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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Spots with nice views in Bloomington

A view that serves as the main event rather than just a backdrop for an overpriced meal.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated April 2026
01
Normandale Lake Park image 1
Normandale Lake Park image 2
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Lake Park blends serene atmosphere with beautiful lake views and clear sights of downtown Bloomington. Well-maintained trails separate walkers and bikers for a peaceful experience. Wildlife like geese adds a natural touch to this urban oasis.

Beautiful lake views offer a peaceful setting with extraordinary scenery. Downtown Bloomington appears clearly during walks, adding a fantastic urban backdrop.

People are saying

"The views here are really pretty and beautiful."

"It's a surprisingly peaceful spot to unwind by the water."

"The bathrooms here are open and clean."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at Normandale Lake Park.

2

The park has clean and open restrooms.

3

The park features a 45-minute walking trail around the lake.

02
Old Cedar Avenue Bridge image 1
Historical landmark

Historic bridge offers scenic river valley views and abundant wildlife. Wide, paved trails connect to nature play areas and greenway paths. Perfect for walking, biking, and bird watching in a peaceful setting.

The bridge offers beautiful views of the river valley and surrounding wildlife. The scenery from there is consistently gorgeous and peaceful.

People are saying

"The bridge offers beautiful views of the river valley."

"The bathrooms here are really nice and clean."

"The parking lot here is large and easy to find."

Good to know

1

There is a large parking lot at the trailhead.

2

Bathroom facilities are nearby and very well-maintained.

3

The trails are wide and comfortable for walking, jogging, or biking.

03
Richardson Nature Center image 1

Nature center features live animal exhibits with birds and reptiles and offers interactive stations like puppet shows and microscopes. Trails provide pretty views and a sledding hill for fun. Upstairs, watch raptors such as owls and hawks in a peaceful setting.

Trails offer pretty views and a sledding hill adds fun to the scenery. Upstairs, you can see raptors like an owl, hawk, and kestrel which adds to the peaceful, natural vibe.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with an indoor play area."

"I loved the fun activities like walking trails and exploring for bugs."

"I enjoyed the peaceful, beautiful scenery on the trails."

Good to know

1

The activity of visiting the nature center is free.

2

The trails are well maintained and easy to walk.

3

The center has live animal exhibits inside.

04
Nine Mile Creek Access Point fav image 1

Trail shows beautiful wildflowers and tall trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Pets enjoy splashing in the creek, while picnic areas offer space for all ages. Paths stay clean and well maintained, perfect for a relaxing visit.

Scenery features wild flowers, trees, and bushes creating a beautiful natural setting.

People are saying

"The scenery here is beautiful, with gorgeous trees and flowers."

Good to know

1

This trail connects to the river for extended hiking options.

2

Picnic areas and parks make it suitable for all ages.

3

Pet-friendly areas allow dogs to splash in the creek.

05
Minnesota River Bottoms Trails image 1

Trails mix paved walkways and dirt paths with off-road sections for mountain biking. Quiet and secluded, the area offers great river views and easy, flowing routes with some rough patches.

Great views of the river appear along the trail. The environment stays quiet and each spot offers a pretty view.

People are saying

"The trails offer a quiet, peaceful Meditation Spot."

"I loved the great views of the river."

Good to know

1

Pack out all trash, including pet waste, as there are no bathrooms on the trail.

2

The trail features both paved and dirt paths for different activities.

3

Expect some challenging sand sections along the dirt paths.

06
Bush Lake Park image 1

Crystal-clear lake anchors a spacious park with well-maintained trails and multiple playgrounds. Visitors enjoy peaceful views of water and forest while fishing, swimming, or kayaking. Facilities include picnic areas and a sandy beach with a roped-off swimming zone.

Peaceful outdoor retreat offers beautiful scenery with great views of the lake. Surrounding trails provide accessible moderate challenges and views of forest and wildlife.

People are saying

"The parks here have great playgrounds perfect for kids."

"The beach and swim area were super clean."

"It's a peaceful outdoor retreat with beautiful scenery."

Good to know

1

Bush Lake Park offers free parking for all visitors.

2

The park has clean bathrooms available for public use.

3

Canoe rentals are available, or you can bring your own canoe.

07
FlyOver America image 1
Amusement park ride

Suspended chairs face a four-story spherical screen showing stunning American landscapes. Sensory effects like wind and mist create an immersive flight feeling. Spacious seating offers a calm, family-friendly ride with unobstructed views that feel like soaring over nature.

The ride offers unobstructed views that feel like flying over the greatest landscapes. It combines beautiful scenery with sensory effects like water mists and floral scents to enhance the experience.

People are saying

"It felt like flying, which was really fun and realistic."

"The Mall of America's FlyOver experience felt truly magical and realistic."

"It felt like flying over beautiful scenery with water mists."

Good to know

1

Ticket prices are $23.99 for adults and $17.99 for kids, including tax.

2

The ride lasts less than 20 minutes, which may feel short for the price.

3

FlyOver America transforms into a holiday wonderland through January 2, 2025.

08
SEA LIFE at Mall of America image 1

Underwater tunnel offers unique views of sharks and rays swimming overhead. Interactive touch pools and stingray feeding provide hands-on experiences. Behind-the-scenes tour reveals top-down views of enclosures and rescued turtles, making it a lively and educational spot.

Unique underwater views come from the glass tunnel and bubbles that let you see sea life from different angles. The behind-the-scenes tour offers a top-down look at enclosures and shows where rescued turtles hang out.

People are saying

"SEA LIFE at the Mall was an amazing and fascinating experience."

"I saw so many different fish, sharks, and turtles."

"Walking through the tunnel, I saw sea life swimming right above me."

Good to know

1

Toddler Tuesday offers special activities for young children and families.

2

Tickets for the Mermaid Event cost $27 for adults.

3

The aquarium features a touch pool where visitors can interact with sea life.

09
Hyatt Regency Bloomington - Minneapolis image 1

Modern hotel features quiet rooms with gorgeous views of the airport and towers. Guests enjoy a dog-friendly outdoor area and a cozy pool perfect for kids. Shuttle services connect visitors to nearby attractions easily.

Rooms offer gorgeous views of the airport and surrounding modern towers. Windows showcase the sky blue Reflections condominium and provide a peaceful, quiet atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff are so thoughtful and make you feel like a friend."

"It's a clean, quiet, and comfortable place for a restful sleep."

"I loved the nice view of the modern towers."

Good to know

1

The hotel charges $15 per day for parking, which may not be disclosed at check-in.

2

The shuttle service to the Mall of America and the airport runs every 30 minutes.

3

Parking can be expensive, with charges of $10 for uncovered parking.

10
Moose Mountain Adventure Golf image 1
Miniature golf course

Indoor miniature golf offers an 18-hole Bigfoot theme with tricky elevation changes. Some holes provide great views of Nickelodeon Universe, adding a scenic break. Expect a lively atmosphere and long waits due to high traffic and no group spacing.

Some holes offer great views of Nickelodeon Universe and the amusement park, making the mini golf a nice break from the mall. The scenery at several holes stands out despite walls covered in a thick layer of dust.

People are saying

"Playing this mini golf course was a fun time for everyone."

"This place is not kid friendly; food arrangements were a mess."

"The mini golf has a nice view of the amusement park."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid busy times.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The weekend price is around $16 for 18 holes.

11
Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Airport image 1

Spacious suites with great airport views offer comfort and a lively atmosphere. Families enjoy the large hot tub and free breakfast with an omelet bar. Convenient airport shuttle adds ease to travel.

Upper floors offer spacious corner rooms with a great view. Rooms facing the airport provide a clear look at airport activity.

People are saying

"The hotel staff here is amazing and so attentive."

"The Happy Hour had complimentary drinks and snacks for the whole family."

"The rooms have an impressive view from the upper floors."

Good to know

1

The hotel offers a complimentary happy hour with drinks and snacks for the whole family.

2

Parking costs $15 per night, which may not be disclosed during booking.

3

Shuttle service to the airport starts at 3:30 AM for early rides.

12
JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America image 1

Rooms stay quiet and luxurious despite nearby mall and airport. Fitness center is large and well-equipped, open 24 hours for convenience. Onsite restaurant and lounge offer great views of planes and city skyline.

An onsite restaurant offers a great view of planes taking off. The lounge provides an amazing view, and upgraded suites feature stunning city views with extra comfort.

People are saying

"The hotel staff are professional, attentive, and welcoming."

"It's so convenient accessing the mall without going outside."

"It's so convenient being attached to the mall for shopping and breaks."

Good to know

1

The hotel is directly connected to the Mall of America for easy access.

2

Parking costs $24, and receipts may not be provided.

3

Happy hour at the hotel restaurant offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

13
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Minneapolis Bloomington W image 1

Rooms feature great city views ideal for sunsets. Hotel ensures cleanliness and offers ample parking plus a 24-hour shuttle. Pool and hot tub may be closed or in disrepair, so plan accordingly.

Rooms offer great city views that are perfect for sunset pictures. The views are consistently clean and beautiful, adding to the overall experience.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is great, especially the make-your-own waffles."

"I found the hotel to be really clean and nice."

"I loved the nice view of the busy highway."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay a $100 deposit upon check-in, refundable after two weeks.

2

A lite bite breakfast is offered from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

3

The hotel does not have a restaurant or nearby dining options.

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Bloomington, Minnesota

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