Bloomington is most often known as the home of the Mall of America or the town with two high schools that don't like each other(for some unknown reason). Although the Mall of America is a big attraction to Bloomington there are so many other adventurous things to do and places to be.

Here is a list of 13 fun things to do and beautiful places to see in Bloomington, Minnesota all of which are locally owned small businesses of Bloomington or offer a scenic piece of Bloomington for enjoying the day outdoors.

1. Visit Hyland Park and Richardson Nature Center

Hyland is the best place to go walking, running, biking, or cross-country skiing in Bloomington. Kids growing up knew Hyland as "Chutes and Ladders" or where Camp Kota was held in the summer. Hyland trails connect to Richardson Nature Center for an endless day of enjoying the great outdoors.

2. Play a round at Dwan Golf Course

Dwan is a beautiful golf course for golfers of all ability levels. Its the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful spring or summer afternoon and run into familiar faces in the clubhouse.

3. Grab coffee with a friend at West Side Perk

A locally owned coffee shop known for hosting events that bring the Bloomington community together. The moment you come into West Side Perk you can tell it has a great connection to the locals around the area and sets a homie and friendly environment to all coffee loving customers.

4. Grab lunch at Wally's Roast Beef

Everyone in Bloomington knows Wally's roast beef! Make sure to get there early because even though they moved to a larger location their lunch hour is still packed with Wally's dedicated roast beef fans.

5. Have a productive day at Mugshots Coffee Company

Mugshots Coffee Company recently opened in 2015 and provides a huge space for people to get work done or catch up with friends. Mugshots has a cozy environment for being productive while also getting fresh air on a nice day. They have a retractable window that lets you get fresh air on a nice day while getting work done.

6. Walk along the Minnesota River trails

The Minnesota river trail has running and biking trails that connect all the way to Nine Mile Creek in East Bloomington. I'd highly recommend going for a run or taking a walk by the river in the fall.

7. Go biking at Nine Mile Creek

Nine Mile Creek is a great place to go for (somewhat challenging) running or biking trails. The park also has endless beautiful walking trails, beach volleyball courts, and disc golf.

8. Shop for chocolate at Droolin' Moose

The Bloomington location is the original chocolate shop created by a local Bloomington family. Droolin' Moose has a huge variety of chocolate, it will be hard to leave with just one jar, and it will be hard to resist finishing a jar in one day.

9. Swim at Bush Lake on a late summer afternoon

Bush lake is a great place to cool down in the summer, I'd recommend going later in the afternoon because there's less of a crowd and if you're lucky you can watch the sunset on the lake.

10. Visit the Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is tucked behind Normandale Community College, it's a great place to go for a short walk on a beautiful day.

11. Grab a burger at Shantytown Hamburgers

Only Bloomington locals know that this is the best place to get a burger in Bloomington and locals are also the only ones who know where to find it, the location can be hard to find.

12. Enjoy the views at Minnesota Valley Country Club

Although this golf course is only available to members or friends of members, it is easily one of the most beautiful places to golf in Bloomington and a common site for wedding receptions and dinner events.

13. Ski or snowboard at Hyland Ski Hill at Night

Hyland Ski Hill is the best way to enjoy winter nights in Bloomington and gives you a great view of the city from the top of the hill.