Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Bloomington (Hennepin County, Minnesota; pop. 86,435) sits at 252 m (827 ft) elevation near Cedar Avenue Bridge, with regional transit access via Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (8.4 km). Visitors pair Bloomington landmarks with signature Minnesota specialties including Juicy Lucy cheese-stuffed burger and Minnesota wild rice soup & walleye pike.
Within Minnesota, Bloomington (Bloomington, MN) serves as a us city in minnesota. Travelers exploring Minnesota often combine a stop in Bloomington with state highlights such as Minneapolis Chain of Lakes & Mall of America, Voyageurs National Park, Boundary Waters Canoe Area & North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior.
| Fact | Details for Bloomington (Bloomington, MN) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Bloomington, MN |
| County & Role | US City in Minnesota |
| State & Major Hubs | Minnesota (Minneapolis, Saint Paul & Duluth) |
| Population | 86,435 residents |
| Elevation | 252 m (827 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (8.4 km) |
| Coordinates | 44.8408°N, 93.2983°W |
Getting to Bloomington & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (8.4 km)): Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport (MSP), Metro Transit light rail, Amtrak Empire Builder & Borealis at St. Paul Union Depot, and I-35/I-94.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into MSP Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport & Amtrak Empire Builder / Borealis? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Bloomington includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Bloomington (Minnesota)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Bloomington (Hennepin County, Minnesota), local tables feature: Signature Minnesota dishes—Juicy Lucy cheese-stuffed burger, Minnesota wild rice soup & walleye pike, and Swedish meatballs, lefse & tater tot hotdish.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Bloomington and across Minnesota, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Minnesota: North Shore craft lagers & wild-rice ales, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Bloomington (Minnesota), look for: Local specialties across Minnesota: Honeycrisp apple crisp & lingonberry tarts, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Minnesota dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Bloomington (pop. 86,435), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Hennepin County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 252 m (827 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (8.4 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Cedar Avenue Bridge (5.5 km) · Garden Park (8.5 km) · Yale Gardens Park (10.5 km) · Fort Snelling State Park (10.7 km) · Minnesota Zoological Gardens (11.3 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: South Minneapolis, Phillips, Glenwood Junction
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Richfield, MN (4.9 km)
- Edina, MN (6.8 km)
- Savage, MN (7.5 km)
- Burnsville, MN (8.3 km)
- Eagan, MN (11.1 km)
Regional Specialties Across Minnesota
- Juicy Lucy cheese-stuffed burger — a signature specialty across Minnesota.
- Minnesota wild rice soup & walleye pike — a signature specialty across Minnesota.
- Swedish meatballs, lefse & tater tot hotdish — a signature specialty across Minnesota.
- Honeycrisp apple crisp & lingonberry tarts — a signature specialty across Minnesota.
- North Shore craft lagers & wild-rice ales — a signature specialty across Minnesota.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Bloomington
Best time to visit Minnesota: Jun–Oct.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Bloomington exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Bloomington; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bloomington (Bloomington, MN) located in the United States?
Bloomington (Bloomington, MN) is a us city in Minnesota, United States (coordinates: 44.8408°N, 93.2983°W, elevation: 252 m (827 ft)). It has a population of approximately 86,435.
How do I get to Bloomington by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Bloomington via Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (8.4 km). Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport (MSP), Metro Transit light rail, Amtrak Empire Builder & Borealis at St. Paul Union Depot, and I-35/I-94. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Bloomington and Minnesota known for?
In Bloomington and across Minnesota, signature regional dishes include Juicy Lucy cheese-stuffed burger, Minnesota wild rice soup & walleye pike, Swedish meatballs, lefse & tater tot hotdish, as well as Honeycrisp apple crisp & lingonberry tarts and North Shore craft lagers & wild-rice ales. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Bloomington?
Best time to visit Minnesota: Jun–Oct. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: