Bloomington · Minnesota, MN

Outdoors in Bloomington

Scout analyzed 59 Bloomington places and surfaced the ones that actually fit outdoors.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Best neighborhoods for outdoors

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

West Bloomington

6 matching spots

South Loop District

1 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Outdoors

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

This recreation area is ideal for a half-day to full-day active outing with family or solo, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Expect to spend little to no money per person, mostly for park entry if required, and plan for significant walking in an outdoor setting.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

West Bloomington

Richardson Nature Center

Richardson Nature Center is suitable for a 1.5 to 2 hour outdoor activity, offering trails and nature exploration for free. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a standalone family or solo outing.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

South Loop District

Bloomington Education and Visitor Center

This visitor center offers access to extensive natural habitats, making it good for a free, educational outdoor activity for families or solo adventurers. Expect to spend 1-2 hours exploring the center and surrounding trails.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

West Bloomington

Moir Park

Moir Park is great for a casual outdoor family outing or solo disc golf session, lasting 1-2 hours. It's generally free to visit, with costs only for personal supplies like food for grilling.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Vermillion Falls Park

Vermillion Falls Park is a good stop for an hour-long walk to see the waterfall, ideal for a free family outing or solo exploration. It pairs well with a picnic and is best visited during daylight hours.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

West Bloomington

Normandale Lake Park

Normandale Lake Park is ideal for a low-cost outdoor activity like walking, jogging, or biking around the lake, pairing well with a picnic. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here with minimal to no personal cost.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

West Bloomington

Dred Scott Field,Bloomington MN

Dred Scott Field is suitable for a casual family outing or solo exercise, easily pairing with a meal out. Expect to spend 1-3 hours here with minimal to moderate cost depending on concessions.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

West Bloomington

Normandale Japanese Garden

This Japanese garden is a free outdoor experience, suitable for a relaxed hour-long visit, especially on a nice day. It pairs well with other activities in the Bloomington area, offering scenic views and a quiet atmosphere.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

West Bloomington

Bush Lake Park

Bush Lake Park is a free outdoor spot good for spending a couple of hours with family or on a solo walk, especially on a sunny day. It's a solid option for a relaxed morning or afternoon activity, potentially combined with a picnic.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking