A quick guide to getting from Bloomington to Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota

If you're planning a trip from Bloomington to Inver Grove Heights, be prepared to travel only a short distance! These two cities are practically neighbors, separated by just a handful of miles. However, there are several different routes you can take, each with its own pros and cons. Here's what you need to know:

The most direct route

The most direct route between the two cities is via Highway 494. This route is just about 8 miles long, and takes around 15 minutes to drive without traffic. However, during peak hours, especially on weekday afternoons, the route can get quite congested and the drive may take closer to half an hour.

If you're looking for a quick trip and don't need to stop along the way, this is the route for you. However, if you're looking for a more scenic drive or want to break up your journey with some interesting stops, read on!

The river route

Another option for getting from Bloomington to Inver Grove Heights is to take Highway 77 south to Highway 62, then follow Highway 55 east to River Road. From there, you'll follow the Mississippi River north into Inver Grove Heights.

This route is a bit longer, at around 15 miles, but it's also a much more scenic drive. You'll get lovely views of the river and some picturesque natural areas. Plan for around 25 minutes of driving time, but add an extra 10-15 minutes if you stop to take in the views.

The shopping route

If you're a fan of shopping, you might consider taking Highway 494 as mentioned above, but hopping off at the Mall of America. From there, take Cedar Avenue south to Highway 13, then on to Inver Grove Heights.

This route is around 13 miles long and takes approximately 25 minutes to drive without traffic. However, if you want to take advantage of all that the Mall of America has to offer, you'll want to add some extra time to your itinerary. Plan for at least a couple of hours at the mall if you're serious about shopping!

The foodie route

Finally, if you're a food lover, there's a route you'll want to take that will give you the opportunity to try some local delicacies. Start out on Highway 494 and take the exit for 34th Avenue South. Follow 34th Avenue south, and you'll hit the heart of Minneapolis's food scene. Try some of the best burgers, BBQ, or beer that the Twin Cities have to offer before getting back on the road to Inver Grove Heights.

This route is about 16 miles long and takes around 30 minutes to drive. However, you'll want to add more time if you plan on stopping for a bite to eat. Trust us, it's worth it!

Final thoughts

No matter which route you take, the trip from Bloomington to Inver Grove Heights won't take up too much of your time. However, you can make the journey as short or as long as you'd like, depending on your interests. Whether you're looking for shopping, food, or sightseeing, there's a route that will suit your needs!