Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Biggest Mall in America

Main Entrance of Mall of America

Built around a seven-acre indoor amusement park, Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest shopping mall in the United States. The tips and tricks below will help you get the most out of your trip when you visit Mall of America.

For more than two decades, Minnesotans cheered on the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington. But when the teams moved to the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis in the early 1980s, the Old Met was converted into the nation’s largest shopping mall that opened in August 1992.

With a whopping 4.87 million square feet of retail space and 5.6 million square feet of gross building area, the Twin Cities’s Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States. And Mall of America isn’t in first place by an inch or two. It’s nearly 70 percent bigger than the second-largest mall in the United States. (That’s the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania, if you’re wondering.)

With more than 520 shops, a wide variety of eating establishments, the country’s biggest indoor amusement park, a 1.3-million-gallon aquarium, connected hotels, and other unique attractions, Mall of America isn’t like most other malls in America. Here’s everything you need to know to conquer America’s biggest shopping mall.

Sage Advice: If you’re not a shopper, here are 15 things to do at Mall of America (besides shopping).

Inside Mall of America

Have You Visited Mall of America?

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Getting to Mall of America

Where in the World is Mall of America

Located 20 minutes south of both downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and just 10 minutes from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Mall of America is easy to visit no matter where your plans in the Twin Cities take you.

How to Reach Mall of America, by Plane, Train, or Automobile

But let’s discuss them in the reverse order of the catch phrase…

How to Reach Mall of America by Car

Mall of America is southeast of the intersection of I-494 and Minnesota Hwy 77 (MN-77) between the Lindau Lane and Killebrew Drive exits. But, as you would expect from one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Midwest, there are many signs to guide your way from either major road. 

Flanked by two connected parking garages  — one on the east side of the mall and one on the west —  Mall of America has thousands and thousands of free parking spots. And, if the garages are full (as they sometimes are during peak travel times), the North Lot is across Lindau Lane by the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and the East Lot is across 24th Avenue South.

Sage Advice: If you visit Mall of America by electric vehicle (not hybrid vehicle), look for one of the many charging stations available to owners of electric cars, bikes, and scooters.

Online and on site, Mall of America does an outstanding job of helping you park your vehicle. Before you head to the mall, check Mall of America’s parking page to see how many parking spaces are available by lot. On site, look for green lights and stall counts to help you identify which parking garage floors have space available.

Remembering Where You Parked

With two massive parking structures full of tens of thousands of parking spots, it would be easy to forget where you parked your vehicle after a day at Mall of America. But fortunately, there is a great system in place. 

And instead of using something generic, like Level 1 and Level 2, or totally boring like Blue Zone and Yellow Zone, the parking garages at Mall of America are named after, well, America! So as you lock your car and head to the Mall of America entrance, be sure to note the nearest state sign, from Alabama to Wyoming.

Sign in the parking lot at Mall of America
The sections of the Mall of America parking garages are marked with state signs, like this lobster from Maine. It's a clever way to help you remember where you parked your car when you visit Mall of America.

Sage Advice:  Each year, Mall of America security officers help visitors locate 1,200 “lost” vehicles. So before you wander too far from your car, whip out your cell phone and snap a pic of the state sign so you don’t accidentally confuse Maine with Massachusetts when it’s time to leave Mall of America.

How to Reach Mall of America via Rideshare

Whether you are an Uber fan or in the Lyft camp, Mall of America makes it fast and easy for you to arrive and leave via your favorite ridesharing company. There are several designated drop-off and pick-up sites at the mall:

Sage Advice: There are more than 50 hotels located within a 10-minute radius of Mall of America, and many offer complimentary shuttle service. If you plan to visit Mall of America via hotel shuttle, be sure to inquire about this service when you book your hotel.

The
The METRO Light Rail Blue Line is a convenient way to travel between MSP and Mall of America. Photo courtesy of Metro Transit and Meet Minneapolis

How to Reach Mall of America by Train (and Plane)

Another low-hassle way to visit Mall of America that leaves the driving to someone else is via light rail. Just 1.5 miles from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), the METRO Light Rail Blue Line is a convenient 15-minute and $2.50 way to reach Mall of America. So, if you have a long layover in Minneapolis (as I often do when traveling to or from Europe via MSP), kill some time at Mall of America.

Sage Advice:  Here’s everything you need to know about riding the METRO Blue Line including the train schedule, fares, and more.

Getting Around Mall of America

Mall of America Floor Plan

Four stories tall and the size of seven Yankee Stadiums, Mall of America is a giant rectangle. Centered around a large open atrium, levels 1 and 2 are primarily dedicated to shopping. Level 3 contains most of Mall of America’s dining experiences, from two food courts to most of the mall’s restaurants, with a few shops sprinkled in. Level 4 is the smallest floor with a movie theater and several more restaurants. 

Tools to Keep You from Getting Lost in the Mall of America

It’s easy to get turned around in a massive, nearly symmetrical shopping mall. But don’t worry! Mall of America has interactive directories placed thoughtfully throughout the shopping center. To find the store, restaurant, or mall attraction of your choice, look for one of the many map kiosks placed on each level and get directions, distance, and estimated walking time in a snap. 

Sage Advice:  Be sure to take advantage of the hand sanitizer near each interactive directory to keep the germs of 110,000 people a day (or more) at bay.

Or, if you’d rather have a Mall of America map at your fingertips (and maybe use less hand sanitizer), then download the Mall of America app available from the Apple App Store and on Google Play. It also includes a calendar of upcoming events, special deals offered by specific stores, and tools to help you remember where you parked your car.

Free Wifi throughout Mall of America

With more than 70 miles of copper wire and 15,000 feet of optical fiber, every inch of Mall of America has free wifi. That makes it easy to upload pictures, text friends, and otherwise stay connected when you visit.

Prepare to Walk a Lot (Plus Some Alternatives)

At just over a mile, walking each level of Mall of America puts 2,000 to 2,500 steps on your Fitbit, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

Sage Advice:  If your fitness goals include taking at least 10,000 steps a day, a visit to the mall may be just what the doctor ordered. Mayo Clinic has established one-mile, 5K, and 10K walking routes through the mall.

One important tip for visiting Mall of America is knowing that each of the four guest service desks offers daily stroller, electric cart, and wheelchair rental services. Prices currently range from $8 to $35 per day with a refundable $25 deposit. 

"Growing up in Minneapolis, we were all a little wary when the MOA first opened, but once we visited, we were hooked. It's so massively huge that you can always find a store you like, and the fact that there is everything from a movie theater to an amusement park inside means that it's a great full day visit. This is one of my favorite places to take people visiting Minnesota or to spend a day when the weather isn't cooperating."

Mall of America is Comfortable Year-Round

You can count on Mall of America to be a perfect 70° F. year-round, even on the stickiest summer or coldest Minnesota winter day. So dress for that temperature, and consider leaving your coat in the car so you don’t have to haul it around all day.

If the idea of going coat-less from the car to the mall in sub-zero temperatures sounds unpleasant, there are covered walkways that connect the parking structures to the mall and heated entrances. Or, Mall of America locker rental (more on that below) allows you to easily stow your outerwear and other personal items during your visit.

Fun Fact:  Despite winter temperatures that are consistently below freezing, Mall of America has no central heating. Instead, the perfect 70° F. year-round temperature is maintained by the sun streaming through 1.2 miles of skylights, the residual heat from lighting fixtures, and the body heat from the approximately 100,000 people who visit daily.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Trip to Mall of America

Arrive Early in the Day When you Visit Mall of America

According to the old proverb, the early bird gets the worm. But in the Twin Cities, arriving at Mall of America early helps you get a parking spot and a jump on the crowds. Louise and I learned the hard way that we should have made the rides and attractions at Nickelodeon Universe our first priority, because as our Friday afternoon visit turned into evening, the lines kept getting longer and longer.

Save m oney at Mall of America by purchasing a coupon book.

Buy a Mall of America Coupon Book

Many people have asked me if the Mall of America coupon book is worth it. If I could only share one Mall of America tip it would be buy a coupon book! With more than 250 offers for discounts at stores, restaurants, attractions, and hotels, it’s nearly impossible not to quickly save the $9.95 cost to purchase the book. My daughter and I saved more than the $9.95 purchase price with her Carlo’s Bake Shop addiction alone! 

Purchase your coupon book at one of the four guest service desks at Mall of America, or order it online in advance of your trip. The book is updated annually and is good for the entire calendar year.

Sage Advice: Keep up on sales and special offers at any of Mall of America’s 520+ stores by monitoring the Deals page on Mall of America’s website or the Deals section of the app.

Be Mindful of Special Events at Mall of America

From Toddler Tuesday to appearances by the Minnesota Twins, and from musical performances (One Direction performed there back in 2012) to Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond, Mall of America hosts more than 400 events each year. That’s more than one event per day! 

Related Article: Secrets of the US’s Largest Mall

There are more than 400 events held at Mall of America annually
Vikings fans gather and celebrate at Mall of America. Photo courtesy of Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Although the mall might be more crowded during these special activities, they also provide unique experiences, including a chance to rub elbows with a star, autograph opportunities, and amazing Instagram photos.

Know what Mall of America events are scheduled during your planned visit to Mall of America on the mall website.

Make an Organized List of What you Want to Do and See

If you only spent five minutes in each of Mall of America’s more than 520 stores, it would take you 43 hours — more than a standard work week — to visit them all. So unless you plan to spend a week (or two) shopping at Mall of America, you’ll need a plan.

And I don’t mean a Post-it Note with ten random items scribbled on it that you might take to the grocery store. No, this list should be an organized plan for hitting the stores and attractions you don’t want to miss at Mall of America.

For those of you who already organize your grocery list by aisle, grouping the fresh produce, canned goods, and freezer items in separate sections, this will be a piece of cake. But if you have ever missed an item on your list at Costco on Saturday and had to swim upstream like a salmon to retrieve it, know that retracing your steps at Mall of America is a thousand times more work.

The store directory on the Mall of America website is organized by category (like shopping, dining, and attractions), by list (from A to Z), and by map (level 1 through level 4) to help you craft a plan for your visit to Mall of America. 

There’s No Sales Tax on Clothing or Shoes at Mall of America

Unfortunately, I live in a state where everything short of the air we breathe is taxed at about 10 percent, from the vegetables I buy to make a salad to the winter jackets I purchase each year for my growing daughter. My state is also not one of the 16 that offers a tax-free back-to-school shopping weekend. So it’s an added bonus that there is no tax on clothing or shoes at Mall of America or anywhere else in the North Star State.  

There is no tax on clothing or shoes at Mall of America.
There is no tax on clothing or shoes at Mall of America.

Whether you plan to purchase your wardrobe for the next season, are preparing to send your kids back to school, or just really need a pair of cute shoes, when you visit Mall of America, you can enjoy the added savings (about 10 percent in my case) over any tax you’d be charged back home.

Sage Advice:  The clothing tax exemption does not apply to clothing accessories (like belts, hats, and jewelry) or sports and recreational clothing and equipment (like leotards, hockey jerseys, ballet shoes, and ice skates).

Take Advantage of Mall of America Locker Rental (or Rent a Shopping Cart)

Whether you are visiting Mall of America on an airport layover with your carry-on luggage or your shopping spree has exceeded the number of arms you have to carry your purchases, consider renting a locker. Available in a variety of sizes, from regular to super jumbo, lockers are available on levels 1, 2, and 3 of Mall of America and range from $5 to $13 per day.

Just like parking spaces, lockers fill up fast, so securing one as early as possible during your visit to Mall of America is a wise idea.

Sage Advice:  You can also rent a shopping cart from one of the four guest services desks for $7 per day.

Understand the Parental Escort Policy

Kids of all ages are welcome at Mall of America. But on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as during the holiday shopping season and on other posted dates, the mall enforces a parental escort policy during which children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older from 3:00 pm until close.

If this requirement may impact your visit to Mall of America, be sure to read and understand the parental escort policy posted on the Mall of America website.

Mall of America Offers More than a Magnificent Shopping Experience

From soaring across the atrium on a zipline to diving in the ocean at the SEA LIFE Aquarium Minnesota, from dining with dinosaurs at Rainforest Cafe to catching a film, Mall of America offers much more than shopping.

The SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium is at Mall of America
Photo Credit: Nick Fay Photography via Mall of America and Meet Minneapolis.

At the heart of Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe is America’s largest indoor theme park. On seven acres in the mall’s atrium, you’ll find everything from kiddie rides and a ferris wheel to thrilling roller coasters. Meet Dora the Explorer, the pups from Paw Patrol, other characters or take in the sights of America from coast to coast from an eagle’s perspective in FlyOver America, a simulation ride.

Sage Advice:  On the Mall of America website, you can find a full calendar of characters excited to meet your child.

Fun Fact:  Nickelodeon Universe has 30,000 live plants and 400 live trees that bring the outdoors inside while also serving as natural air purifiers.

If you plan on riding more than four rides at Nickelodeon Universe, I recommend purchasing an all-day wristband, currently priced at $36.99. And if you plan to spend more than a day at Mall of America, it’s definitely worth it to spend $13 more for a two-day unlimited rides wristband.

Roller Coaster in Amusement Park in Mall of America

Sage Advice:  Some experiences at Nickelodeon Universe require an additional fee, like FlyOver America and Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course. I may sound like a broken record at this point, but I recommend tackling Nickelodeon Universe as early as possible during your visit because the crowds get thicker as the day grows longer.

Whether you’re shopping, enjoying rides, or taking in a show, at some point you’ll likely want a bite to eat or something to drink at Mall of America. You’ll find a full range of options ranging from food court classics, like Qdoba and Panda Express, to full-service restaurants offering everything from sushi to steak. There are also plenty of spots for just a little pick-me-up, like a matcha tea, chai latte, or a sweet treat.

“When our daughters were small, we planned a summer vacation around the Mall of America. My husband and I traded off taking the girls to the indoor amusement park while the other parent explored the rest of the Mall. I only wish the Peloton store had been open when we visited so we could have planned milestone rides on the bikes there.”

A marker at Mall of America designates where home plate was in the old Metropolitan Stadium

Fun Fact:  Before it was the nation’s biggest shopping mall, Mall of America was the Metropolitan Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings football and Minnesota Twins baseball teams. When you visit Nickelodeon Universe, look for a bronze plaque embedded in the floor in the northwest corner of the indoor amusement park. It marks the spot where home plate once stood.

JW Marriott Mall of America in Bloomington MN
The JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America is one of two hotels connected to Mall of America. Photo courtesy of Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Staying at Mall of America

If you want to make Mall of America your home base during your trip to the Twin Cities, you’re in luck. There are two hotels connected to Mall of America via walkways:  the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America and Radisson Blu Mall of America. Together they offer 842 guest rooms, and each hotel has a fitness center, indoor pool, and other amenities.

Fun Fact:  JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America was named one of the top 20 hotels in the Midwest by Condé Nast Traveler in 2019.

To Visit Mall of America

Where is the Mall of America?

Mall of America is located at 60 E Broadway in Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.

How many stores are in Mall of America?

There are more than 520 stores in Mall of America. When you visit, you’ll also discover more than 50 restaurants, a movie theatre, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, and so much more!

What's the best time to visit the Mall of America?

To beat the crowds and score a good parking spot, it’s best to visit Mall of America early in the day. Mall of America is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. On Sundays, you can visit the biggest mall in the US from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

How much does it cost to visit Mall of America?

There is no fee to park or window shop at Mall of America. Other costs vary by activity, event, restaurant, and retailer. Here are some of the best things to do at Mall of America (besides shop).

Have You Visited Mall of America?

What did you like most about your visit to Mall of America? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along to help folks tackle America’s biggest shopping mall? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

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Thank you for sharing!

33 thoughts on “Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Biggest Mall in America”

  1. I go to MOA every year at Christmas for the past 17 years; one thing I just discovered within the last couple years is a little shop on the 3rd floor called Lotus Beads. You can choose each bead and make your own jewelry in the store! My daughters & I have fun doing that.
    Also, there are several massage places that are heaven at the end of the day after walking all day!
    I always stay at Radisson Blu to eliminate the headache of parking and driving in the cities. It’s easy to get to, and then when you have bags you can drop them back at your room and don’t have to lug everything around all day. There’s so much to see & do (and eat!), that it’s nice to just stay on the mall property for a couple days and enjoy it all. Totally worth it!

    1. I was JUST there last week and missed the chance to check out Lotus Beads. Next time, for sure. Thanks for the tip!

  2. Bettina LeBlanc

    We have visited the mall ever year since it opened! It’s my happy place. Bring some shopping bags! I have reusable one that I put all the smaller bags in makes it easier to keep track of all your stuff. Also, bring a purse you can use crossbody so you don’t lose track of it. I actually lost mine once and a very wonderful young man turned it into the office!

  3. I’m not a big shopper, and prefer markets over malls, but it looks like this is essentially a mini-city with everything available! The size is hard to imagine though!

  4. I love all your protips and the history that this was a sports area prior to being the Mall of America! Thanks for sharing. I especially think your tip of deciding what to do prior to arrival is great!

  5. I have many random thoughts…I didn’t realize SEA LIFE is a chain (I’m going to the one in TX soon.)…This would be a whole new level of ‘Dude where’s my car?’…..I knew it was really big, but over 500 stores. Wow!….And finally a question….Did you ever go at Christmas? I’m totally not one for mall crowds, but I can imagine it would be a really cool experience to see all the holiday decorations!

    1. Dude, where’s my car?!? (That made me laugh.) As much fun as I had, I don’t think I’d want to go between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Can you imagine, though?!?!

    1. We live in the Twin Cities. MOA is a great place to go and people watch. Holidays can be overwhelming but like Mouse-dom, it is a site to see in itself. Just started going there just to get some exercise. Never the same so I always enjoy it. COVID has made for some changes but that is just like everywhere else. MOA should be on everyone’s bucket list.

  6. Either fast or slow. Ideally, I want something I can’t find at a mall here in Omaha, and preferably something delicious and/or memorable. From what I’ve been reading, there aren’t a whole lot of options that went beyond typical mall fare.

    1. I mean, why eat it if it isn’t delicious, right? 🙂 Here are a few recommendations (in no particular order): 1) Carlo’s Bakery. My daughter loves Cake Boss and is addicted to canolis. It was fun for her to get a taste of this East Coast experience here in the Midwest. 2) Dough Dough. Because why eat ice cream when you can eat cookie dough?!? 3) Margaritaville. If you need a little Jimmy Buffet lifestyle and can’t find it in Omaha. 4) Rainforest Cafe. If your kids have never been to one and want to give it a try. (We don’t have one any more in Kansas City.) 5) Shake Shack. If you haven’t been yet and are dying to see what everyone is raving about. (You don’t have one in Omaha yet, right? We just got one in KC about a year ago and now have a second.) My recommendations are faster options, in part because we were having too much fun to sit down at any place too fancy! Hope that helps!

  7. The Mall of America has been on my bucket list for several years. This just makes me want to visit all the more and now I’ll have some tips so it won’t be so overwhelming.

  8. Oh man, I think I would be in heaven in the Mall of America! I love seeing all of the over the top attractions and of course, could just make a day out of all of the shopping!

    1. There are MANY options! What are you looking for — fast so you can get back to the fun or slower so you can sit and take a break? What kind of food do you like (or dislike)?

  9. American malls are so big, it’s fascinating.This is the type of place that my mother loves. She already spends hours in shopping centres but I believe she would require a week to do all of the Mall of America. I’m glad you added the accommodation options which is super helpful.

    1. I was completely overwhelmed when I visited the Dubai Mall a few years ago, and besides skiing indoors in a desert and gazing at the waterfall, I don’t recall much about it other than all of the shops (and I’m not a shopper). To me, all of America felt just right for a big mall, and I loved that there was so much more for us to do than shop.

  10. I have never been to the Mall of America but it used to be something I wanted to do so bad! I had long forgotten about it and now I really want to go again! There is so much to do there, and I love the fact you can stay in a hotel that’s connected!!

  11. Wow! This is a great post and will be super helpful to anyone not familiar with MOA! Being from the area, I know how fantastic all of the information that you included truly is!

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