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America’s Largest Mall In Bloomington Features Indoor Roller Coasters & A Full Aquarium Under One Roof

Published: July 16, 2025

Forty million visitors annually can’t be wrong about this entertainment powerhouse that towers above ordinary shopping experiences.

Mall of America transforms the typical retail outing into a multi-day adventure where you’ll discover roller coasters soaring through the center court, sharks swimming overhead in underwater tunnels, and enough shopping variety to satisfy every taste and budget imaginable.

Built on the historic site of Metropolitan Stadium where the Minnesota Twins and Vikings once played, this colossal destination opened in 1992 and immediately redefined what a shopping mall could be.

You’ll find yourself exploring 5.6 million square feet of pure entertainment magic that includes over 520 stores, more than 50 restaurants, and attractions that rival standalone theme parks.

Entertainment & Attractions That Amaze

Nickelodeon Universe: The crown jewel of Mall of America houses America’s largest indoor theme park across seven thrilling acres. You’ll experience 27 rides ranging from gentle family attractions to spine-tingling roller coasters like the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge.

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The park’s glass ceiling creates a bright, airy atmosphere while characters from your favorite Nickelodeon shows roam throughout for meet-and-greet opportunities.

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium: You’ll walk through a mesmerizing 300-foot underwater tunnel surrounded by 1.3 million gallons of water housing over 10,000 sea creatures.

The stingray touch pool lets you interact directly with these graceful animals, while rescued sea turtles and massive sharks glide overhead in breathtaking displays.

FlyOver America: This immersive flight simulation experience suspends you above stunning American landscapes through cutting-edge technology. You’ll feel wind, mist, and scents as you soar over iconic destinations from coast to coast in this breathtaking 4D adventure.

Crayola Experience: Creativity comes alive in this 60,000-square-foot wonderland where you’ll design custom crayons, star in your own coloring page, and explore dozens of hands-on art activities. The experience appeals to artistic souls of all ages with constantly rotating interactive exhibits.

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Adventure Golf & Gaming: Moose Mountain Adventure Golf features two 18-hole courses including blacklight mini golf that glows with vibrant colors. You’ll also discover laser tag, escape rooms, a massive LEGO store with play areas, and multiple arcade zones throughout the mall.

Shopping Paradise For Every Style

Anchor Stores: You’ll find major department stores including Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s anchoring each corner of the mall’s rectangular design. These flagship locations offer comprehensive selections from luxury designers to everyday essentials across multiple floors.

Specialty Retailers: The mall excels at experiential shopping with stores like the M&M’s World where you’ll create custom candy mixes, Build-A-Bear Workshop for personalized stuffed animals, and the massive LEGO Store featuring intricate sculptures and exclusive sets.

Minnesota-themed souvenir shops cluster throughout, perfect for capturing local memories.

Fashion & Lifestyle: You’ll discover everything from high-end boutiques to budget-friendly chains arranged across three main levels. The recent renovations added upscale retailers while maintaining beloved classics, ensuring shopping options for every budget and style preference.

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No Sales Tax Bonus: Minnesota’s tax-free policy on clothing and shoes means you’ll save money on every apparel purchase, making designer pieces and everyday essentials more affordable than neighboring states.

Dining Adventures Across Cultures

Food Court Variety: The expansive third-floor food court presents an incredible selection ranging from authentic Asian cuisine to classic American favorites.

You’ll find everything from sushi and pad thai to pizza and burgers, all in one convenient location with ample seating overlooking the theme park action.

Themed Restaurants: Unique dining experiences await at Rainforest Cafe where you’ll eat surrounded by animatronic animals and thunderstorm effects, or Margaritaville for tropical island vibes with signature cocktails and Caribbean-inspired fare.

Upscale Options: Cedar + Stone Urban Table showcases Minnesota’s farm-to-table movement with locally sourced ingredients, while FireLake Grill House offers refined comfort food in an elegant setting. These restaurants prove that mall dining has evolved far beyond basic chain offerings.

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International Flavors: You’ll taste authentic cuisines from around the world including Japanese teppanyaki, Mexican cantina specialties, Brazilian churrascaria, and Italian pasta made fresh to order.

Atmosphere & Experience

Climate Controlled Comfort: The mall maintains a consistent 70-degree temperature year-round, creating a comfortable shopping environment regardless of Minnesota’s extreme weather. The glass-domed center court floods the space with natural light while protecting you from the elements.

Spacious Design: You’ll appreciate the mall’s thoughtful layout with wide walkways, numerous seating areas, and clear sightlines that prevent the claustrophobic feeling common in crowded retail spaces. Each floor spans over a mile of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential for exploring everything.

Renovated Elegance: Recent multi-million dollar renovations unified the mall’s aesthetic with luxurious finishes, improved lighting, and enhanced wayfinding that creates a premium shopping atmosphere rivaling high-end lifestyle centers.

Family-Friendly Environment: The mall caters exceptionally well to families with stroller rentals, family restrooms, nursing areas, and entertainment options spanning toddlers to teenagers. You’ll find something engaging for every age group within your family.

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Practical Considerations

Pricing Expectations: While some attractions and dining carry destination pricing, you’ll find the shopping remains competitively priced with frequent sales and promotions. The clothing tax exemption provides significant savings that often offset higher attraction costs.

Parking & Transportation: Free parking accommodates thousands of vehicles across multiple themed ramps named after U.S. states. The Blue Line light rail connects directly to downtown Minneapolis and the airport, making car-free visits entirely feasible.

Timing Your Visit: Weekdays offer calmer experiences with shorter lines and easier navigation, while weekends buzz with energy and special events. You’ll want to allocate at least a full day to experience the major attractions without feeling rushed.

Multi-Day Potential: Many visitors extend their stay at one of the two attached hotels (Radisson Blu and JW Marriott) or nearby accommodations. You’ll discover that even two full days barely scratches the surface of everything available.

Booking Strategy: Attraction bundles provide significant savings if you plan to experience multiple venues. You’ll save up to 45% by purchasing combo tickets rather than individual admissions.


Mall of America
📍 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425

Writer: Alicia Verville
Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.