So, you’re finally making the pilgrimage to Mall of America—the biggest mall in the United States. You’ve heard about the indoor theme park, the hundreds of stores, the multiple food courts, the aquarium and more. It all sounds a bit daunting. Where do you start? Peruse this list of the must-visit locations during your first visit to MOA, and you’ll be ready to dive right in…
SEA LIFE® (Level 1, East)
Touch and feed stingrays, walk through an underwater tunnel, and gaze at thousands of sea creatures at SEA LIFE. Even in the depths of the frigid Minnesota winter, the largest underground aquarium in the world is more than enough to get your ocean fix.
American Girl (Level 1, East)
Visit the American Girl store, where kids can pick out outfits for their dolls and customize their clothes, hair and accessories. You can even get your doll’s ears pierced. Complimentary personal shoppers are there to help you find whatever you need. And if you’re hungry, grab a bite at the American Girl Bistro upstairs!
Nickelodeon Universe® (Level 1, Center Court)
You can’t visit MOA without checking out Nickelodeon Universe (it’s literally right in the middle of the Mall), the nation’s largest indoor family theme park. Get your blood pumping before a long day of shopping on Shredder’s Mutant Masher, or ride the Barnacle Blast Zip Line to get an aerial view of the entire park.
Twin City Grill (Level 1, North)
When you’re ready for a break from the excitement of the Mall, enjoy classic Minnesota cuisine at Twin City Grill, exclusively at Mall of America. Amidst the chaos of the Mall, it’s nice to kick back with a local beer and chow down on comfort food done right.
The LEGO Store (Level 1, South)
The Mall of America LEGO robot lords over Nickelodeon Universe from the south, basking in its 34 feet of glory. Beneath its feet is a store full of the stuff of LEGO-lovers’ dreams. You can find new bricks for your custom LEGO creation on the pick-a-brick wall, nab the latest LEGO set, and take pictures of ornate LEGO art inside and outside the store.
Rainforest Cafe (Level 3, South)
After closing briefly for relocation, the Rainforest Cafe reopened at MOA in January 2016. The themed-restaurant chain started right here at Mall of America, so it’s the perfect place to go for some MOA nostalgia.
Finally, a few pro-tips for anyone who’s never visited MOA before:
- Parking ramps are located on the east and west sides of the Mall. Save time by using the valet service. The staff will bring your car to the location closest to you when you’re ready to leave.
- Plan and organize your trip ahead of time using the handy mobile app. Once you’ve arrived, use the app to navigate around the Mall. And if you ever need help, use the in-app texting service to chat with a digital concierge who will steer you in the right direction.
- There is no sales tax on shoes or clothes in Minnesota, so shop on!
- Sticking around for a while? Check out this list of upcoming events for chances to catch a free show, meet a celebrity and more. And when a day at Mall of America has left you completely exhausted, you can collapse on a comfy bed at Radisson Blu or JW Marriot—both conveniently attached to the Mall itself.
Are you a Mall pro with tips of your own? Make sure to share them on Twitter and Facebook!