Mall of America is a Complete Travel Destination

When it comes to planning a family vacation, girls’ getaway, or group trip, it is doubtful you would plan something at a shopping center, unless you are going to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. This mecca of fun is so much more than a place to buy things. It’s a trip filled with attractions, restaurants, and yes, shopping.

Attractions

When I say there are attractions at the Mall of America, I am not talking about a carousel or an indoor play area. In the center of this mall is an entire amusement park for kids of all ages. While the carousel is still there, Nickelodeon Universe has a total of 27 rides, including a large roller coaster, an adventure course, a log chute. You can purchase individual tickets or an all-inclusive pass to ride as much as you want.

Nickelodeon is just one of many activities at the Mall. Sea Life Aquarium, Crayola Experience, Amazing Mirror Maze, and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf are popular ones. My favorite is Fly Over America, which will take you through scenery of the United States you have never seen before. Whatever you choose to do, you will never have to worry about what the weather is like. It is always 70 degrees inside the mall.

Special Events

The calendar is filled with activities taking place all year round at the Mall of America, especially around the December holidays and Halloween. There is also sporting events, concerts, and fundraisers for charities throughout the year. Their website contains all of the information you need to plan to attend these.

It does not need to be a special event for you to take a VIP tour with Dan Jasper, the Mall of America’s VP of Communications. Jasper can take you behind the scenes (we got a preview of the upcoming holiday decorations and events) and tell you stories about the mall’s history, such as when it hosted the Superbowl, couples getting married at the mall’s chapel, nd when the land was actually the Metropolitan Stadium sports field.

Food for All

Whether you are looking for the familiar places, like Shake Shack, Benihana, Margaritaville. and Bubba Gump, or you want something a bit different, you will not run out of food choices at the Mall of America. You can find fifty restaurants to choose from.

Twin City Grill is a great spot for everyone in the group with a wide range menu. The FireLake Grill House is definitely worth a meal or two, even if don’t go for the steak. Their Chicken Wild Rice Soup, a Minnesota favorite, and popovers. You should also give their namesake tequila a try.

The Shopping

Shopping at the Mall of America consists of about anything you could possibly want. Pick your choice of over 500 stores. Many of these you don’t see in your local shopping mall, such as Alpaca Connection, Viking Locker Room, M&M store, L.L. Bean, and a Community Commons with local small businesses.

The most important thing to remember is that there is no tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota. It’s another reason this mall attracts visitors from around the world.

Getting There

The Mall of America is easy to get to as its only about 20 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, a major hub for many places around the country and around the world. The hotels at the Mall, as well as many others in the area, offer free shuttles from the airport. You can also take the Light Rail directly from the two locations.

Once you have arrived, The Mall is very accessible and even rents medical scooters and wheelchairs for those who need a little help getting around the massive location.

Staying There

On my first trip to the Mall of America, the Radisson Blu was the only hotel directly connected. I actually ended up back there again recently by coincidence and it is still a great property. There is now also the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America.

If you choose not to stay in the Mall, you will find 50 hotels close by that can offer you free shuttles. Finding a deal on an outside hotel will leave more money for fun, food, and finds.