Maybe you know about the Southern Indiana city of Bloomington, In and its Hoosier National Forest, Indiana University, B-Line Trail, and Monroe Lake. However, have you ever heard about Bloomington, the fifth largest city in Minnesota?
You may know that it is the home of the Mall of America, but there is so much more to this hidden gem.
This location provides access to everything the cities have to offer, along with the potential for fun in the Minnesota great outdoors. A large portion of the city is made up of natural areas. Bloomington offers everything that you could want in a mid-sized midwestern city.
The city is a suburb of the Twin Cities and has recently seen a large boom in house prices.
If you live in Bloomington and are looking to sell, you may want to know what qualities give Bloomington its competitive housing market. We’ve got all the answers right here!
About Bloomington
Founded in 1843, Bloomington, Minnesota, is a suburb of Minneapolis. It is about ten miles south of the Minneapolis city center. This city is probably most known as the home of the Mall of America, which is the largest enclosed mall in the western hemisphere.
A jewel in the midwest, Bloomington contains several outdoor attractions for a great summer getaway, including the Minnesota Valley wetlands and the Hyland Lake Park Reserve. You can experience a lot of fun with the arts and sporting events, thanks to Bloomington’s theater and visual arts scene and sports facilities. The median age in Bloomington is 42.7 years of age.
The Bloomington housing market is growing more competitive than the housing market in Minneapolis, with Bloomington home prices rising by 13.6% from last year compared to Minneapolis at 6.5%. With these rising housing prices, the average cost of living in MN is $55,061.78 per year.
The 5th Largest City in Minnesota – Bloomington
Bloomington, Minnesota, has about 90,000 people, making it the fifth most populous city in Minnesota. As a result, the city of Bloomington is an ideal place to live if you want a city that is not too big or too small. Bloomington is smaller than Minneapolis, and it is also significantly larger than smaller towns like Owatonna, which has 26,000 people.
This size makes Bloomington an ideal choice for anyone who wants the hustle and bustle of a city without the overwhelming size. Living in Bloomington means you have plenty to do while still having room to grow. Bloomington life provides you with plenty of balance.
What Makes Bloomington a Great Place to Live
Bloomington is a great place to live if you love a small city that offers several things to do.
So, what makes Bloomington, Minnesota, a great place to live?
- When you live in the City of Bloomington, you can easily access major highways and an airport.
- Since Bloomington is so close to the Twin Cities, you can access the cities without living in them.
- Living in Bloomington is engaging all year round, thanks to spring flowers, winter snows, fall foliage, and summer loveliness.
- Bloomington living offers several employment opportunities, whether you work at the mall or one of Bloomington’s many other businesses.
- You can choose from a range of living situations in this city, from cozy homes to extravagant houses.
- You will not have to worry about education for your children in this city with great schools.
- Bloomington is very family-friendly but also welcoming to single people.
- Communities care about every member in Bloomington.
- Downtown Bloomington has delicious restaurants, breweries, and other eateries.
- Living in Bloomington allows you to experience the Bloomington Community Farmers Market frequently.
- Thanks to the numerous activities available, it is difficult to be bored in Bloomington.
- If you want to visit Wisconsin or Indianapolis, you can get there fast, thanks to Bloomingdale’s proximity to the border.
For all of these reasons, it’s easy to sell your home in Minnesota. So, finding companies that buy houses in Minnesota is a cinch.
Things To Do in Bloomington
Here are 15 interesting things to do in Bloomington, Minnesota.
1. The Mall of America
If you are looking for the top things to do in Bloomington, Minnesota, your first stop will likely be the Mall of America.
There are other attractions to the Mall of America besides shops. These attractions include bowling alleys, movie theaters, laser tag, mini-golf, skydiving simulators, a mirror maze, and restaurants. The mall may be a tourist attraction, but that does not mean it is not a blast to visit.
2. Normandale Japanese Garden
While the city is not short on indoor activities, some of the best things to do in Bloomington are outside. The Normandale Japanese Garden is one of those attractions. On the Normandale Community College Campus, this garden uses restrained pruning practices to capture the aesthetic of a Japanese garden.
3. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
You do not have to choose between dinner and a show at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. This attraction provides you with dinner as you take in an exciting show. Some of those shows may be concerts, musicals, or comedy shows.
4. Bloomington Center For the Arts
Even if you are not in Bloomington, Indiana, which is so close to Nashville, there is still a lot of live music to be found here. In Bloomington, things to do are not in short supply if you love the arts. The Bloomingdale Center For the Arts makes it its mission to provide a space for all art forms. Performances at the center include live music, theater, and immersive multimedia works of art. Education of young children about the arts is a major goal of the arts center.
5. Minnehaha Falls and Regional Park
Enjoy the beautiful waterfall and unique rock formations of Minnehaha Regional Park. The park is also a popular event location, thanks to the bandstand, fountain, disc golf course, picnic area, and garden. You can see a few historical sights, including the Princess Depot, Longfellow House, and John H. Steven’s House.
6. Northwest Airlines History Center
If you travel to Bloomington on an airplane, you may want to learn more about the mode of transportation at the Northwest Airlines History Center. This center features a preserved history of Northwest Airlines. The center is on the third floor of the Crowne Plaza Aire MSP Hotel.
7. The Works Museum
The Works Museum is one of the best things to do in Bloomington, especially if you have kids to entertain. The science museum includes several interactive exhibits that will teach your children about engineering and science. If you want a children’s museum that will genuinely engage your kids, go to The Works.
8. Hyland Hills Ski Area
The Hyland Hills Ski Area is in the Hyland Lake Park Reserve. It offers beautiful facilities for snowboarding and downhill skiing. If you are new to skiing and snowboarding, you can improve your skills at the SnowSports Academy in the ski area. The ski area is open from November to March.
9. Artistry
Artistry is a theater and visual arts non-profit that stays at the Bloomington Center for the Arts. It provides art galleries and theater arts in a theater. The non-profit also offers educational experiences and summer camps. If you want to learn more about the public art throughout Bloomington, use one of Artistry’s walking tours.
10. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
If you want to find some peace, visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. You can experience 46 miles of fishing, biking, non-motorized boating, kayaking, hiking trails, bird watching, and seeing other wildlife. Thanks to all of the educational material provided, you can even use the refuge as a learning opportunity.
11. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Enjoy fun for the whole family at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. Since the water park is inside, you can enjoy the excitement all year round. If you want activities other than splashes in the water park, you may also enjoy the lodge’s arcade, climbing wall, and ropes course.
12. Bloomington Ice Garden
If you want to experience a true Minnesota pastime, Visit the Bloomington Ice Garden. At the garden, you can skate and play hockey. Check the websites to see when you can sign up.
13. AMF Southtown Lanes
AMF Southtown Lanes are not just a bowling alley. It also has billiards, darts, an arcade, a sports bar, and a lounge area. You can spend a whole day having fun at this attraction. The lanes offer many specials every week, and they provide space in which you can host events.
14. Old Town Hall
Old Town Hall is a great place to start when looking for educational and fun things to do in Bloomington. This historic building contains plenty of history about the area since it houses the Historical Society. Learn about Bloomington in the pioneer times at this historical site.
15. Dwan Golf Course
In operation since 1970, Dwan Golf Course is one of Minnesota’s most popular golf spots. The course is an 18-hole, Par 68 and 70 experience.
You can start your journey on the bluff, woods, valley, or river tees, or you can refine your technique at the chipping and putting greens. Make sure to bring your clubs since the course does not offer rentals.
Conclusion
Whatever you like to do for entertainment, Bloomington is sure to offer you several options. This city offers many fun activities, from arts to outdoor activities to entertainment.
With the competitive housing prices, it’s a great time to sell. We buy houses in Minnesota, so if you’re thinking about selling, give us a call!