Bloomington, Minnesota is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area. The city is located 10 miles south of downtown Minneapolis and covers an area of approximately 39 square miles. The history of Bloomington dates back to the mid-19th century when it was primarily an agricultural community. Today, the city is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population, thriving economy and plenty of opportunities for recreation, entertainment and education.

History of Bloomington:

The very first settlers to the area we now know as Bloomington were the Ojibwe people, who lived in the region for centuries before European settlement. The first European settlers arrived in the 1840s; among them were a pair of brothers named Samuel and William Smith, who built a sawmill near what is now Nine Mile Creek.

Agriculture was the mainstay of the local economy during the early years of Bloomington’s development. Wheat, oats, corn, and potatoes were the primary crops while livestock like pigs, cows, and chickens were also raised. The community was officially organized in 1858 and named Bloomington after the nearby Bloomington Lake.

During the 20th century, Bloomington underwent significant changes that transformed it into a modern suburban community. In 1954, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport opened which gave birth to a new phase of growth in Bloomington. By the 1960s, several major highways were also constructed that enhanced connectivity and improved transportation to various parts of the Twin Cities.

Modern Life Living in Bloomington:

Today, Bloomington is home to over 86,000 residents who enjoy access to world-class amenities and exceptional quality of life. The city boasts of ample green spaces that include parks, trails and lakes that provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and boating. Some popular parks in Bloomington include Hyland Hills Ski Area Park, Normandale lake Park and Bush Lake Park.

Bloomington is also home to the largest shopping center in the United States, the Mall of America. With over 500 stores, an array of eateries, an indoor amusement park and entertainment venues, the mall attracts millions of visitors annually. Additionally, other shopping centers such as Southdale Center, Eden Prairie Center and the Galleria Edina offer residents a wide range of shopping options.

Residents of Bloomington have access to excellent healthcare facilities. The city is home to several hospitals, including Park Nicollet Health Services Methodist Hospital and Fairview Southdale Hospital. Bloomington also boasts a robust education system with several public schools including Jefferson High School and Kennedy High School and post-secondary institutions like Normandale Community College.

Today, Bloomington is a vibrant community and an ideal place to live for families, young professionals and retirees. The city’s economy is primarily driven by retail, hospitality industry, manufacturing and healthcare which offer ample job opportunities. Its diverse population and wide array of amenities make it an attractive destination for people of all ages looking to call it home. With its rich history and exceptional quality of life, Bloomington is undoubtedly a city on the rise.