Bloomington Parks & Gardens

Visit Underwater Adventures, the aquarium in the Mall of America. Come face-to-face with over 4,500 living sea creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, and more. Touch live sharks and stingrays and enjoy special aquatic exhibits.

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has a visitors' center open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday. Information and exhibits help visitors learn about the wildlife and nature in Minnesota. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge provides a protected habitat for wild animals along the Minnesota River Valley. As well, the Refuge provides outdoor recreation areas for visitors. Here, enjoy Canoeing, boating, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and walking.

Minnesota prairie, mature woodlands, ponds, and wetlands make up the 1000-acre Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. Wildlife such as skinks, hawks, woodpeckers and more live within the reserve. The reserve also contains the Richardson Nature Center and the Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area in addition to a campsite, numerous trails, and both public and group picnic areas.