Bloomington MN

Bloomington, MN – Nestled just south of Minneapolis, Bloomington is a dynamic city known for its perfect blend of urban fun and natural beauty. Home to the famous Mall of America, this Midwest gem offers something for every traveler—from scenic riverfront trails to world-class shopping and entertainment. Whether you're here for a relaxing getaway or a family-friendly adventure, Bloomington delivers with charm and convenience.

• Population: ~89,000
• Weather: Cold, snowy winters (10-30°F); warm summers (70-85°F) with occasional thunderstorms.
• Places To Visit: Mall of America, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington Ice Garden, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, SEA LIFE Aquarium.
• Top Activities: Shopping at Mall of America, hiking and birdwatching along the Minnesota River, skiing at Hyland Hills, attending local festivals, exploring nearby Twin Cities attractions.
• Famous Food: Juicy Lucy burgers, wild rice soup, cheese curds, and Scandinavian pastries from local bakeries.

Bloomington, Minnesota is home to a diverse and growing economy, offering strong job prospects in healthcare, retail, technology, and education. As the site of the Mall of America and several health and tech firms, the city offers a wide range of career opportunities. Below are some of the top in-demand jobs in Bloomington, MN.

Top 5 Jobs in Bloomington, MN

Bloomington, MN, offers a variety of spots where students can unwind and have some fun away from their studies. Known for its friendly atmosphere and accessibility, this city provides plenty of options for leisure and relaxation.

Mall of America – It’s not just shopping; it’s an experience. With countless stores, an indoor amusement park, and a massive aquarium, there's always something exciting to do here. Whether you're browsing or indulging in some retail therapy, it's a must-visit.

Minnehaha Park – A beautiful escape with lovely trails, picnic spots, and the stunning Minnehaha Falls. It's a great spot to relax in nature, have a quiet study session, or enjoy a picnic with friends.

Nickelodeon Universe – Situated within the Mall of America, this indoor theme park is perfect for letting off some steam. Ride the roller coasters or enjoy the colorful attractions. It's good fun for students looking to embrace their inner child.

Hyland Lake Park Reserve – Features a large playground, scenic trails, and picturesque lake views. Whether hiking, biking, or just enjoying the outdoors, it's an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Escape MSP – If you’re into puzzles and teamwork, check out this escape room. Perfect for forming bonds with new friends while enjoying a challenging and fun experience that stretches your problem-solving skills.

Bloomington Art Center – For those interested in the arts, this center offers plenty of visual stimulation through local exhibitions and creative workshops. It’s a peaceful place to get inspired and appreciate local talent.

These spots provide a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exposure, making Bloomington a delightful place for students to explore and enjoy.

Bloomington, Minnesota, offers access to several respected public and private colleges and universities. Located in the Twin Cities metro area, Bloomington benefits from proximity to top-tier educational institutions that provide excellent academic programs in healthcare, technology, business, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Bloomington

Normandale Community College – One of the largest community colleges in Minnesota, Normandale offers affordable, quality education with strong programs in nursing, liberal arts, computer technology, and business. It is known for smooth transfer pathways to four-year universities.

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities – Just a short drive from Bloomington, this flagship public university is a world-renowned research institution. It offers leading programs in medicine, engineering, public health, computer science, and the arts.

Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park Bloomington Service Area) – This public technical college provides career-focused programs in fields like manufacturing, information technology, construction, and culinary arts, making it ideal for students seeking hands-on careers.

Minneapolis College (formerly MCTC) – Located nearby in downtown Minneapolis, this two-year public college offers comprehensive associate degree programs and is known for its diversity and strong visual arts and liberal studies offerings.

Metropolitan State University – Serving adult learners and transfer students, this institution offers bachelor's and graduate degrees with flexible scheduling. It is respected for programs in criminal justice, accounting, and social work.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Bloomington

Northwestern Health Sciences University – Based in Bloomington, this private university specializes in integrative and natural health care. It offers programs in chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and health sciences. The school's hands-on training and clinical experience set it apart.

Walden University – Though based online, Walden operates from Minneapolis and serves many students in Bloomington. It offers accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, education, nursing, and public administration with a flexible, learning-centered model.

University of St. Thomas – Located in nearby St. Paul and Minneapolis, this private Catholic university is known for excellence in business, law, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Its Opus College of Business ranks among the nation's top business schools.

Augsburg University – A small private institution in Minneapolis with a strong commitment to inclusion and experiential learning. It offers programs in social sciences, business, education, and the arts.

Concordia University, St. Paul – A values-driven Lutheran university, Concordia offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, healthcare administration, criminal justice, and education with a competitive tuition structure and online options.

Bloomington, Minnesota is home to several outstanding high schools that offer students a strong academic foundation, extracurricular activities, and college preparation. Whether you're looking for public or private options, this city has both to meet student needs and encourage educational success.

Top Public High Schools in Bloomington, MN

• Jefferson High School – Known for its diverse academic offerings, college readiness programs, and award-winning arts and sports teams.
• Kennedy High School – Offers Advanced Placement and College in the Schools (CIS) courses, with a focus on preparing students for higher education and careers.
• Edina High School – While located near Bloomington, this public school is a top choice for many local families, offering expansive academic choices and strong STEM and humanities programs.
• Richfield High School – Just outside Bloomington, this school is noted for its inclusive learning environment and International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
• John F. Kennedy Secondary (Alternative Learning Center) – Offers flexible learning paths for students who need alternative education options, including credit recovery and career prep programs.

Top Private High Schools in Bloomington, MN

• Academy of Holy Angels – A top-rated Catholic college-prep high school offering a wide range of honors and AP courses, along with a strong community and leadership focus.
• Beacon Academy – Though serving K–8 officially, Beacon's strong academic foundation enriches the local private school network and feeds into excellent local high schools.
• Blake School – Upper School – Located nearby in Minneapolis, Blake is an elite private school attended by Bloomington residents, offering rigorous academics and renowned college advising.
• Minnehaha Academy – Upper School Campus – Combines Christian values with excellent college prep education in a supportive private setting.
• St. Thomas Academy – A private, all-boys Catholic military school known for its leadership development, disciplined approach, and strong academics.

While Bloomington, Minnesota, does not have its own major professional teams, it plays a key role in the broader Twin Cities sports scene. Just a short drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul, Bloomington residents are die-hard fans of Minnesota’s top professional sports teams. Many of these teams are based nearby and help define the state’s passionate sports culture.

🏀 Basketball – Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)

• Minnesota Timberwolves – Based in Minneapolis, the Timberwolves are the state’s NBA team. They were founded in 1989 and play at the Target Center. While they have had limited playoff success over the years, stars like Kevin Garnett, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Edwards have excited fans with high-level talent and highlight plays.

⚾ Baseball – Minnesota Twins (MLB)

• Minnesota Twins – The Twins play their home games at Target Field in Minneapolis. They have won two World Series championships, in 1987 and 1991. With a rich history and players like Kirby Puckett, Joe Mauer, and Byron Buxton, the Twins remain a staple of summer in Minnesota.

🏈 Football – Minnesota Vikings (NFL)

• Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings are one of the most beloved teams in the region. They play at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Though they have not yet won a Super Bowl, the Vikings have appeared in four Super Bowls and have won many division titles. Historic names such as Fran Tarkenton, Randy Moss, and current stars like Justin Jefferson are fan favorites.

⚽ Soccer – Minnesota United FC (MLS)

• Minnesota United FC – Known as the Loons, Minnesota United plays in the United States' top soccer league, Major League Soccer. Founded in 2015, the team brought MLS to Minnesota in 2017. Their home matches are held at Allianz Field in nearby St. Paul. With a vibrant fan base and players like Emanuel Reynoso, the Loons are growing rapidly in popularity.

🏒 Hockey – Minnesota Wild (NHL)

• Minnesota Wild – Hockey is a way of life in Minnesota, and the Wild are the pride of the NHL fans in the state. Playing at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, the team was founded in 2000 and has made several playoff appearances. Star players like Mikko Koivu and current standout Kirill Kaprizov have made the team competitive and fun to watch.

Bloomington, Minnesota is more than just a suburb of Minneapolis—it’s a city bursting with attractions, history, and quirky surprises. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, check out these fun facts about this vibrant city:

1. Home to the Mall of America – Bloomington is famous for hosting the Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the U.S., with more than 500 stores and an indoor amusement park.
2. Indoor Roller Coaster Rides – Inside the Mall of America, you’ll find NICK Universe, the country’s largest indoor theme park, complete with roller coasters and spinning rides—all under one roof!
3. Nature Lovers Rejoice – Bloomington covers over 9,000 acres of parkland, including the scenic Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is perfect for birdwatching or hiking.
4. Super Convenient Airport Access – The city is just minutes away from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, making it a top stop for travelers.
5. Skyways & Tunnels – The Mall of America has an extensive skyway and tunnel system, so you can explore comfortably—even during Minnesota’s chilly winters.
6. 15 Million Visitors a Year – Thanks to attractions like the Mall of America, Bloomington sees millions of visitors annually from all over the world.
7. High-Tech Public Transit – Bloomington is part of the Metro Transit Blue Line, a light rail that connects the city to downtown Minneapolis and the airport.
8. A Filming Location – Several movies and TV shows have shot scenes in Bloomington, including parts of Jingle All the Way and Mall Cops: Mall of America.
9. Twin Cities Gateway – Bloomington’s central location makes it a perfect launch point to explore the nearby cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, both just a short drive or train ride away.
10. Ice Skating Year-Round – At the Bloomington Ice Garden, also known as BIG, you can enjoy indoor skating and even watch professional figure skaters in action!