Bloomington and the surrounding area celebrates the winter season through unique activities and events. Plan your winter getaway to Minnesota and stay at one of our over 40 hotels, all central to the winter fun!
And when it’s time to come in from the cold, discover Mall of America®, the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex, which boasts endless shopping options, more than 50 restaurants, and four of Minnesota’s top attractions – Nickelodeon Universe®, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, Crayola Experience, and FlyOver America.
Dress warmly for once in a lifetime experiences, from ice fishing on a frozen lake to snowshoeing through Hyland Lake Park Reserve. If you’re looking for traditional winter fun, Hyland Hills Ski Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, and a chalet to warm your toes. The Minneapolis Ski Club hosts ski jumping competitions throughout the winter at Hyland’s Bush Lake Ski Jump that feature Olympic-level athletes. Cross-country ski trails are another activity offered at Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Lace up your ice skates and take your family to one of the many outdoor skating rinks and warming houses in Bloomington, or bring a sled or snow tube to a local hill.
If it’s indoor sporting events you’re looking for, visiting Minnesota in the winter is an ideal time to witness a hometown favorite – hockey. Enjoy a professional Minnesota Wild hockey game at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul or an exciting Minnesota Golden Gophers collegiate game at the University of Minnesota. It’s also basketball season here in Minnesota. Come cheer on our professional NBA team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. All of the sports arenas are accessible from Bloomington via our METRO Light Rail system.
FIND WINTER EVENTS IN BLOOMINGTON AND SURROUNDING MINNEAPOLIS & SAINT PAUL METRO AREA
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival celebrates all things winter in downtown Saint Paul’s Rice Park. Ice carving competitions, parades, live entertainment, Securian Winter Run, Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, and children’s activities. Come join the fun January 23 through February 2.
The City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival in Minneapolis is a winter sports lover’s dream come true, with competitions including everything from speed skating to skijoring, in which skiers are pulled across ice by dogs. Not an athlete? No problem – take a casual stroll around Lake of the Isles during the Luminary Loppet and enjoy cocoa, treats, and live music.
Back in Stillwater for a third year is the World Snow Celebration, where snow sculptors compete to carve unbelievable art out of snow. Check out the sculptures and then take a stroll around the charming Stillwater downtown, where you can shop and take a break to warm up inside dozens of restaurants and bars.
