The Mall of America has long been heralded as one of the world’s most amazing places to shop, and visitors to Minneapolis can enjoy seeing this shopping mecca’s sights firsthand. Unlike a traditional mall, the Mall of America is an immersive entertainment experience, combining shopping, fine dining, rides for little ones, and attractions you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re spending your vacation in Minneapolis, make sure to spend the day checking out these amazing attractions.
Luxury shopping: No matter what your style, there’s something to suit every fashion sense at the Mall of America. The mall is home to a huge number of luxury stores, like Burberry’s classic British style, Hugo Boss’s well-tailored suits, fashionable handbags and accessories from Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, elegant footwear from Stuart Weitzman, or check out the latest fashions at luxury department store Henri Bendel.
Children’s museum: If your little ones need a break from shopping, take them to the Children’s Museum to help get their energy out. This hands-on attraction is great for children of all ages, with structures to climb on, dress-up accessories, exhibits on beloved children’s books, and even an area where they can channel their inner archaeologist and dig for dinosaurs.
Amusement park: Save up some energy for a trip to the Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor amusement park located right inside the Mall. Kids and adults alike can enjoy an afternoon at this unique amusement park, where they can ride exciting rides, meet their favorite Nick characters, from SpongeBob to the Rugrats, and get souvenirs to commemorate the trip.
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium: How often can you say that you followed up your trip to a designer store with a face-to-face meeting with a shark? At the Mall of America, it’s not only a possibility, it’s encouraged! Inside the mall, you’ll find one of the Midwest’s most celebrated aquariums, home to thousands of amazing forms of marine life, like sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, stingrays, plant life, and more. Enjoy safe exploring with touch tanks or check out the thrilling new Shark Discovery exhibit.
Fine dining: Even the pickiest eaters can find something they’ll enjoy at the Mall of America. If you’re enjoying a grown-up dinner out, try Tiger Sushi, an elegant and modern Japanese restaurant offering creative, freshly-made sushi rolls until 9:30 each night. If you have your little ones in tow, check out kid-friendly eateries like American Girl Café, where your kids can dine in the presence of their favorite dolls, or hibachi favorite Benihana, where the restaurant’s chefs put on a show with every meal.
Comfortable accommodations: When you’ve had your fill of shopping, food, and fun for the day, you don’t have to go far to rest your head. Inside the mall is a Radisson Blu hotel where you can retire after a long day of excitement and wake up early to start it all over again. Guests can also enjoy an upscale experience by booking a room at the JW Marriott inside the mall. Perfect for fitness fanatics and gourmets alike, the hotel is home to an elegantly-outfitted gym and pool, as well as two restaurants, Cedar + Stone, a new American bistro, and the lobby lounge, which serves elevated pub fare, craft beer, and cocktails.
Seeing everything the Mall of America has to offer might take a lifetime, but if you find yourself in the Twin Cities, take a crash course on this mega-mall’s greatest hits. You might not get to every attraction, but the whole family will still enjoy a trip they won’t soon forget.
Here’s a directory of all the shops. Happy shopping!
Note: This is a guest post by Candice Schaffer; the views and opinion expressed are those of the author. Candice Schaffer works at Knightsbridge Park, a leading digital marketing firm for luxury real estate brands such as 242 Broome , JDS Development , The Carlton House and Willow Creek.
Jetsetter Jenn
March 7, 2017 at 8:12 amWhat a fabulous place to shop till you drop! I’ve always wanted to go. Also, I really wish there was an American Girl Cafe where I was growing up! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Carmen Edelson
March 7, 2017 at 12:18 pmI know – every young girls dream 🙂
Pedro
March 9, 2017 at 4:41 pmI had heard of Mall fo America before, but don’t know it myself. Definitely a great place to spend the day with the family.
Brianna
March 12, 2017 at 8:20 amI’ve never been to the Mall of America before, but I’m not sure I ever will. I’m not a big fan of malls or shopping. I think the Mall of America would just be overwhelming for me.
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:02 pmYes, it can be overwhelming but not if you go in with a game plan. And it’s really fun for kids 🙂
Katie Featherstone
March 12, 2017 at 11:20 amThe aquarium sounds particularly exciting. Great photos too, I love the way you’ve caught the light. It’s always quite difficult in that kind of setting.
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:03 pmThank you very much! Th aquarium is so impressive.
Heather Cole
March 12, 2017 at 4:27 pmGosh I could quite happily spend a few days and a small fortune in here! Love that there are things other than just shopping, to break up the day a bit. Would definitely check out the aquarium!
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:10 pmYes, a few days at least! There’s just so much ground to cover.
Lara Dunning
March 12, 2017 at 10:57 pmHow did I miss the aquarium!!!! I would have loved to have seen that. I stayed at the Radisson Blu and found it very nice. The hanging pods and fireplace in the lobby really create set the contemporary ambiance.
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:09 pmNow you have another reason to return, Lara 😉
Vicki Louise
March 13, 2017 at 8:08 amThis is the ultimate Mall to shop til your drop – or your wallet is empty, whatever comes first! Such a great range of stores & facilities – and the sheer size means you’ll get a great workout at the same time!
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:08 pmHa, yes! Whatever comes first. And shopping is great cardio 😉
Nic
March 13, 2017 at 9:20 amWow this place has everything! Would love to spend a full day exploring everything this mall has to offer! Love it
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:08 pmYes, at least a day! 😉
Katie @ Zen Life and Travel
March 13, 2017 at 10:53 amI haven’t been to the Mall of America for about 17 years! I didn’t realize there were so many kid friendly activities – I might have to take my daughter this summer when we are in Minneapolis visiting family.
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:08 pmOh yes, it’s definitely more than a mall! I think the whole family would love it.
Emily
March 13, 2017 at 12:50 pmHa ha there’s no way I’d even get anywhere near the shops if I went there with my kids! They would love the museum and sea life centre but the Nikelodeon Universe would be a dream come true for them. Actually I probably wouldn’t have the energy (or money) for shopping after all that! Seriously, looks like a great place, much more than a mall.
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:07 pmDefinitely much more than a mall and the kids would certainly have a blast.
Viktoria
March 13, 2017 at 5:59 pmI’ve heard so much about this mall! I don’t really like or enjoy shopping but this mall is more like an attraction!
Carmen Edelson
March 15, 2017 at 8:06 pmYes, it’s definitely more like an attraction! There’s something for everyone in the family.