The Normandale Japanese Garden in Bloomington, MN is a tranquil, 2-acre oasis featuring traditional Japanese landscaping, koi ponds, and serene walking paths. Open year-round, the garden offers a peaceful escape for visitors seeking relaxation and cultural enrichment. Located on the Normandale Community College campus, it’s a destination for nature lovers and photographers in the Twin Cities area.
Garden
Normandale Japanese Garden
939 Google Reviews
Fun place to check out with the family and a date. It was great to check out and I recommend you bring some quarters so you can get some koi fish food. They had a small building that talked about the history of this place. Perfect for pictures as well either senior picture or prom pictures. Came here on a sunny day and it turned into a great photo opportunity. Smaller than expected though so be prepared for that.
Much smaller than the pictures and reviews lead you to believe. It’s still a nice place to visit, just don’t expect to be there long. You also can’t really take pictures; it says amateur/professional photogs must pay…not sure if its for like graduation/wedding/etc pics. There is fish food you can purchase. Water looks a bit murky too.
This is a beautiful garden. When I used to go to Normandale, I would often come here between classes. They used to have many large koi, but today I didn’t see any. I wonder what happened to them; I just hope they’re okay. The garden is small, but it’s enough to give you a few peaceful moments.
This is a beautiful place to visit! It’s so relaxing and peaceful. The Koi fish were my favorite to see. You can get food and attract a ton of them so bring a few quarters with you. Even without tho, someone else will be doing it. A volunteer came up to us while we were on the accessible bridge and answered some of our questions. Apparently the trees are groomed to look like clouds – how cool is that?
The entrance into the park is pretty difficult for anyone with mobility issues so be aware of that. I had to get some help on the way out so I wouldn’t tip over in my wheelchair. The volunteer I talked to tho said they’re planning an accessible entrance so yay!
We’ll definitely be going back.
The entrance into the park is pretty difficult for anyone with mobility issues so be aware of that. I had to get some help on the way out so I wouldn’t tip over in my wheelchair. The volunteer I talked to tho said they’re planning an accessible entrance so yay!
We’ll definitely be going back.
Parking is directly west of the garden. *Look for signs “Japanese Garden ⬅️.”*
Handicap accessible. ♿
Donation boxes at entrance. 💵
Handicap accessible. ♿
Donation boxes at entrance. 💵
A cute garden! Lovely place to go and enjoy nature. Easy access. The path goes all around the pond. The only thing that bothered me was the murky water; I could barely see the koi (see video).
Photos taken with Moto G Stylus 5G. No filter.
Amazing experience and beautiful garden. Also very well kept. The gentleman who was greeting people was very friendly. We also really enjoyed looking at the Koi fishes.
Great space to unwind in nature, usually very quiet. Nice that you can feed the koi, they have a few very giant old ones that appear only when you feed the smaller ones.
Beautiful garden and shockingly free! Reminds me of the arboretum with how serene and peaceful it is. We enjoyed it with my 4 and 1 year old. It is stroller accessible.
