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 »
A Look at the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Tech
Ford Co-Pilot360 is an advanced suite of safety features that are offered in vehicles across the Ford lineup. If you’re thinking about getting a new Ford, and interested in having some of the latest safety features in your vehicle, check out some of the features you can get with Ford Co-Pilot360. 
Lane-Keeping System
The lane-keeping system uses sensors to scan for the lines on both sides of the road to help you stay in your lane. Once it detects the lines, it can alert you if you start to drift out of your lane. The system has three settings available. In lane-keeping alert, the system can provide steering wheel vibrations to warn you when you’re drifting. With lane-keeping assist, the system will apply gentle steering torque to guide you back into your lane. You can also set the system to activate both settings.
Blind Spot Information System With Cross-Traffic Alert
The Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert can make driving down highways with multiple lanes a little easier. The system uses sensors in the rear of your vehicle to alert you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot. If it detects a vehicle, it alerts you with an indicator light in the side mirror. The system also uses the sensors to help you when backing up. If it detects an approaching vehicle, it emits an audible warning and flashes a warning light. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Top Places to Eat in Bloomington, MN
If you’re looking for a delectable dining experience in Bloomington, Minnesota, you’re in luck because this city has a superb choice of restaurants. Whatever type of cuisine you want, Bloomington has something for you. Here are four of the city’s top places to eat. 
- Ciao Bella
Located on Minnesota Drive, Ciao Bella brings you the finest authentic Italian food created with fresh local ingredients. The tasteful decor, local artwork, and low lighting give the place an elegant and intimate feel, although the ambience is very relaxed. There’s also a beautiful outdoor patio. The attentive and knowledgeable servers will make you feel right at home.
When you order, the server will bring warm bread, freshly made in-house. Along with the more familiar pasta dishes, you’ll find herb linguini with braised lamb, spicy crab spaghetti, and red pepper linguini with scallops. Entrees include Walleye Milanese, wood grilled ahi tuna, dry-aged pork chops, and brick roasted chicken. Accompany your meal with a choice from their extensive wine list.
- Woolley’s Kitchen & Bar
Woolley’s is a steakhouse set in the Embassy Suites Hotel on 34th Avenue South. They have received many awards for the quality of the food and their wine selection. The open and airy restaurant is beautifully decorated and adorned with plants. The friendly servers go out of their way to make your visit an enjoyable experience. Read the rest of this entry »
The Fun and Fuel-Efficient 2020 Ford Fusion
The 2020 Ford Fusion is a stylish and sophisticated sedan offering a quiet, refined ride. It also has nimble handling that make it fun to drive. It’s available in S, SE, SEL, and the luxurious Titanium trim levels. With three gas engines, and the option of hybrid and plug-in hybrid power, there’s sure to be a Fusion to suit your lifestyle. 
Exterior Styling
The Fusion has the signature ford grille, a sleek aerodynamic profile, and sporty rear-end styling that gives undeniable road presence. S trim features a chrome grille surround, configurable daytime running lights, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, body-color door handles and power side mirrors, and LED taillights.
SE models add a chrome-finished grille, and 17-inch alloy wheels, while the SEL offers LED headlights and signature lighting, 18-inch wheels, chrome door handle inserts, and heated auto-dimming mirrors with turn signals, approach lights, and memory. Stepping up to the Titanium gets you a chrome mesh grille, LED fog lights, 19-inch wheels, a decklid spoiler, and bright exhaust tips. Read the rest of this entry »
Drive Away in the Always Classy 2019 Ford Taurus
If you’re in the market for a large sedan, consider the always classy 2019 Ford Taurus. This comfortable cruiser offers new car shoppers a smooth ride, a large trunk, and much more, all for an affordable price. Let’s delve into everything the Taurus has to offer drivers like you. 
Your Choice of Engines
Ford offers the new Taurus with your choice of two engines. The stock 3.5-liter V-6 puts out 288 horsepower. That’s plenty of get-up-an-go for daily driving around town and on the highway.
The SHO trim offers spirited drivers a lively twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine that delivers 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Both variants are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivers peppier acceleration, feels strong off the line, and gets up to speed.
Posh Ride
The Ford Taurus is a terrific cruising sedan. It offers a smooth, well-cushioned ride. The sporty SHO trim delivers responsive handling and is easy to maneuver through traffic. This full-sized car comes equipped with front-wheel drive standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. Read the rest of this entry »
The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the country’s largest retail and entertainment destination with a gross area of 96.4 acres. It’s known throughout the world and is visited by 40 million people every year. The venue features over 400 events each year including fashion shows, celebrity appearances, and concerts. Here are four reasons you should visit the Mall of America.
-
Retail Therapy
Mall of America has more than 520 stores where you can buy just about anything you want or need. From high-tech electronic goods to handbags, boots and shoes to the latest fashions, sports goods to accessories, and more, you’ll find it in your favorite stores in this mammoth mall. Don’t forget, there is no tax on clothing and shoes at the Mall of America.
Which Ford SUV is Right for Me?
SUVs are versatile, spacious, and convenient. An SUV can help you tow a trailer, carry lots of passengers, or enjoy an off-road adventure. Here’s some more information about Ford’s top SUVs to assist you with deciding which one is right for you. 
The 2019 Ford EcoSport
The 2019 EcoSport has a variety of convenient features, and it’s economical and efficient. It seats five people, and it can travel 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine uses automatic stop and starts technology to conserve fuel, and a 2.0-liter engine is also available. The EcoSport comes with 30 storage compartments, folding rear seats, power steering, roll stability control, and buttons on the steering wheel. Other features include front and rear tow hooks, emergency braking assistance, and keyless entry.
You can add leather seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8-inch touchscreen, hill start assistance, a 10-speaker sound system, remote start, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, four-wheel drive, and voice activation are available as well.
The 2019 Ford Edge
This SUV seats five people, and it’s sporty and spacious. It has power manually folding side mirrors, automatic high beams, dual exhaust, rain-sensing windshield wipers, push-button start, cruise control, and buttons on the steering wheel. Other standard features include lane-keeping assistance, four 12-volt power outlets, a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Read the rest of this entry »
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- Why the Ford Bronco Sport Is the Perfect Everyday Adventure SUV for Modern Drivers
- Summer Heat & Your Vehicle: Why Hot Weather Causes More Breakdowns Than You Think
- AI vs Reality: Can You Trust Online Answers for Ford Warning Lights?
- The Ford Escape Is Ending Production: Why the 2027 Ford Bronco Sport is the Next Step for SUV Shoppers
- The Least Expensive New Cars to Maintain in 2026