Just a stone's throw from nearby Minneapolis and St. Paul, this cozy suburb draws plenty of tourist foot-traffic thanks to the mega-sized mall and entertainment complex, the Mall of America. As the largest mall in the U.S and one of the world's most visited tourist attractions, this retail mecca is only getting larger, with a 5-million square-foot expansion since its opening in 1992. With a scenic location on the Minnesota River and almost a third of its area reserved as parkland, Bloomington manages to balance its retail behemoth by also enticing you to enjoy time outdoors. Enjoy the best of both worlds during your time in Bloomington!
Seasonal Beauty
Bloomington's weather varies considerably with the four seasons—summers are warm, winters are very cold, and springs and falls are relatively mild. The warmest month is July with an average high of 83. The weather also tends to be quite humid in late summer. In January, the coldest month, temperatures average between 4 and 22. Prepare for snow any time between October and April—the region averages 55 inches annually. Rain is also possible at any time of year, so pack a raincoat or umbrella.
Beyond the Mall
Bloomington's biggest draw is the Mall of America, with more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants and 400 annual events. Enjoy some of the mall's other offerings, such as the movie theater or even snorkel with sharks at the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Kids will love the 7-acre Nickelodeon Universe with 30 rides and attractions, among them is North America's longest indoor zip line. Get some fresh air and explore the natural side of Bloomington at the 14,000-acre Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. With miles of hiking and biking trails, it's also known as a prime bird-watching spot.
Stay active even when the weather's cold at Hyland Lake Park Reserve, which has a ski area and Nordic ski jumps. Take the kids to play and swim at Water Park of America and pretend it's summer year-round. The indoor water park boasts the tallest indoor water slide in the country, as well as more than 20 other rides to suit all ages.
Retail Powerhouse
With its hundreds of retail and entertainment tenants, the Mall of America dominates Bloomington's economy and is far and away its largest employer. The second largest is Health Partners, a health insurance provider. Bloomington's smaller industries include computer manufacturing and banking, and the city hosts the headquarters of some well-known companies, including Best Buy and Dairy Queen. With more than 42 million visitors a year, Bloomington also has a robust tourism industry, boosting its hospitality, service and retail sectors.
Twin City Terminal
Bloomington is served by the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, just minutes away. This major airport has direct connections with major U.S. cities as well as Canada, Europe, Asia and Mexico. The Hiawatha Light Rail Transit line connects the Mall of America, the airport and downtown Minneapolis. The local Metro transit system of buses and trains is extensive and convenient. Drivers have easy access to Interstate 35W and Interstate 494.
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