Explore Bloomington’s Parks and Outdoor Activities
Discover nature, trails, and recreation for all ages in the heart of Bloomington.
Top Parks to Visit
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
A sprawling park featuring hiking and biking trails, a large playground, and beautiful views of Hyland Lake.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, picnic shelters, boat rentals.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, birdwatching, cross-country skiing in winter.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
A stunning natural area with trails, wildlife observation spots, and educational programs.
Amenities: Visitor center, trails, parking.
Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, fishing, photography.
Normandale Japanese Garden
A serene, meticulously maintained garden perfect for relaxation and photos. We had our wedding photos taken here..see below!
Amenities: Benches, restrooms, free parking.
Activities: Walking, photography, meditation, nature appreciation.
Discover Bloomington's Parks
Use the interactive map to the left to find Bloomington's parks so you can plan out your day/weekend with activites.
FYI: if you click on the parks to learn more about them, the link is broken at the Bloomington Government site. To remedy this, add
"pr/" to the URL.
For example:
Broken URL:
https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/parks/normandale-lake-park
Working URL:
Restroom Locator
Use the interactive map to the right to locate restroom facilities in Bloomington's parks, including ADA accessible seasonal units. The map and dots may take a moment to load as this is an interactive map.
Red Dots: ADA Accessible | Blue Dots: Non-Accessible
Seasonal Activities
Minnesota is known for the distinct four saesons. Luckily for our Bloomington residents, there are fantastic activities year round.
Summer Fun
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Glide through Bloomington’s scenic waterways, such as the calm stretches of Hyland Lake or the winding creeks in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers, kayaking is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature while staying active.
Where to Go: Rent both at Hyland Lake Park Reserve or bring your own to other local spots.
Outdoor Concerts
Enjoy live music under the stars at Normandale Lake Bandshell, where summer evenings come alive with performances by local and regional artists. Bring a picnic blanket, relax, and take in the sounds of summer.
Season Highlight: The Summer Concert Series offers weekly performances that are family-friendly and free to attend.
Public Beach Swimming
Cool off on hot summer days at Bloomington’s public swimming areas. Enjoy family-friendly beaches with clean water, sandy shores, and plenty of space to relax. Perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or taking a refreshing dip.
Where to Go: Visit Bush Lake Beach, a popular spot known for its clear water, lifeguards during peak hours, and picnic areas. This beach also features nearby walking trails and playgrounds, making it an all-day destination.
Community Pools
For those who prefer a pool setting, Bloomington offers well-maintained outdoor swimming pools perfect for kids, families, and lap swimmers. Many feature slides, diving boards, and shallow areas for toddlers.
Where to Go: Check out the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center, which includes a zero-depth entry pool, a water slide, and plenty of shaded areas for lounging.
Winter Excitement
Cross-Country Skiing
Traverse snowy trails with cross-country skis, immersing yourself in the quiet beauty of Bloomington’s winter landscapes. These groomed trails are perfect for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
Where to Go: Head to Hyland Lake Park Reserve, which boasts some of the best-maintained skiing trails in the region.
Ice Skating
Glide across Bloomington’s many outdoor skating rinks, where families and friends gather for seasonal fun. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skater, this activity is a winter classic.
Where to Go: Popular spots include Bush Lake Park and Normandale Lake when the ice is properly frozen and maintained. There are also many public ice rinks with warming houses.
Snowshoeing
Explore untouched snow-covered paths with snowshoes, allowing you to wander freely through forests and fields. This low-impact activity is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking to experience the tranquility of winter.
Where to Go: The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers picturesque trails perfect for snowshoeing while spotting winter wildlife.
Skating Rink Locations in Bloomington, MN
Looking for a fun way to spend your day
Download A Free Bloomington Parks Map
Since Bloomington is blessed with so many parks, trails, and ways to get outdoors...we figured a powerful map would help you organize your expeditions.
Snapshots of Bloomington’s Great Outdoors
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