been bouncing between kid attractions and shopping, a quiet art museum break can feel surprisingly refreshing.

8. Visit Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Looking for a budget-friendly family outing near Bloomington? Head about 30–35 minutes northeast to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul. You’ll find:
  • A small but charming zoo with lions, tigers, giraffes, and more.
  • A beautiful indoor conservatory with tropical plants and seasonal flower shows.
  • Rides, picnic areas, and walking paths in the surrounding park.
While donations are encouraged, admission is traditionally free, making it one of the best low-cost things to do near Bloomington, Minnesota. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who enjoys animals and gardens.

9. Wander the Trails at Hyland Lake Park Reserve

Back in Bloomington, Hyland Lake Park Reserve is a local favorite for getting outside in any season. During warmer months, you can:
  • Walk or bike the paved and natural trails.
  • Rent boats in season and paddle on the lake.
  • Let kids play at the huge Hyland Play Area, one of the biggest playgrounds in the region.
In winter, cross-country skiing and sledding are popular. If you like to mix a Mall of America visit with some fresh air, this park is a great option just a short drive away.

10. Ski or Snowboard at Buck Hill

Visiting Bloomington in winter and want to try a classic Minnesota experience? Head to Buck Hill, about 10–15 minutes south in Burnsville. At Buck Hill, you can:
  • Ski or snowboard on groomed runs.
  • Try snow tubing, which is fun even if you’ve never skied before.
  • Take lessons if you’re a total beginner.
The hill isn’t huge by mountain standards, but it’s perfect for learning and for a quick afternoon or evening of winter fun. And since it’s so close to Bloomington, you don’t have to plan a full ski vacation to enjoy a few runs.

Planning Your Trip to Bloomington, MN

Bloomington’s location in Hennepin County makes it a great base for exploring the entire Twin Cities area. You get easy access to:
  • Big attractions: Mall of America, U.S. Bank Stadium, Nickelodeon Universe.
  • Outdoor escapes: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Minnehaha Falls.
  • City culture: Minneapolis museums, Saint Paul parks and zoos.
Many hotels near Bloomington offer free shuttles to Mall of America and the airport, which makes getting around pretty simple, especially if you’re flying in.

What Would You Add?

These are just some of the best things to do in and near Bloomington, Minnesota, but there are plenty more local spots, restaurants, and parks to explore. Now it’s your turn:
  • Have you visited Bloomington or the Twin Cities before?
  • Do you have a favorite Bloomington restaurant, park, or hidden gem?
Share your tips in the comments below—your experience might help someone else plan their perfect trip. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media who’s planning a visit to Mall of America or the Minneapolis area.
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