A few of the companies we’ve worked with
Mall of America
It is impossible to talk about Bloomington without starting with the Mall of America (MOA). As the largest shopping mall in the country, it attracts 40 million visitors annually. But for groups, it is more than just a shopping destination; it is an entertainment complex. With over 520 stores, 50 restaurants, and major attractions under one roof, it is the perfect spot for groups with diverse interests. You can drop teenagers off at the amusement park while the adults shop at Nordstrom or enjoy a meal at Crave, all without leaving the building.
Group Travel Tip: Navigating the parking ramps at MOA can be daunting for a convoy of cars. The East and West ramps are massive, and losing members of your party is easy. When you rent a charter bus with Charter Bus Bloomington, we streamline the arrival process. Most charter buses utilize the dedicated drop-off lanes at the North Entrance (near the JW Marriott) or the dedicated transit station area. Your driver will drop you curbside so you can walk straight into the action. Plus, with the ample undercarriage storage on a 56-passenger coach, your group has plenty of room to stash all those shopping bags before heading to the next destination.
Address: 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Just minutes from the hustle of the mall and the airport lies a sanctuary of silence and nature. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a massive urban refuge spanning 14,000 acres. For school groups, scout troops, and nature lovers, the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center is a must-visit. The refuge offers miles of hiking trails that wind through floodplain forests and marshes, offering prime birdwatching opportunities. It is an excellent location for educational field trips focused on biology, ecology, or environmental science.
Group Travel Tip: While the refuge feels worlds away, it is located right off American Boulevard. Parking for standard vehicles can be limited during peak migration seasons or special events. A minibus rental is perfect for navigating the entrance and dropping your group right at the Visitor Center door. After a long hike, your group will appreciate climbing into a cool, air-conditioned bus with reclining seats to rest their legs rather than cramping into hot cars.
Address: 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Nickelodeon Universe
Located in the center of the Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe is a seven-acre indoor amusement park that serves as a fantastic destination for youth groups, graduation parties, and summer camps. With 27 rides ranging from the thrilling SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge to the family-friendly Paw Patrol Adventure Bay, it offers year-round fun regardless of the unpredictable Minnesota weather. It is a particularly popular stop for groups traveling from out of state who want the thrill of a theme park without the risk of rainouts.
Group Travel Tip: Keeping a headcount at a busy amusement park is difficult enough without worrying about transportation. By booking a Charter Bus Bloomington motorcoach, you ensure that everyone arrives at the same time to get their wristbands. If you are planning a birthday party or a youth event, you can use the bus’s onboard PA system to announce meet-up times and safety rules before you even pull into the parking lot. Plus, the onboard DVD players allow you to play Nickelodeon cartoons to get the kids hyped up during the drive!
Address: 5000 Center Ct, Bloomington, MN 55425
Normandale Japanese Garden
For a change of pace, the Normandale Japanese Garden offers a two-acre oasis of beauty and tranquility. Located on the campus of Normandale Community College, this garden is perfect for senior tour groups, photography clubs, or wedding parties looking for a stunning backdrop. The garden features a drum bridge, waterfalls, streams, and 300-year-old lanterns, maintained meticulously to provide a serene experience. It is a hidden gem in Bloomington that offers a quiet respite from the city noise.
Group Travel Tip: Because the garden is located on a college campus, parking can be tricky when classes are in session. A charter bus rental eliminates the stress of finding multiple visitor spots in the college lots. Your driver can drop your group off near the garden entrance and park in a designated area until you are ready to leave. This is also a fantastic stop to add to a broader sightseeing tour of the Twin Cities.
Address: 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
If your group loves the outdoors, Hyland Lake Park Reserve is the place to be. This sprawling park features the Hyland Play Area (often called "Chutes and Ladders"), which is a dream come true for elementary school field trips and summer camps. In the winter, the Hyland Hills Ski Area is a premier destination for ski clubs and snowboarding groups. The Richardson Nature Center within the park offers interactive exhibits and live raptors, making it an educational stop as well.
Group Travel Tip: Whether you are hauling skis and snowboards in the winter or picnic coolers and sports gear in the summer, equipment storage is key. A standard school bus often lacks the space for heavy gear. Our full-size charter buses come equipped with massive undercarriage luggage bays that can easily accommodate skis, poles, sleds, and large coolers, keeping the aisleways clear and comfortable for your passengers. Let us handle the winter driving conditions while your group stays warm and cozy inside.
Address: 10145 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Great Wolf Lodge
For a splashing good time, Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington offers a massive indoor water park, climbing walls, arcades, and bowling. It is a favorite for family reunions and youth sports teams traveling for tournaments in the Twin Cities. Because it is located near the Mall of America and the airport, it serves as an excellent central hub for a weekend of activities. The lodge offers specific packages for groups, making it a viable option for birthday parties or corporate retreats looking for a fun, casual atmosphere.
Group Travel Tip: If you are flying into MSP Airport with a large group for a stay at Great Wolf Lodge, coordinate a private airport shuttle with Charter Bus Bloomington. While hotel shuttles exist, they often run on fixed schedules and cannot accommodate 50 people and their luggage all at once. Our private airport transfer ensures your group stays together and gets from the terminal to the water slides without waiting in lines for taxis or ride-shares.
Address: 1700 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
The Works Museum
Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers, The Works Museum is a hands-on engineering and design museum for kids. It is an ideal destination for elementary school field trips, STEM clubs, and scout troops. The exhibits encourage tinkering, building, and problem-solving, offering a high-energy educational experience. From the "Sensor Zone" to the "Experience Gallery," kids are encouraged to touch and manipulate the exhibits.
Group Travel Tip: Teachers love The Works Museum, but they don't love the stress of managing students on a yellow school bus with no air conditioning during a humid Minnesota May. Upgrade your field trip with a Charter Bus Bloomington rental. The drive becomes part of the educational experience when you use the onboard microphone to brief students on the engineering concepts they are about to learn. We work with school districts across the state to provide comfortable, GSA-approved transportation.
Address: 9740 Grand Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420
SEA LIFE at Mall of America
Dive into an underwater world without getting wet at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. Located beneath the Mall of America, this aquarium features a famous 300-foot ocean tunnel where you can see sharks, sea turtles, and sawfish swimming right over your head. It is a magical experience for groups of all ages and offers discounted rates for groups of 10 or more. It is a popular add-on to a day of shopping or a standalone educational trip.
Group Travel Tip: Timing is everything when visiting popular attractions like SEA LIFE. With a charter bus rental, you control the schedule. We can drop you off right in time for your reserved entry slot and pick you up exactly when you are finished. If your group wants to split up—some going to the aquarium, some to the shops—we can serve as a central meeting point or run a shuttle loop to nearby hotels.
Address: 120 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Book Your Bloomington Charter Bus Adventure Today
Bloomington, Minnesota, is a city bursting with attractions, but enjoying them requires reliable transportation. Don’t let the stress of traffic on I-494 or the hassle of finding parking for multiple vehicles dampen your group’s spirits. Charter Bus Bloomington is ready to provide the seamless, professional transportation solution you need. Whether you need a minibus for a wedding party or a fleet of motorcoaches for a corporate convention, we have the experience and the vehicles to make it happen.
Our representatives are available 24/7/365 to assist you with finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. If you’d like a free personalized quote for your next group trip to Bloomington, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 651-372-7030. You can also use our online quote tool for instant online charter bus pricing in under 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bloomington Group Travel Transportation
Where do charter buses park at the Mall of America?
The Mall of America has specific protocols for oversized vehicles. Charter buses drop off passengers at the North Entrance, which provides easy access to the main rotunda and attractions. For parking, there is a dedicated oversized vehicle lot located near the Lindau Lane entrance. When you book with Charter Bus Bloomington, the drivers handle all these logistics. We know exactly where to go to ensure a comfortable, legal drop-off and where to park the bus so it is ready for your departure.
Can we book a bus for a multi-day trip starting in Bloomington?
Absolutely! While we love serving our local community, Charter Bus Bloomington specializes in long-distance and multi-day travel. If your group is starting in Bloomington and heading to Duluth, Chicago, or even across the state, we can provide a comfortable motorcoach for the entire journey. For multi-day trips, you will be responsible for providing a hotel room for your driver to ensure they get the required rest.
How much luggage can we bring on a charter bus for an airport transfer?
One of the biggest advantages of a full-size charter bus is the storage capacity. A standard 56-passenger motorcoach features spacious undercarriage luggage bays that can hold one large suitcase per passenger. Additionally, there are overhead bins inside the cabin for personal items like backpacks, purses, and laptops. If you are a sports team with heavy equipment or a band with instruments flying into MSP, let us know in advance so we can ensure you get a bus with maximum storage capacity.
How far in advance should we book our Bloomington bus rental?
We recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date and group size are confirmed. For peak travel times—such as summer wedding season, end-of-year school field trips (May/June), and major holidays—we suggest booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure availability and the best pricing. However, Charter Bus Bloomington is often able to accommodate last-minute requests. Call us 24/7 at 651-372-7030 to check availability for your dates.
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