Bloomington, Minnesota, is a thriving city located outside Minneapolis that offers diverse attractions — most notably the Mall of America. Shouldered by 39 miles of reserved parklands and wetlands, Bloomington is a convenient 20-minute drive from Minneapolis and home to an array of activities beyond the city’s famed mall. Here are a few to check out while you’re in the area. 
- Take a Journey Through Minnehaha Falls Park
Gorgeous Minnehaha Falls is part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and operates under the umbrella of the National Park Service. The park is legendary. A product of landscape architect Horace W.S. Cleveland’s vision, it was designed in the late 1800s as a component of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system. Take in the beautiful hills, well-maintained trails, and the bridges that run over the waterways.
If you are interested in history, you will certainly enjoy the sites found within the park, including examples of 19th-century transport and architecture (such as the Victorian train depot and the John H. Stevens House built in 1849). The natural beauty makes this attraction worth the visit, particularly for photographers. The impressive 53-foot falls run into the Minnehaha Creek on the edge of the Mississippi.
- Visit Prince’s Domain at Paisley Park
Once you’ve wrapped up your excursion into nature, consider a visit to Prince’s recording studio. It is larger and more significant than you might imagine, as Paisley Park includes not only the recording area but also a large estate. On-site tours give you the opportunity to experience what the musical recording process would have been like, complete with wardrobes and instruments. You can only purchase tickets online, so plan for this musical journey in advance.
- Explore the Richardson Nature Center
Perhaps you adore nature and science and would like an in-depth educational experience, as well as somewhere children can play and learn. In that case, look no further than the Richardson Nature Center, which offers many learning opportunities and skill-based adventures. View the center’s on-site animals, which include reptiles and amphibians. The center features art displays, too, including mosaics and sculptures representing the natural world.
Enjoy the diverse and exciting programs at the center, including birding and fishing events. Inside the Nature Center you’ll find glass-paned views of the wildlife areas (and a real beehive!), as well as an amphitheater. Outside, enjoy bird watching, pond exploring, and wildlife sightings. Trails take you on a journey through diverse habitats, oak forests, and wetlands, where you might encounter deer and muskrats. The center is also home to the Nature Exploration Area, which is an open play area for children.
Bloomington is known for its Mall of America, but to take full advantage of its rich history and nature, you’ll want to do more than shop. While you’re in the Minneapolis vicinity, stop by the famed area to check out its marvelous exhibits and fun-filled activities.
Image via Flickr by Mark Gstohl used under CC By
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