Top 5 Musems in Bloomington Worth Visiting
The city of Bloomington is home to an astonishing number of museums — almost 60 in total — ranging from science and media, to history and culture. Whether you are visiting on your own or with the family, here are some museums worth a peek. 
The Bakken Library and Museum
If you are looking for an electrifying experience, the Bakken Museum mainly features exhibits relating to electricity, the story behind Frankenstein, and even plant-based medicine. Hands-on activities will help children uncover the mysteries of magnetism. Young visitors can also see a show about a mad scientist’s creation and the tragic life that unfolded. Finally, museum-goers will appreciate the history of plants being used as medicine throughout time in different cultures and what these natural healing sources might give us in the future.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Both young and old people will appreciate the variety of topics in this museum. Exhibits range from paleontology, physical science, technology, and the human body, to peoples and cultures of the Mississippi River, and even dinosaurs. Visitors can also watch a film at the Omnitheater, which has the world’s largest giant domed screen, towering at 90 feet. Prepare to be amazed at the museum’s jewel: the world’s only four real mounted Triceratops specimens. For the sports fans, an exhibit titled Sportsology shows the mechanics involved in making that tennis racket swing or the work involved in scoring that goal in soccer. Read the rest of this entry »
All About the 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The first all-electric vehicle to wear the iconic pony emblem is the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV and the first models are due to hit dealerships at the end of 2020. It features the performance you would expect from the Mustang stable and is packed with state-of-the-art technology. Here are some of the outstanding features of this upcoming modern classic. 
Trim Levels
The Mach-E is offered in Select and Premium trim levels with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the RWD only California Route 1, and the exclusively AWD GT. A limited First Edition model that features unique styling details was offered, but, unsurprisingly, reservations are full. A GT Performance Edition will be available in the summer of 2021.
Exterior
The Mach-E is instantly recognizable as a Mustang with its aggressive front-end styling, long hood, sleek profile, muscular haunches, signature tri-bar taillights, and front and rear pony badges. It also features some surprises like the front trunk. Under the hood is a storage space of 4.8 cubic feet for extra luggage. It is also washable and drainable making it ideal for packing with ice for a unique picnic accessory.
Standard features include LED headlights, LED signature lights and sequential rear turn signals, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The California Route 1 adds a panoramic sunroof, and power-folding mirrors. Premium trim offers 19-inch wheels and a hands-free power liftgate, while the GT has 20-inch wheels. Read the rest of this entry »
The 2020 Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that’s ready and able to go wherever your adventures take you. It’s offered in XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels and you can choose a SuperCab with a 6-foot bed or the spacious SuperCrew cab with a 5-foot bed. Here are some of the Ranger’s adventure-ready features. 
Exterior Styling
The Ranger combines rugged features with sleek, aerodynamic styling. The Twin power dome hood and steeply raked windshield work together to reduce wind noise and efficiently channel air over the roof. For enhanced off-road capability, it offers great ground clearance and high approach, break-over and departure angles. Two front tow hooks enable you to rescue less capable vehicles.
Action-Ready Drivetrain
Under the Ranger’s hood is a powerful and responsive four-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger to maximize the power output. It delivers 270 horsepower and best-in-class 310 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels or the available all-wheel-drive system (AWD).
The engine is paired with a smooth, slick-shifting 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. AWD models feature an electronic shift-on-the-fly system enabling you to select 4×4 high and low modes, or two-wheel drive for the highway. Read the rest of this entry »
Which 2020 Ford Expedition Trim Is Right For You?
The 2020 Ford Expedition is built with pride. This full-size SUV has all the makings of a great vehicle. The all-new Expedition is loaded with technology, power, and style for miles. Here’s a look at the different trim levels to help you decide which trim is right for you. 
XLT
The base model XLT comes standard with Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine with direct injection, and twin air-to-air inter-cooled turbo chargers. When paired with Ford’s 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission this powerful engine delivers 400 horsepower, and 480 lb-ft of torque.
The XLT also features Power Fold, and Power Recline 60/40 third-row seats. With the push of a button you can reconfigure the space, store seats, or just relax.
It comes standard with a Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking system, as well as, a Reverse Sensing system. These use advanced radar and camera technology to monitor, alert, and even assist in braking to avoid or mitigate potential accidents.
Limited
The Limited’s powertrain is the same as the XLT’s. The outside may look the same, but it features a hands-free power rear liftgate, and power-deployable side running boards.
Inside, the Limited is loaded with luxury appointments like a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
It adds Ford’s BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) to its driver assist features. Ford’s Sync 3 technology is standard, allowing you to link your smart devices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability allow you to send and receive calls, texts, access music, and get navigation, all by voice command. Read the rest of this entry »
Finding a good cup of coffee shouldn’t be hard, yet it often is. Of course there are national chains on every street corner, but the true gems serving great coffee are often hard to find. Here’s a look at some of the best places to get coffee in Bloomington, Minnesota. 
West Side Perk
If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee in Bloomington, you need to visit West Side Perk, “Where the service is warm, and the coffee is hot!” Come inside to enjoy the service, or use the drive-through window, if you don’t have time to sit a spell.
Located on West Old Shakopee Road, West Side Perk specializes in coffee of all kinds. Their menu includes standard espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. They also serve up delicious teas, cocoa, ciders, and Italian sodas.
They serve breakfast and lunch daily. You can order fresh-baked pastries, muffins, and breakfast sandwiches. They also make soup from scratch that changes daily. Sandwiches, salads, and even avocado toast are on the menu.
West Side Perk is also a community hub. They have live music regularly, free Wi-Fi, and an ever-changing menu to match the seasons.
Mugshots Coffee Company
This family-owned coffee shop is a great place to relax, socialize, and get a great mug of coffee. Mugshots is located on France Avenue South, and their extensive list of beverages is impressive.
They have all the traditional coffee beverages, and you can enjoy a bottomless mug of coffee for only $3.00. Their baristas can whip up specialty drinks for distinguished coffee palates too, like the Chemex, Cortado, or Miel.
They also serve food all day. Breakfast sandwiches, and pastries to begin, then a variety of sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Read the rest of this entry »
Meet the 2020 Explorer Limited Hybrid
The Ford Explorer has led the SUV category for years. Now you can get all the power and performance in a hybrid version. Here’s a look at some of the best features on the 2020 Explorer Limited Hybrid. 
All-New Design
The 2020 Explorer has a whole new look, inside, outside, and under the hood. Sleek new contours give the Explorer a sportier look, while a new mesh grille adds an aggressive style.
The interior redesign is full of extras. The cabin now offers more room to accommodate the kids, your camping gear, and anything else you might find a need to carry. The Explorer Limited was built for an active lifestyle. The Tri-Diamond perforated leather interior delivers comfort and style.
Power
The Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid comes with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine. This hybrid powertrain delivers up to a 500-mile driving range on a single tank when equipped with the Intelligent 4WD system. The Limited is available in Rear-Wheel Drive, but the Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive version optimizes throttle and brakes to deliver power where it’s needed for additional performance and economy.
Capability
The Explorer now comes with an all-new Terrain Management system with seven selectable drive modes. Choose normal for your every day driving. Select trail mode when you venture off-road. The deep snow/sand mode delivers more control for those loose surfaces. A slippery mode will help on those wet, icy roads. Opt for the tow/haul mode when you are pulling a load. The Explorer even has an Eco mode for improved fuel efficiency on those long road trips. Read the rest of this entry »
Get Outside at these Bloomington Parks
Whether you live in Bloomington, Minnesota, or are just visiting, there’s so much to see and do, especially outdoors. Bloomington has a thriving park system, full of activities like biking, hiking, skiing, and more. Here’s a look at some of the best parks in Bloomington, Minnesota. 
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Centrally located in the heart of Bloomington, Hyland Lake Park has something for everyone. With winter nearly upon us, the Hyland Hills Ski area is open for business. They have over 11 trails plus two terrain parks for skiing and snowboarding.
Hours vary at Hyland Hills Ski Area, so check their website for details. Rates start at just $18.90 for seniors, $28.83 for juniors, and $32.55 for adults.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve is also home to the Richardson Nature Center. Indoors you’ll find works by sculptor Chris Tully depicting nature in all its wonder. The back wall of the center is all windows looking out at the beautiful preserve. It also views their own active beehive.
Outside the center, you’ll find miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Check out the wildlife while wandering the trails, and be sure to pick up one of their free kits before you go. The center provides bird watching backpacks, pond exploration kits, frog kits, and even bug kits to help you discover and learn about the local habitat. Read the rest of this entry »
Your Guide to Minnehaha Falls Park
Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, MN covers 170 acres and takes its name from the spectacular waterfall that plunges 53 feet into a gorge. If you’re planning to spend a day at the park, and you’re wondering what to do, you know you’ll have a great time when you check out a few of these popular attractions and activities. 
Hiking
The highlight of Minnehaha Regional Park is its striking waterfall, and you have plenty of trails that will take you to different views of the falls. You can stand at the top of the falls and watch the water rush over the edge. Then use the staircase to descend into the gorge below the falls to enjoy another amazing view. If you really want to stretch your legs, take the trail down the gorge past the stone bridges and pools to a sandy beach where Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River meet.
Historical Sites
Minnehaha Regional Park is home to numerous historical sites where you can learn about the area. Robert Jones built the Longfellow House in 1906 as a replica of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Today, it houses the Minnesota School of Botanical Art. The Princess Depot was constructed in 1875 and was part of the first railroad line that connected Minneapolis to Chicago. It’s now a free museum. The John H. Stevens House was one of the first homes built in the area and commemorates the beginnings of Minneapolis. Read the rest of this entry »
Upcoming Holiday Events in Bloomington
Bloomington, Minnesota, always has something exciting going on, especially around the holidays. If you’re interested in having some fun around Bloomington during the holidays this year, be sure to check out a few of these popular events and activities. 
“The Nutcracker Ballet”
Head to Schneider Theater at the Bloomington Center for the Arts to watch a magical performance of “The Nutcracker Ballet.” The Continental Ballet Company brings Tchaikovsky’s classic tale of Clara’s trip to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy to life for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. The performance will occur on November 30, December 1, December 7, and December 8, 2019.
Nature Arts & Crafts Fair
If you’re looking to cross a few names off that gift list and get some holiday shopping done, make plans to attend the Nature Arts & Crafts Fair on November 2 at the Richardson Nature Center. When you stop by the center, you’ll discover around a dozen local artisans and crafters selling natural beauty products, jewelry, paintings, and more. Not only will you find some unique items to give as gifts, but you’ll also be able to help out the community since a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People-Bloomington Food Shelf. Read the rest of this entry »
Here’s Why You Need the 2020 Ranger
When you’re interested in hitting the road for your next adventure, the 2019 Ford Ranger comes with all the features you need to have a good time. For fun on and off the pavement, learn more about all the great features that come in the 2019 Ranger that make it ready for adventure. 
Sporty Exterior
The outside of the 2019 Ford Ranger has plenty of features that will make your drive more fun and convenient. The Ranger comes standard with automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and side mirrors with an integrated spotter mirror. For even more convenience, the truck is available with a power locking tailgate, heated and power-folding side mirrors, fog lamps, and LED lights. To help you take on all types of off-road obstacles, the Ranger also features a high ground clearance and high breakover and departure angles.
Plenty of Power
No matter what type of adventure you’re looking to tackle, the Ranger offers the power you need. The truck comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that works with a 10-speed automatic SelectShift transmission to pump out an impressive 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. If you want to bring along some extra gear on your adventure, the Ranger can handle that as well. The truck offers a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds and up to 7,500 pounds of maximum towing. Read the rest of this entry »
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