Mall of America | Bloomington

Mall of America (MOA), located in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. Since its grand opening in 1992, the Mall of America has grown beyond a traditional retail center to become a multifaceted experience combining extensive shopping, diverse dining, immersive entertainment, and cultural attractions, drawing over 40 million visitors annually from across the globe.

History and Development

The concept of the Mall of America was developed in the late 1980s as part of a plan to revitalize the Bloomington area and capitalize on its proximity to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Built on the site of the former Metropolitan Stadium, home to the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, the mall was designed to be a year-round destination, providing retail, entertainment, and tourism in a single, climate-controlled environment. It officially opened on August 11, 1992, and quickly became a cultural icon and economic powerhouse for the region.

Size and Layout

Spanning approximately 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America contains about 2.8 million square feet of retail space. The mall houses over 520 stores ranging from global flagship outlets and luxury brands to specialty boutiques and local retailers. The layout is organized into four themed zones to help visitors navigate easily, with a central “crystal court” serving as a prominent meeting and event area.

The mall also includes more than 60 restaurants and food courts, offering an extensive range of dining options from casual fast-food to fine dining, featuring local, national, and international cuisines.

Entertainment and Attractions

One of the Mall of America’s most distinctive features is its extensive entertainment offerings that elevate the shopping experience:

Nickelodeon Universe®: At the heart of the mall is a 7-acre indoor amusement park, the largest of its kind in the United States. Featuring more than 30 rides and attractions themed around popular Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it appeals to families and thrill-seekers alike. Highlights include roller coasters, carousel rides, and interactive play areas.

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium: This expansive aquarium features more than 10,000 aquatic creatures displayed in exhibits designed to educate and entertain. A signature attraction is the 300-foot underwater tunnel where visitors can walk beneath sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish in a vibrant, immersive environment.

Crayola Experience: An interactive attraction dedicated to creativity and color, this experience offers hands-on activities such as art projects, color blending, and digital drawing, providing a fun and educational environment for children and families.

FlyOver America: This flight simulation ride provides a breathtaking virtual tour of famous American landscapes and landmarks using motion seats, wind effects, and panoramic visuals, delivering an exhilarating and immersive adventure.

Museum of Illusions: Featuring more than 60 interactive exhibits, illusions, and holograms, this museum invites visitors to explore perception, perspective, and visual trickery with engaging, photo-friendly displays.

Moose Mountain Adventure Golf: A themed mini-golf course set inside the mall provides family-friendly fun with creatively designed holes inspired by Minnesota’s natural beauty.

Special Events and Seasonal Activities

Mall of America hosts a diverse calendar of events throughout the year, including concerts, fashion shows, holiday celebrations, and themed festivals. The mall is famous for its elaborate seasonal decorations, especially during the winter holidays, featuring massive light displays and festive entertainment. Live performances and character meet-and-greets are common attractions that enhance the visitor experience.

Hotels and Accommodations

MOA is directly connected to two major hotels-Radisson Blu Mall of America and JW Marriott Mall of America-providing convenient, upscale lodging for tourists and business travelers. These hotels offer amenities such as conference facilities, fitness centers, and direct mall access. Additionally, over 50 other hotels within a short distance offer a variety of accommodations ranging from budget to luxury, many of which provide shuttle services to the mall.

Transportation and Accessibility

Situated just minutes from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Mall of America is highly accessible by various transportation methods. The METRO Blue Line light rail connects the mall directly to downtown Minneapolis and the airport, while the METRO Red Line bus rapid transit links it to other suburbs. The mall also features one of Minnesota’s largest parking facilities with more than 12,000 spaces, including ample accessible parking.

Shopping Benefits and Visitor Services

Minnesota’s tax-free policy on clothing and footwear makes shopping at MOA particularly attractive to visitors, offering savings on a wide variety of apparel. The mall provides visitor services such as information desks, stroller and wheelchair rentals, package carry-out assistance, and multilingual staff to ensure a comfortable and convenient visit.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

Mall of America emphasizes environmental sustainability through initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and water conservation efforts. The mall also actively participates in community outreach, supporting local charities, educational programs, and cultural events that enrich the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region.

Summary

Mall of America is more than just a shopping center-it is a dynamic, all-encompassing destination combining retail, dining, entertainment, and hospitality under one expansive roof. Its mix of world-class attractions, diverse shopping options, and cultural programming make it a must-visit location for tourists and locals alike. Whether exploring the thrills of Nickelodeon Universe, discovering marine life at SEA LIFE, or indulging in retail therapy, visitors to MOA experience a unique fusion of excitement, convenience, and Minnesotan hospitality year-round.