From magnificent man-made structures to historic and cultural points of interest, Bloomington, MN, overflows with must-see landmarks that interest full-time residents and visitors who are just passing through. Minnesota’s fourth-largest city has a wealth of attractions, hotels, and things to see, making it an ideal vacation spot for anyone interested in a unique holiday experience. The vibe is friendly and welcoming, and with the right checklist there’s always something fun to do.
The Mall of America
Image via Flickr by Cliff
The Mall of America is one of Bloomington’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s like Mecca for shopaholics and retail therapy enthusiasts, but even people who don’t enjoy spending hours at the mall love visiting the sprawling shopping center, which encompasses 96.4 acres. The mall houses such amazing features as the Theme Park Food Court, Sea Life Minnesota, and Nickelodeon Universe, along with practically every store imaginable.
The F. Scott Fitzgerald House
Readers and literary lovers sometimes make the trip to Bloomington just to pay homage to F. Scott Fitzgerald, the talented author responsible for The Great Gatsby, This Side of Paradise, and many other fantastic works. Also well-known for his tempestuous marriage, his friendships with fellow prolific writers, such as Hemingway, and his ex-pat status, Fitzgerald’s home on Summit Avenue in nearby St. Paul is where he really got started.
The Cathedral of St. Paul
Image via Flickr by Ryan Claussen
The Cathedral of St. Paul is also in St. Paul, a mere few minutes away from Bloomington. It’s notable from the area’s other churches because of its stunning architecture. The church, built under the direction of the Archbishop John Ireland, is a towering structure made to look like St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Visitors and churchgoers especially love its decorative interior, stained glass, travertine walls, mosaics, and granite relief-work.
Historic Fort Snelling
Image via Flickr by Steve Moses
Fort Snelling, which has been around since the early 19th century, is an important point of interest from a historical standpoint. The fort has largely been renovated and reconstructed, but it resembles its former self. Intended as a place for both fur-trading and peace-keeping, it showcases life in the 1820s with the help of costumed workers and re-enactments. On any given day, visitors will hear cannons, learn how to make crafts, and learn much about the area’s rich military history.
Normandale Japanese Garden
Image via Flickr by Michael Hicks
Bloomington’s Normandale Japanese Garden is a peaceful, tranquil setting that embraces the beauty and richness of Japanese ideology and culture. Sprawled over two acres, it sits on the community college campus, but it’s easy to forget that it’s not in Tokyo or Kyoto. Visitors can guide themselves all throughout the year, although the gardens are available for special events. Weddings are especially popular there, owing to the gorgeous landscape.
While the Twin Cities get plenty of attention from both residents and travelers, it pays to remember that Bloomington and the surrounding areas are extremely worthwhile as well. It’s easy to get lost in the Mall of America, but there’s so much more to discover in this Minnesota town.
Author Bio:
Lyndsie Robinson is a full-time writer and a full-time reader. Much of her bucket list features points of interest and intrigue concerning her favorite novelists and poets.
