If you’re taking a vacation in Bloomington, you can find many activities and attractions that will make your trip unforgettable. Read on for some tips for your trip to this Minneapolis suburb. 
Mall of America
We’ll start with a big one: the Mall of America. This iconic mall, the largest in the United States in floor area, has drawn huge crowds since it opened in Bloomington in 1992. In addition to more than 520 stores, there are great spots for family fun, such as Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe.
While kids crave the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, adults love to laugh at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, or enjoy a number of events from concerts to fashion shows. Forty million people from all over the world visit the mall annually, and now you can come and see why. You can keep the Mall of America front and center by staying in the on-site hotel, but be sure to see what else Bloomington has to offer.
Bloomington Center for the Arts
Bloomington Center for the Arts, in the north end of the Bloomington Civic Plaza, is home to nine arts organizations. One is Artistry, a nonprofit that produces theater and visual arts for 82,000 people within the region. Stage productions, arts-centered community development, educational projects, and exhibitions draw numerous visitors to Artistry, which also provides space to two art galleries. Check the Bloomington Center for the Arts website to see if Artistry or one of the other local arts organizations, such as the Bloomington Chorale or the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, has an event scheduled.
Ponds-Dakota Mission Park
The Ponds-Dakota Mission Park and its centerpiece, the Gideon and Agnes Pond House, is a popular historic attraction in Bloomington. Gideon and Agnes Hopkins Pond occupied the house in the mid to late 1800s. They were farmers and ministers in Bloomington and missionaries to Dakota Native Americans. The Pond House held four generations of family members for more than 140 years. The city of Bloomington purchased the Pond property in 1975 and completed a restoration of the house in 1995. The house, which has since been made into a museum, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many entertaining and educational programs take place in the park and the house. The Dakota Language Camp introduces both Dakota and non-Dakota children to the Dakota language through games, songs, dancing, foods, and crafts.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
A lovely retreat in the heart of the city, Hyland Lake Park Reserve includes Hyland Lake, prairie landscapes, a play space, Hyland Hills Ski area, the Richardson Nature Center, disc golf, and the wooded trails of Tierney’s Woods. The whole family will find something to do in this natural wonderland.
These are just a small sampling of the many great things about Bloomington. You also have the rest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to explore, but if you’re vacationing in Bloomington, we encourage you to enjoy our friendly city and all it has to offer.
Image via Flickr by Roadgeek Adam used under CC By
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