Spice up your summer with fun in Bloomington, Minnesota. A three-day getaway is just enough time to hit the highlights in Bloomington but there will always be something to explore that leaves you wanting more. Read on for the perfect itinerary for your trip so all you have to do is have a good time.
BONUS TIP: Download our free Play, Stay and Save Pass. Here you can find hotel offers, restaurant coupons, discounted admission to Crayola Experience, and special deals to collect all the necessary Minnesota & Mall of America souvenirs!
Day 1
Welcome to Bloomington! After a car ride with the kids, we know you’ll want to get settled. Check into one of our 40+ hotels and take advantage of one of the special packages in the area, then get refreshed for the rest of the day. There is so much to see, so make sure you put on some good walking shoes!
Mall of America is the highlight of Bloomington and a must-see. Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping at the Mall’s 520+ stores, including new spots like Nectar Bath Treats, Purple Mattress, and ALAND. Be sure to stop by attractions like Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, The Escape Game, or FlyOver America.
After shopping, celebrate the start of your getaway with a meal on the patio of Cedar + Stone, Urban Table. Their farm-fresh, elevated meals in a luxurious atmosphere will immediately make you say, “ahhh… vacation…”. If you’d like to explore a restaurant outside of the Mall, explore one of our hidden gems.
Patio Dining at Cedar + Stone, Urban Table
Day 2
Now that you’ve gotten your initial itch to shop out, it’s time to explore all the outdoor activities Bloomington has to offer. Start the day with a sunrise hike at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, one of only 14 Regional Priority Urban Wildlife Refuges in the nation. Then head to Urbana Craeft Kitchen and Market at Hyatt-Regency Bloomington Minneapolis for a cup of joe and a taste of Bloomington’s charm to really start your day on the right foot.
Waterfall at Normandale Lake
Now that your energy level is up, it’s a great time to go biking around Bloomington. Minnesota has long been known as a haven for cyclists, and the Minnesota state trails system runs for miles. Here in Bloomington, our paved, dirt trails and network of on-street bike lanes beckon bikers looking for fun on two wheels. At Normandale Lake, you’ll have a peaceful ride around a small, picturesque body of water that is unencumbered by the motorboats of larger lakes.
Nearby Normandale Lake, you can hit the water and rent a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board or paddle boat at the Three Rivers Park watercraft rental shop. Finish up with your workout with a swim at Hyland Lake!
After your day of outdoor fun, head back to your hotel to freshen up and then enjoy a delicious meal at Lela, located within the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel and known for their upscale atmosphere and fresh pasta.
Day 3
On your last day in Bloomington, take on some big attractions at Mall of America to make those lasting memories! Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then hop on a motorized scooter to travel to Mall of America in style. First up is SEA LIFE® at Mall of America, where you’ll feel like you are diving deep into the ocean with marine creatures of all kinds. Be wowed by the sharks and see your familiar friends, the clownfish and the blue tang. The little ones will have fun too, with hands-on learning in the Rockpool.
Enjoy some thrilling rides for an afternoon at Nickelodeon Universe®. The theme park’s 27 rides include Diego’s Rescue Rider, Fairly Odd Coaster, and Swiper’s Sweeper, and visitors of all ages will find something to love here.
Finally, close out your last day with some night time fun at The Fair on 4, Mall of America’s newest attraction. With go-karts, hammerschlagen, axe throwing and tasty state fair-inspired foods and beverages, it will for sure be a place to end your getaway with a bang.
With a 3-day adventure booked in Bloomington, Minnesota, we promise it will always be a good time.
