Bloomington Minnesota is best known for the Mall of America, a shopping and entertainment Mecca and it's most popular tourists attraction. Though Bloomington shopping adventures are on the minds of most visitors there are a number of other things to do that make Bloomington travel unique. For art lovers the Minnesota Institute of Arts and the Guthrie Theater are sure to please. Notable museums include the Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Mill City Museum. Sports fans will love the U.S. Bank Stadium where a host of exciting games can be watched from the edge of your seat.

Bloomington shopping is a dizzying affair! The Mall of America is the be-all when embarking on a shopping adventure. It's the biggest mall built in the nation's history. More than 500 stores will keep you busy! If you're vacation is all about shopping there are many hotels nearby making transportation convenient. There are also featured events on the roster at the Mega Mall including celebrations such as African Day. Shopping malls, outlets and retail districts are located throughout the Twin Cities creating a frenzy of intent shoppers when the sidewalk sales hit.

Shopping districts include Downtown Excelsior, Grand Avenue, Arbor Lakes and Eat Street offering an unsurpassed variety in retail therapy. Many prefer Bloomington shopping because clothing is tax-exempt! Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are the only times of year most shops close. Street dances, art fairs and parades highlight Bloomington shopping experiences and make shopping something to remember.

For many Bloomington travel includes a visit to the Hyland Lake Park Reserve. From 5:00am to sunset families can enjoy canoeing, camping, biking and more in a glorious 1,000-acre inner-city reserve. The park is full of nature trails where an assortment of wildlife can be seen. The Rec Center provides restrooms, a snack bar and gift shop for souvenirs. It also rents out equipment such as paddle boats, canoes, bikes, skis and more. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in the winter months. There is also a boat launch and small pier for fishing.

The Bloomington Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a crowd-pleaser during Bloomington travel as well. It encompasses many interactive exhibits, an art gallery, slide shows, trails and wildlife habitats. For families Camp Snoopy is where the action is! The seven-acre theme park has many attractions including more than thirty rides, restaurants and shops and is highlighted by fountains, trees, ponds and streams.

Bloomington restaurants cater to every palate and taste out there. Arm-chair travelers can experience a huge assortment of cultural cuisine including Chinese, French, Japanese, American, Thai and Italian cuisine. Bloomington restaurants come in a wide range of cafes, fine dining, steak houses, buffets, fast food, and old fashioned diners. Dining in Bloomington restaurants is a fun family activity with many restaurants rendering exciting themes and events for a unique adventure.

The Benihana restaurant offers a show of knife-branding chefs who cook succulent Japanese cuisine at your own personal grill. Chefs chop, slice saute and grill dishes before your very eyes! Meals come with sides of fresh greens, soups, tea, vegetables and appetizers. Another of the many fantastic Bloomington restaurants is Axel's Bonfire. American dishes are highlighted by Southwestern flavors incorporated in the famous wood-fire steaks, pizzas, rotisserie chicken and a large variety of other appetizers and sides. Try the tasty fajitas, seafood, pasta or ribs for a lip-smacking dining experience.

Bloomington Minnesota also has a few casinos to add to your vacation agenda. Treasure Island and Mystic Lake Casino are two of the most notable casinos. From Bloomington a host of day trips can be enjoyed to nearby cities such as Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester. Friendly people, a host of attractions, exceptional park systems and many modern facilities make vacationing in "The City of Hospitality" an exciting affair.