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Bloomington, MinnesotaBloomington

Bloomington, Minnesota.
Photo: Tyler Vigen, CC BY-SA 4.0

Base here 1–2 nights only if the Mall of America, an indoor water park or an MSP airport layover is your reason; otherwise sleep in Minneapolis.

Bloomington is a post-war suburb 10 miles south of Minneapolis, built around the Mall of America and wrapped by I-35W, I-494, US 169 and MN-77. The Metro Blue Line links the mall to MSP airport and downtown Minneapolis, so it works as an airport-side base with a car-free mall day. Sights are thin outside the mall, the aquarium, the water park and a ski hill, so most travellers give it one night or treat it as a day trip from the Twin Cities.

basic guide: no trip line yet
More
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
USD
Best months
May–Oct for the mall, refuge trails and the Japanese garden; Dec–Mar only for indoor parks and skiing
avoid Jan–Feb (deep cold, −18 °C (0 °F) nights); no month is truly closed
Airport
Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP)
Nights
1–2

About Bloomington, Minnesota

Bloomington is a suburb of Minneapolis in Minnesota, roughly 10 miles south of the city and close to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It is best known as the home of the Mall of America, described as the largest shopping mall in the United States. The city grew as a post-World War II housing-boom suburb tied to Minneapolis's street grid, and four freeways serve it: Interstate 35W, Interstate 494, US 169 and Minnesota 77. Around 89,000 people lived there as of 2021. Its position makes it a convenient base for Twin Cities attractions, with light rail from the airport into the city.

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide for Bloomington, Minnesota: no airport-to-bed path, walking clusters or day plans yet. Fares and schedules here are unverified. What this page does cover
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
  • United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
  • United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
  • United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices

See

What is worth your time in Bloomington, Minnesota.

  • Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium — An underground aquarium inside the Mall of America with more than 5,000 marine creatures, from sea turtles to seahorses.
  • Bloomington Center for the Arts — Stages plays and concerts across styles, from musicals and comedies to symphony and bluegrass, at the Bloomington Civic Plaza.
  • The Works Museum — A children's museum on Grand Avenue with hands-on engineering and design exhibits.
  • Normandale Japanese Garden — A free garden beside Normandale Community College used for quiet walks, weddings and photography.
  • Bloomington Arts Center — Holds six exhibitions a year plus art classes for adults and children at the Civic Plaza.

Do

  • Ride the roller coasters and other rides at Nickelodeon Universe, the indoor amusement park in the Mall of America.
  • Ski or snowboard at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Hyland Lake Park Reserve, which has 175 feet of vertical.
  • Spend a day at Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park, with day passes available.
  • Hike the trails or join educational programs at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which also offers cross-country skiing in winter.

Eat and drink

Specialities of this place.

  • Chez Daniel — French cooking inside the Embassy Suites, priced higher than a typical hotel restaurant.
  • Surabhi Indian Cuisine — An Indian restaurant on West 98th Street described as a Bloomington favorite.
  • Osaka — A Japanese steak house on Southtown Drive.
  • Kincaids — An upscale American restaurant near Normandale Lake in West Bloomington, with an extensive wine list and Sunday brunch.

Customs

  • Metro Transit serves Bloomington along with Minneapolis, St. Paul and the rest of the Twin Cities area.
  • The Metro Blue Line's southern end is at the Mall of America, connecting the city to downtown Minneapolis.
Emergency numbers for Bloomington, Minnesota911 ▾
  • Police, fire, ambulance911

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Bloomington, Minnesota, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • Coffee$4–6
  • Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, mid-rangeAdd 18–22% tip.$18–35
  • BeerDraft beer$6–9
  • Metro or bus rideMetro Transit single ridecheck$2–3
  • SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
  • Budget bedSuite or family room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
  • Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
  • High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$140 · High US$280

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Mall of AmericaNickelodeon Universe indoor theme parkSea Life Minnesota AquariumGreat Wolf Lodge indoor water parkHyland Hills Ski Area
Airports
MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (Metro Blue Line from Terminal 1 to Mall of America, about 12 min; free hotel shuttles run along American Blvd)

Map of Bloomington, Minnesota

Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.

Richfield, MinnesotaEdinaBurnsvilleEaganSt. Louis ParkHopkinsApple Valley, MinnesotaEden Prairie

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

  • Bloomington, Minnesota
  • Basic guide

Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps

Guides nearby

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Care

    −4°C (25°F)

  2. Feb

    Care

    −1°C (30°F)

  3. Mar

    Best

    6°C (43°F)

  4. Apr

    not flagged

    14°C (57°F)

  5. May

    Best

    21°C (70°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    26°C (79°F)

  7. Jul

    Best

    29°C (84°F)

  8. Aug

    Best

    28°C (82°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    23°C (73°F)

  10. Oct

    Best

    15°C (59°F)

  11. Nov

    not flagged

    6°C (43°F)

  12. Dec

    Best

    −2°C (28°F)

Best: Mar, May–Oct, Dec. Mixed: Jan–Feb. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)), coolest Jan (−13°C (9°F) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Bloomington, Minnesota: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

−4°C (25°F)

−13°C (9°F)

7 rd

Feb

−1°C (30°F)

−11°C (12°F)

6 rd

Mar

6°C (43°F)

−4°C (25°F)

8 rd

Apr

14°C (57°F)

3°C (37°F)

10 rd

May

21°C (70°F)

9°C (48°F)

11 rd

Jun

26°C (79°F)

15°C (59°F)

11 rd

Jul

29°C (84°F)

18°C (64°F)

10 rd

Aug

28°C (82°F)

17°C (63°F)

9 rd

Sep

23°C (73°F)

12°C (54°F)

9 rd

Oct

15°C (59°F)

5°C (41°F)

8 rd

Nov

6°C (43°F)

−2°C (28°F)

7 rd

Dec

−2°C (28°F)

−10°C (14°F)

8 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

Metro Transit runs the buses and the Metro Blue Line light rail; the Blue Line ends at Mall of America and runs north to MSP airport and downtown Minneapolis. Fares are valid for 2.5 hours of unlimited transfers from first use on all Metro Transit buses and light rail except the Northstar line. A car is the practical way to reach Hyland Hills, the wildlife refuge and west-side restaurants; I-494 and I-35W cross the city.

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Minneapolis

go

Door to door: 35–45 min

Metro Blue Line from Mall of America to downtown

Cheapest car-free day out; runs late into the evening.

Saint Paul

go

Door to door: 1–1.25 h by rail, 25–35 min by car

Blue Line to Minneapolis then Green Line, or drive I-494/MN-5

Rail route is slow; drive if you have a car.

Apple Valley, Minnesota

caution

Door to door: 20–25 min

Drive MN-77 south

Suburban shopping and parks; little reason without a car.

Excelsior

go

Door to door: 30–35 min

Drive US-169 and MN-7 west

Lake Minnetonka waterfront for a summer afternoon.

Hopkins, Minnesota

caution

Door to door: 20–25 min

Drive MN-100 and Excelsior Blvd

Small downtown strip; combine with Excelsior.

Afton

overnight

Door to door: 45–55 min

Drive I-494 east and MN-95

St. Croix valley town; too far for a quick return.

Roseville, Minnesota

skip

Door to door: 30–40 min

Drive I-494 and I-35E north

Mall and offices; no reason to add it to a short trip.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Mall of America / East Bloomington

Walk to the mall, aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe; most hotels run free MSP shuttles. Best for one night without a car.

American Blvd corridor (I-494)

Hotel strip between the airport and the mall; free shuttles, easy parking, 10–15 min walk or a short bus to the mall.

West Bloomington / Normandale

Quieter, near Normandale Lake and Kincaid's; needs a car or bus, 15–20 min drive to the mall.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
$60–110 excl. bed
Mid
$110–200 excl. bed
High
$200+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Mid-range hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$150US$150
Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$140US$280
Metro Transit 24-hour pass, one day2 × US$5 · checkUS$10
Mall of America parking, one day1 × US$10 · check; free in some rampsUS$10
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium entry2 × US$25 · checkUS$50
eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15US$30
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeUS$53
Trip total≈ US$292 per person per day, bed includedUS$583

2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Prices are shown before Minnesota sales tax. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee$4–6
Mall food-court meal$10–16
Sit-down dinner, mid-rangeAdd 18–22% tip.$18–35
Draft beer$6–9
Rideshare, mall to downtown MinneapolisSurges on event nights.$25–40
Metro Transit single ridecheck$2–3
eSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Bloomington is a low-crime suburb and the mall area is well lit and patrolled. The real risks are winter cold and wind chill, mall crowds on weekends, and unlit office-park sidewalks at night.
  • Winter wind chill is the real hazard: −18 °C (0 °F) or lower is normal in January, and exposed skin can suffer in minutes.
  • The mall is a 10-mile drive or a 35–45 min Blue Line ride from downtown Minneapolis, not a walk.
  • Metro Transit fares and passes change; check the current fare before you tap.
  • Some west-side restaurants sit in office parks with no sidewalk: drive or rideshare after dark.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
911

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

Bloomington, MinnesotaBloomington

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance911

Embassy

No embassies in Bloomington; consulates-general sit in Minneapolis and Chicago, embassies in Washington, DC.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • MSP airport → Mall of America, Metro Blue Line: about $2–3, 12 min (check)
  • Mall of America → downtown Minneapolis, Blue Line: about $2–3, 35–45 min (check)
  • Rideshare mall → downtown Minneapolis: $25–40 (check)

Say or show

  • Where is the light rail station? — Where is the light rail station?
  • One day pass, please — One day pass, please
  • Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
  • Is this seat taken? — Is this seat taken?
  • How much is it? — How much is it?
  • Thank you — Thank you

Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis and rideshares.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bloomington, Minnesota. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: May–Oct for the mall, refuge trails and the Japanese garden; Dec–Mar only for indoor parks and skiing · avoid Jan–Feb (deep cold, −18 °C nights); no month is truly closed · month by month →
  2. 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 7 day-trips, door to door
  6. 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for MSP: Blue Line last-train times, free hotel shuttle list, taxi and rideshare fallback.
  2. Four walking clusters with anchors: Mall of America, American Blvd hotels, Normandale Lake, Minnesota Valley refuge.
  3. Place pages with verified hours and prices (Mall of America, Sea Life, Nickelodeon Universe, Great Wolf Lodge, Hyland Hills, The Works Museum).
  4. Winter and severe-weather fixtures so cold-day and storm-day plans go green.

Meanwhile

Back to United States

Sources

Ask about Bloomington, Minnesota

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