Nested on the Normandale Community Campus is something very unexpected. Behind the hustle and bustle of the college campus is a garden unique to Bloomington and a surprising find for everyone who visits.
We all have our go-to spots to relax, explore and recharge ourselves, but this serene Japanese garden in Bloomington, Minnesota might be your new favorite. Its very existence is surprising to a lot of people, but once you’re there you’ll feel as though you’ve known about it your whole life. It’s even got some interesting history!
This garden is built near a twenty-acre pond, the garden showcases authentic Japanese features. These include a garden wall and entry gate, a waterfall, two shelters, three islands, three lanterns, four bridges, and a Bentendo — a hexagonal structure common throughout Japan and named for Benten, a goddess of wealth, happiness, wisdom, and music.
This special garden was created just for Minnesota.
The garden contains more than 300 plants, shrubs, and trees. They have been carefully selected to grow in Minnesota’s extreme climate. The plants chosen are Minnesota-hardy plants that can survive very cold temperatures.
In addition to discovering the wonderful plant life and intentional landscaping, you’ll see around 20 colorful koi that swim from lagoon to pool, under bridges and around rocks. The Koi pond is restocked every Spring. You can feed the fish from May through October by purchasing koi food at the entrance of the Garden for 50 cents (quarters only).
Visitors are welcome year-round, and the Garden is open Spring, Summer and Fall from sunrise to sunset. Upon entrance from the college parking lot you will find a variety of scuplutres that lead to the garden.
There is no cost for admittance, but donations are appreciated. We ask that children under 12 are accompanied by an adult.
Normandale Japanese Garden
Normandale Community College, located at 9700 France Avenue South in Bloomington, Minnesota.
More information can be found on their website here.
