Once a quiet, rural town, Blaine is now a bustling suburban city in the north of Minneapolis. Its first permanent resident is recorded as being Greenberry Chambers, a former slave who moved from Kentucky following the American Civil War. Its abundant wetlands made it a popular hunting destination prior to the development of housing communities in the wake of World War II.
Things to do in Blaine
Carving through the heart of Blaine is Central Avenue, which is lined with department stores, retail outlets and fast-food eateries. You can go shopping at Target and Kohl’s, pick up home improvement supplies at Menards or restock at Officeworks. When it’s time to eat, feast at Chipotle Mexican Grill or dine on American fare and craft beer at Clive's Roadhouse.
Encompassing more than 200 hectares is the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, which is traversed by paved trails and a meandering boardwalk. It provides an important habitat for a variety of wildlife and bird species and plays a vital role in cleaning and filtering water. Nearby are the recreational facilities of Lochness Park, which include a well-maintained disc golf course.
On the northwestern edge of Blaine is the Bunker Hills Golf Club, which is considered one of the top public golf courses in the United States. It features tree-lined fairways and generous greens, as well as 75 bunkers to challenge even the most experienced players. Overlooking the course is Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse, which serves brunch, lunch and dinner.
Getting around Blaine
Blaine is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Minneapolis and 35 minutes from Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America and Europe. Buses travel through Blaine while renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.