The following article was originally published on 4/25/18.
Bloomington, Minneapolis, an ideal place for a family weekend getaway. With plenty of shopping, outdoor recreation, and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bloomington is a quick 15-minute ride from the Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport. You can easily enjoy activities in the Twin Cities metro area when you stay in Bloomington.
Spend a Weekend at the Mall
You can’t stay in Bloomington without going to its main attraction, the Mall of America. You can make a pit stop at the mall or spend the entire weekend here. Browse merchandise in over 500 shops.
If you book your stay at a nearby Bloomington hotel, you can take a relaxing break and return for more shopping, When you’re ready for a meal, choose from over 50 restaurants inside the mall.
Peruse the Local Attractions
If you’re traveling with little ones, you’ll find several family-friendly attractions near Bloomington. Some of are located in the Mall of America, including the Crayola Experience, Legoland, and Nickelodeon Universe. Creative youngsters can spend the day at The Works Museum, which is a short drive away in Minneapolis. The Works Museum is dedicated to engineering and design. Your children will love the hands-on exhibits and activities.
Enjoy a Peaceful Day on the Water
Bloomington offers a variety of parks and open spaces where you can enjoy outdoor recreation during your weekend visit, including Lake of Isles Park. Spend a relaxing day canoeing and kayaking through the water channels throughout the park. You’ll find plenty of trails too if you prefer walking or biking.
If you plan to spend time at the lake, you’ll find a choice of hotel rooms near Lake of the Isles. Don’t miss the historic Peavey Fountain in the park. The fountain was given to the city of Minneapolis over 100 years ago and creates an interesting backdrop for family photos.
Canoe or Kayak on Lake Calhoun
A water channel connects Lake of the Isles to another favorite Bloomington recreation spot, Lake Calhoun. Enjoy nature walks and water sports around the largest lake in Minneapolis. Book your hotel room near Lake Calhoun for convenient access to outdoor fun.
You may see signs with a different name around the park. The lake is also known as it original Dakota Indian name, BdeMaka Ska, which translates to White Earth Lake.
Appreciate Art
End your weekend in Bloomington with a trip to the area’s art museums. Spend a day wandering through the Walker Art Center’s collection of sculptures and paintings. Since it’s located off I-94 in Minneapolis, you’ll find places to stay near the Walker Art Center. Continue your art tour at the Weisman Art Museum, which features works of art that showcase American modernism.
Your family can spend a weekend in Bloomington, Minnesota, and not worry about running out of things to do. The city offers outdoor water sports, hiking trails, and museums. Mall of America provides a weekend full of shopping and attractions for children.
