Mall of America
60 E. Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota
At 5.6 million square feet, Minnesota’s Mall of America is bigger than Vatican City—it literally has its own zip code. It’s the largest mall in the US, and its doors swing open for some 40 million visitors yearly. With more than 500 stores, dozens of restaurants, and an indoor amusement park, you could vacation here for weeks.
Opened in 1992—with several expansions since—the Mall of America is dedicated to all types of indoor entertainment: It contains everything from a massive LEGO store to an underground aquarium to a stand-up comedy club to a 7-acre (2.8-hectare) theme park to a miniature golf course.
Located on the site of a former Minnesota Twins baseball stadium (look for a plaque marking home plate), MOA technically sits in Bloomington, about 15 minutes from the Twin Cities. There are some 12,000 parking spots, and just walking around one level—four in total—gets you a mile-plus workout.
- This place is daunting. Familiarize yourself with what’s there so you can make an action plan.
- Buy a coupon book at the Mall of America gift shop to save money on any inevitable shopping spree.
- If you’re really into MOA, know that the Radisson Blu Hotel connects to it. It’s a great option if you’re visiting more than once.
- Of course, MOA has an app. Download it for maps, entertainment schedules, and more.
If you’re not staying at a nearby hotel with a free shuttle, you’re probably arriving by car. The signage will be clear (near the intersection of I-494 and MN-77), and you can choose between two connected parking garages—they’re free. If they’re full, head to the North Lot across Lindau Lane or the East Lot across 24th Avenue South. You can also take the METRO Blue Line from downtown Minneapolis.
Like most tourist attractions, you’ll want to avoid weekends and holidays for a calmer, more crowd-free experience. “High” season is July and August, though the winter holidays—aka gift-buying season—are extra busy, too. Visit early morning or around dinnertime into the evening for the most elbow room.
There is a symmetry to Mall of America: Each of the four levels centers around an open atrium, which comes full of natural light and more than 200 trees. For shopping, focus on levels 1 and 2; for food, head to level 3. For the movie theatre (and some more food options), that’s level 4. Carry a map with you or download the app to simplify things.
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