From Bloomington, Minnesota's rich history to current events and advancements in the city and the surrounding Twin Cities area, Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau is your source.

• It arrived at 4:44pm on Sunday, September 22, 2013 – Fall. The surest sign that you will now see the sun rising later and setting earlier – the Autumnal Equinox.

  High school, college and professional football has begun, colors changing in the leaves and grasses and pumpkin spice everything everywhere, Fall brings a new crispness in the air makes you grab an extra layer as you head out the door each morning and evening.

  The word equinox comes from the Latin words for "equal night." The fall and spring equinoxes are the only days of the year in which the Sun crosses the celestial equator. During Equinoxes the tilt of the Earth (with respect to the Sun) is 0° and because of it duration of the day and the night are almost equal on Equinox day. Bloomington had 12 hours of both, the last time until the Spring Equinox we will see this.

  Want to learn something else – do you know how leaves change color? Now that the days are getting shorter of daylight hours and temperatures are dropping, trees are producing less chlorophyll and the production eventually stops all together. When production does stop, the green leaves changes to vibrant hues of yellow and orange. The leaves fall off the trees because the veins that carry sap to the leaves gradually close, making the leaves fall to the ground. The oak tree is the only exception of the trees, their leaves remain on the trees throughout the winter, as the separation layer never full detaches.
  
  Bloomington has it all this Fall. The local Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington should be your first stop to take in and see the definite change in season. With over 14,000 acres of protected land, you will see the brilliant shades of fiery red, blazing orange, vivid yellow and stunning coral first-hand from the observation deck outside of the eco-friendly Visitor Center. The well-groomed Fall trails submerge you in color, while the resident coyotes, bald eagles, warblers and trout intermix during your visit.

  Want to take in an event that showcases the history of Bloomington? Be sure to stop in to River Rendezvous – a festival to celebrate and experience the living history of Bloomington at the Pond-Dakota Mission Park. People living in Minnesota between 1830 and 1870 will come alive through storytelling and hands-on demonstrations. This event takes place in September.

  Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington is also a wonderful place to visit to see the color change, which is home to the Richardson Nature Center, Hyland Disc Golf Course and the Hyland Play Area - all worthy of a visit to round out the day. Hike the trails and see how many colors you can find.

  Fort Snelling State Park is close to Bloomington and a wonderful place to visit. You can enjoy a crisp walk under a cottonwood canopy on Pike Island or along the Minnesota River to look for ash trees to turn yellow first. Be on the lookout for deer and migrating waterfowl and songbirds during the fall.

  Lastly, Minnehaha Park & Falls overlooks the lovely Mississippi River and is one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks. The 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs and river overlooks. The park contains oak, elm, silver maple, basswood, hackberry and cottonwood trees, as well as native and prairie woodland wild flowers, all which take on a lovely hue in the Fall. A must see at this time in the year, you can also grab a bite to eat at Sea Salt Eatery, until the end of October, and don’t forget to bring your favorite four-legged friend, to take in the sights, sounds and smells!

  The other vision of Fall that this time of year brings to mind is Apples, fresh off the trees. The Sweet Riverbelle apple was introduced this year. This exclusive, Minnesota grown apple, from the town of La Cresent, joins the Zestar, SweeTango and Honeycrisp as favorites from the orchard. Most new apple varieties are created at the University of Minnesota and are cold hardy, high-quality varieties to handle the extremes in Minnesota weather this time of year.
  
  If your plan takes you North, keep in mind that the fall colors peak mid-September to early October and can take a dramatic change quickly if there is frost, rain or wind. With so many state parks to visit, make sure to take a look at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for complete details.

  Multiple apple orchards are located within close proximity to Bloomington. Minnesota Harvest Orchard in Jordan, Aadmodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater, Afton Apple Orchards in Afton and the famous Emma Krumbee’s in Belle Plaine all feature pick-your-own apples or pre-packed bags in their retail locations, along with many family-friendly events to take part in every weekend. Pumpkin patches are also available at most orchards to find your Great Pumpkin to take home.

• Going to the Dogs (and Cats)!

  If leaving home without your beloved Fido or Fluffy is too much to take, bring them along on your getaway to Bloomington.

  Numerous hotels in Bloomington, including the Days Inn Bloomington West, Holiday Inn Express, Homewood Suites, Hyatt Place, La Qunita Inn, La Qunita Inn & Suites, Le Bourget Aero Suites, Ramada mall of America, Residence Inn Sheraton Bloomington Hotel Minneapolis South, Sofitel Minneapolis, Staybridge Suites and Super 8 Motel, encourage families to bring their beloved pets with them on vacation.

  Now Boarding, a state-of-the-art pet boarding and dog day care facility run by the Minnesota Animal Humane Society, is located adjacent to the MSP International Airport, will be open 24 hours a day with parking and shuttle service to airport terminals. One hundred forty one animals will be accommodated. Visit www.nowboardingpets.com for more information. Many additional boarding facilities are located in surrounding communities in close proximity to Bloomington.

  Are you looking to perfectly accessorize your family pet? Where else in the world can you find the knock-out studded collar or rhinestone encrusted sweater for your favorite pet. Bow Wow Meow, located on Level 3 West side of Mall of America®, pet lovers can rejoice in finding the perfect accessory for their pampered pooch or coddled cat. There are also specialty carts located throughout Mall of America that feature additional items for your pet.

  Bloomington has two dog walking trails, one located in the lush Hyland Lake Park Reserve. This area consists of over 2,600 acres of trails, activities and nature. The area boasts 6.7 miles of trails dedicated to dog walkers. A 25+ acre off-leash dog exercise area, also located in Bloomington, offers a mix of woods, open fields and a clean swimming hole for the dogs to enjoy.

  Learn more about pet boarding in Bloomington!

• The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has seen exciting changes in its recent past, with the Delta Air Lines/Northwest Airlines merger and the addition of Southwest Airlines service.

  The Delta Air Lines/Northwest Airlines merger was finalized in late 2008. Post merger, Delta has maintained Northwest gates at the airport. The airline has added increased service to two major U.S. destinations, Atlanta and New York, in an effort to support the growth of its reach to international enterprises. In addition, Delta has altered planes on specific routes, matching plane size to route popularity, saving money and generating new revenue. Changes have been and will continue to be implemented gradually in order to prevent the headaches associated with previous mergers.

  Another exciting change for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has been the addition of Southwest Airlines service in March 2009, the result of a diligent campaign led by the Metropolitan Airports Commission. What does Southwest service offer airline travelers? The airline provides direct flights to Midway Airport in Chicago, allowing passengers to connect to 72 popular U.S. destinations, providing them with increased travel options. The airline also prides itself on lowered pricing, making air travel an affordable option. Southwest Airlines is located at MSP’s Humphrey Terminal.

  If you’re traveling to the Twin Cities, be prepared to enjoy all the benefits MSP has to offer. Happy flying!

• Target Field is the new home of the Minnesota Twins. This innovative ballpark was designed primarily by architectural firm Populous, formerly HOK Sport, the same firm responsible for the designs of Oriole Park and AT&T Park, and promises to revolutionize the fan experience. Located adjacent to the Target Center in the Warehouse District of Minneapolis, Target Field’s style and attention to fan comfort makes it one of the most spectacular ballparks in the nation.

  Reflecting Minnesota pride, Target Field's design seeks to illustrate the state’s “dynamic blend of urban sophistication and rugged outdoor vitality” by relying on design principles that blend nature and style. A particularly striking feature of the ballpark is its exterior, composed of Minnesota limestone and designed to mimic actual geological formations and features. Combine this with decidedly urban prows, and the result is an interesting and visually appealing structure that effectively represents both natural beauty and cosmopolitan chic.

  Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of the new ballpark is its assortment of features designed to provide spectators with an enjoyable experience. Chief among these are wider seats, a 360-degree concourse (providing unobstructed views of the game), heated concession areas, additional restrooms, restaurants and lounges, as well as a canopy to protect fans from inclement weather. In addition, Target Field’s seating bowl is one of the closest in the nation, putting fans in the middle of the action.

  Target Field is easily accessible, with 20,000 parking spaces and convenient access to the Hiawatha Light Rail, the Northstar Commuter Rail and the Metro Transit bus system. Target Plaza, the walkway, stretches from the intersection of 1st Avenue and 6th Street in downtown Minneapolis to the new stadium. The walkway features topiaries, canopies, flowers and a wind sculpture, making the trek to Target Field pleasant and relaxing.

  With its stylish exterior, innovative features and easy accessibility, Target Field makes Twins games an unforgettable experience, ushering in a new era for America’s favorite pastime.

• Chief Cloud Man, Gideon Pond and Samuel Pond. To individuals familiar with the history of Bloomington, these names are synonymous with the city’s past. Bloomington’s early days represent the convergence of Native American and European settlers, tribal religions and Christianity, and converts and missionaries. Minnesota’s early Native American inhabitants and the missionaries they attracted laid the foundation of Bloomington and are inextricably tied to the city’s heritage.

  The primary Native Americans that inhabited present-day Bloomington were the Dakota, a branch of the Great Sioux Nation. Seeking to prevent the neighboring Ojibwe from infiltrating their territory and desiring more direct access to trade with Europeans, the Dakota began to settle in the Minnesota River Valley during the 1600s. The principal bands of Dakota living in the area were led by Chief Cloud Man and Chief Black Dog. Supplied with natural springs for water, animals for food, fertile soil for crops, and trees for timber, the Dakota established a comfortable lifestyle in the Minnesota area.

  In the midst of the Second Great Awakening, a flood of missionaries intent on ministering to, converting and educating the Native Americans migrated west to Minnesota. These missionaries were sponsored by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, an 1812 venture of the General Association of Congregational Churches of Massachusetts. The Minnesota missionaries began to establish missions near Dakota lands in the 1830s and 1840s.

  Two of the most influential of these missionaries were brothers Samuel and Gideon Pond, who worked and lived in present-day Bloomington. Samuel and Gideon, natives of Washington, Connecticut, moved to Minnesota in 1834. The same year, the brothers founded Lake Calhoun mission in Minneapolis. They worked with Chief Cloud Man’s tribe, learning the Dakota language, developing a written equivalent and translating the Bible. Wanting to continue their work with Chief Cloud Man and his people, Samuel and Gideon followed the tribe when it moved to the Minnesota River and into present-day Bloomington.

  In 1843, the brothers founded Oak Grove mission in Bloomington. They built a single log house, which functioned as a school, church, and home for the Pond brothers and their families. Among the most influential contributions made here was the publication of The Dakota Friend, a Dakota-English, religious newspaper, of which Samuel served as editor. Their work continued until 1853, when the majority of the Dakota were removed from the area under the Treaty of Mendota.

  The interaction between the Native Americans and missionaries on the Minnesota frontier is an integral aspect of the history of Bloomington and has helped define our diverse, unique city.